Whether you’re seeking to attend the University of Nebraska as a volleyball player and want to know more about your prospective school or just like learning about women’s college volleyball, Nebraska has a rich and successful history with the sport.
The Huskers are known for getting in on the volleyball action early on and quickly establishing themselves as a dominant force in the sport.
Find out more about the Nebraska Huskers volleyball history as well as where they stand today in the national rank in this article!
History of The University of Nebraska Volleyball Program
The Nebraska women's volleyball program began in 1975 with the advent of NCAA volleyball. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln first introduced varsity women’s sports in response to Title IX, which required universities and colleges to offer athletic roster spots proportionate to the student population by sex.
Initially, the team faced the challenges typical of brand-new programs, like building a roster, establishing credibility, and garnering support. However, it didn’t take long for the Huskers to make their mark.
In 1986, under the leadership of head coach Terry Pettit, the team achieved its first major milestone by reaching the NCAA tournament. This set the stage for the program's ascent to elite status in the NCAA women’s volleyball league as part of the Division I segment.
Pettit (coach from 1977 to 1999) retired with an overall coaching record of 694 wins to 148 losses. Under his leadership, the team also made 6 NCAA Final Four appearances and secured one national championship title (1995).
Pettit's tenure saw the Huskers winning multiple Big Eight titles and earning respect on a national scale. The turning point, however, came in 1995 when the team won its first NCAA Championship, defeating the University of Florida in a thrilling five-set match. This victory not only elevated the program but also ignited a passionate fanbase that continues to support the team with passion today.
As the years passed, the program thrived under the guidance of various coaches, including the legendary John Cook, who took over in 2000. Under Cook, the Huskers have won multiple national titles and consistently ranked among the top teams in the nation. His approach emphasized a mix of technical skills, athleticism, and mental toughness, qualities that have become hallmarks of Nebraska volleyball. Cook is still the team’s coach today.
The team was originally part of the Big 8 conference before switching to the Big 12 in 1996, and finally the Big 10 in 2011.
Coach John Cook built upon Pettit’s legacy, helping to lead the team to four additional NCAA Championship wins (2000, 2006, 2015, 2017), 11 Final Four appearances, and a .922 winning percentage.
Key Players on the Nebraska Volleyball Roster Over the Years
Over the years, the Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball program has produced numerous standout players who have contributed to the team’s legacy.
Overall, the program has contributed 53 total players for 102 AVCA All-American selections (American Volleyball Coaches Association). Additionally, four players have been named National Player of the Year by the AVCA in the team’s history, making the team tied for third as the team with the most National Players of the Year.
Allison Weston: Middle blocker, 1992-1995
Allison Weston was a standout middle blocker for during her time on the Huskers volleyball team. Over her four years, she recorded an impressive 1,222 kills and 495 blocks, showcasing her ability both at the net and as a point scorer.
Weston’s leadership and performance were crucial during the 1995 season when Nebraska won the NCAA Championship. She was named the team’s MVP that year and even earned the AVCA National Player of the Year distinction as well. Thrice in her career she was named on the AVCA All-American first team, the first in the state. She is also in second place for all-time career kills in Nebraska.
Her athletic success followed her after graduation when she became captain of the U.S. National team and played in the 2000 Olympics. She was named best ever female athlete born in Nebraska by Sports Illustrated.
Greichaly Cepero: Setter, 1999-2003
Known for her quick decision-making and precise setting, Cepero was essential in running the offense. Over her career, she recorded over 4,800 assists, helping her teammates shine and leading the team to numerous victories. Because of her height (6’2”), she was also an adept blocker, which not all setters can do, making her a double threat on the court as a player with skills in multiple volleyball positions.
In 2000, she was recognized as AVCA National Player of the Year when she helped lead the team to the National Championship. The next year, she won the Honda Sports Award for volleyball. Over the course of her career, she also earned AVCA All-American first-team distinction three times. With 84 career solo blocks and never hitting less than .300 as a starting setter, she was clearly one of the best players in Huskers history.
In 2019, she was inducted into the Nebraska Athletic Hall of Fame.
Melissa Elmer: Middle blocker, 2002-2005
Melissa Elmer was another formidable middle blocker for the Nebraska volleyball team. Throughout her college career, she tallied 1,253 kills and 451 blocks, setting an all-time record for single-season blocks per set and career blocks per set in rally scoring. In her senior year, she set a record of 2.17 blocks per game.
From 2003 to 2005, she was a three-time AVCA All-American.
Sarah Pavan: Right side hitter, 2004-2007
Sarah Pavan is one of the most celebrated players in Nebraska history. During her college career, she amassed 1,165 digs and 2,576 kills, an all-time record. Her
Her height and versatility allowed her to be a force both in the front row and in defense.
Pavan's crowning moment came in 2006 when she was named the NCAA Tournament's Most Outstanding Player and AVCA National Player of the Year after leading the Huskers to the championship.
She was also the team MVP in both 2006 and 2007, a testament to her consistency and skill. She also earned the distinction of being the Big 12 Player of the inYear in 2006 as well as being named as a four-time AVCA first-team All-American.
Jordan Larson: Outside hitter, 2005-2008
Larson played as an outside hitter from 2005 to 2008, leaving an impressive mark on the program. Throughout her career, she recorded 1,853 kills, 1,196 digs, and 360 blocks, proving her all-around game skills.
Larson was a key player in the Huskers’ 2006 NCAA Championship victory, where she earned NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors. Her leadership on and off the court earned her the team MVP award in both 2006 and 2008. Beyond college, Larson went on to have a successful international career, including multiple appearances with the U.S. National Team where she won a silver medal with the 2012 Olympic volleyball team in London and a bronze medal in the 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.
Justine Wong-Orantes: Libero, 2013-2016
Justine Wong-Orantes was a standout volleyball libero for the Huskers from 2013 to 2016. She quickly became known for her ability to read the game and make crucial digs.
Over her career, Wong-Orantes recorded 1,906 digs, ranking her among the top defenders in Nebraska history.
In 2015, she was named the team MVP after a stellar season that saw her lead the team to the NCAA Championship match. Wong-Orantes was also recognized as an All-American and received numerous defensive accolades. Her contributions helped solidify Nebraska’s defense during her time, showcasing the importance of a strong libero.
Mikaela Foecke: Outside hitter, 2015-2018
Known for her powerful attacking and solid defense, Foecke recorded 1,286 kills and 945 digs throughout her collegiate career. Her ability to perform under pressure made her a key player in many crucial matches.
She was a two-time AVCA All-American and in her two national championship appearances, she also won the Most Outstanding Honor distinction both times, becoming only the fourth player in NCAA history to do so.
Best Matches in Nebraska Women’s Volleyball History
A team doesn’t earn a reputation as one of the greats without going through many high-stakes games with intense plays and pivots that go down in sports history.
In the 1955 NCAA Championship match against Florida, Nebraska was able to pull ahead in the fifth set earning a 3-2 win. The entire game had been a nail-biter, but the Huskers kept their cool, remembered the fundamentals, and with the help of excellent leadership, were able to outlast the Gators. It was the team’s first NCAA championship!
On August 30, 2023, Nebraska set a new attendance record for a women's sporting event in the United States when 92,003 fans watched the Huskers play Omaha at Memorial Stadium.
Another unforgettable match took place in the 2015 NCAA tournament against the University of Texas. The intensity of the match was palpable, with both teams trading points and displaying elite-level volleyball. Nebraska won the match 3-2, advancing to the Final Four, and demonstrating their resilience and skill on the national stage.
In 2017, the Huskers faced off against Penn State in a highly anticipated matchup in the NCAA semi-finals. This match was significant not only for the rivalry but also for the way both teams showcased their talent. The atmosphere in the Devaney Center was electric, and Nebraska emerged victorious, reaffirming their dominance in the sport.
For their impressive game play, teamwork, and ability to keep calm in a high-stakes moment, Nebraska has earned a reputation for being a stellar team. Fans love the Huskers volleyball team for all these reasons and are extremely supportive.
Tracking the Nebraska Volleyball Record
When discussing the Nebraska volleyball program, the numbers speak for themselves. With five NCAA championships and numerous Big Ten titles, the Huskers have established a standard of excellence. They consistently rank among the top teams in the nation, making the NCAA tournament almost every year since its inception.
As an NCAA Division I team, the Nebraska volleyball ranking is an impressive second place, just behind the Pittsburgh Panthers.
As of the end of the 2023 season, Nebraska came in first with a ratio of 19 wins to 1 loss. In the championship, they were the runners-up.
Here are some of the notable achievements by the Nebraska girls volleyball team:
- Most wins in NCAA Division I history (1,466 as of 2023)
- Ranked in every AVCA National Poll since its inception in 1982
- Consistently leads the nation in attendance, including selling out every home match since 2001
- 5 national championship titles
Nebraska Volleyball Schedule 2024-2025
The regular UNL volleyball schedule began in early September and will run through the end of November.
Here are the big dates to remember for the regular season volleyball games.
- AVCA First Serve Showcase - August 27th
- Ameritas Players Challenge - August 30th & 31st
- Regular Season - September 3rd - November 30th
- Husker Invitational - September 5th & 7th
- Nebraska Classic - September 13th & 14th
You can find out more about the Huskers schedule, exact game dates, how to buy Nebraska volleyball tickets, and more on the Huskers website.
College volleyball is an underappreciated sport. Nebraska shows just how exciting volleyball can be as well as demonstrating that it does have a long and storied history as a collegiate sport. Keep up with college volleyball by checking out the Huskers volleyball schedule and catching as many games as you can!
And if you're interested in learning how to play volleyball either for fun or comparatively, you can find an excellent volleyball coach today on Superprof!
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