36 Facts About Nebraska Cornhuskers Volleyball

Nebraska Cornhuskers Volleyball: A Legacy of Excellence

Nebraska Cornhuskers Volleyball has a storied history filled with triumphs, records, and incredible athletes. Here are some fascinating facts about this powerhouse program.

1. National Championships: The Cornhuskers have won five NCAA National Championships, with titles in 1995, 2000, 2006, 2015, and 2017.

2. Consistent Performers: Nebraska has made it to the NCAA Tournament every year since 1981, showcasing their consistent excellence.

3. Home Court Advantage: The team plays at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, which has a seating capacity of over 7,900. This venue often sells out, creating an electric atmosphere.

4. Record Attendance: In 2021, Nebraska set an NCAA record for volleyball attendance with over 92,000 fans attending their matches throughout the season.

5. Legendary Coach: John Cook has been the head coach since 2000, leading the team to four of their five national titles.

6. All-Americans: The program has produced over 50 AVCA All-Americans, highlighting the talent that comes through the program.

7. Big Ten Dominance: Since joining the Big Ten Conference in 2011, Nebraska has won multiple conference titles and consistently finishes near the top.

8. Historic Rivalries: Matches against Penn State and Texas are always highly anticipated, often featuring top-ranked teams battling it out.

9. Olympic Talent: Several former Huskers have gone on to represent the USA in the Olympics, including Jordan Larson and Kelsey Robinson.

10. Academic Success: The team consistently earns high marks in the classroom, with numerous players named Academic All-Americans.

The Players Who Made History

The Cornhuskers have seen many incredible athletes who have left their mark on the program and the sport.

11. Jordan Larson: A three-time All-American and Olympic gold medalist, Larson is one of the most decorated players in program history.

12. Sarah Pavan: Pavan was a four-time First-Team All-American and won the AVCA National Player of the Year award in 2006.

13. Lauren Stivrins: Known for her powerful hitting and blocking, Stivrins has been a key player in recent years, earning multiple All-American honors.

14. Kelsey Robinson: Robinson transferred to Nebraska for her senior year and made an immediate impact, earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors.

15. Christina Houghtelling: Houghtelling was named the AVCA National Player of the Year in 2005, leading the Huskers to a national title.

16. Nancy Metcalf: Metcalf, formerly Meendering, was a three-time All-American and played for the USA National Team.

17. Kadie Rolfzen: Rolfzen was a versatile player who earned All-American honors and helped lead the team to the 2015 national championship.

18. Gina Mancuso: Mancuso was a key player in the early 2010s, earning All-American honors and leading the team in kills.

19. Amber Holmquist: Holmquist was a dominant middle blocker, earning All-American honors and setting school records for blocks.

20. Tara Mueller: Mueller was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2008 NCAA Tournament, leading the Huskers to the Final Four.

Memorable Matches and Moments

Certain games and events stand out in the rich history of Nebraska Cornhuskers Volleyball.

21. 2006 National Championship: Nebraska defeated Stanford in a thrilling five-set match to win the national title, with Sarah Pavan earning MVP honors.

22. 2015 National Championship: The Huskers swept Texas in the final, with Mikaela Foecke earning Most Outstanding Player honors as a freshman.

23. 2017 National Championship: Nebraska defeated Florida to win their fifth national title, with Kelly Hunter named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

24. Epic Comeback: In 2008, Nebraska came back from a 0-2 deficit to defeat Washington in the NCAA Regional Final, advancing to the Final Four.

25. Record-Breaking Win: In 2018, Nebraska set a school record with their 29th consecutive home win, defeating Michigan State.

26. First Big Ten Title: In 2011, Nebraska won their first Big Ten Conference title in their inaugural season in the conference.

27. Historic Win Streak: From 2006 to 2008, Nebraska won 63 consecutive home matches, one of the longest streaks in NCAA history.

28. Landmark Victory: In 1995, Nebraska won their first national championship, defeating Texas in the final.

29. Big Ten Rivalry: Matches against Penn State are always intense, with both teams often ranked in the top 10.

30. Senior Night: Senior Night matches are always special, celebrating the contributions of graduating players.

The Future of Nebraska Volleyball

The program continues to build on its rich history, with exciting prospects and a bright future ahead.

31. Top Recruits: Nebraska consistently lands top recruiting classes, ensuring a steady influx of talent.

32. State-of-the-Art Facilities: The Bob Devaney Sports Center provides top-notch facilities for training and competition.

33. Strong Fan Base: The passionate fan base continues to support the team, creating an unmatched home-court advantage.

34. Community Involvement: Players and coaches are actively involved in the community, participating in various outreach programs.

35. Innovative Training: The coaching staff employs cutting-edge training techniques to keep the team at the forefront of the sport.

36. Global Reach: The program's success has garnered international attention, attracting players from around the world.

Final Serve

Nebraska Cornhuskers Volleyball isn't just about the game; it's about tradition, excellence, and community. With a history rich in championships and record-breaking moments, the team has cemented its place in collegiate sports. From their dedicated fan base to their state-of-the-art facilities, everything about the Cornhuskers screams passion and commitment.

The players, past and present, have shown what it means to wear the Nebraska jersey with pride. Their hard work, team spirit, and unwavering dedication have inspired many. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, there's something truly special about Nebraska Volleyball.

So next time you catch a game, remember the legacy behind every serve, spike, and block. The Cornhuskers aren't just playing volleyball; they're making history. Here's to many more years of thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. Go Big Red!