Beating Former Team and Nebraska Best Friend for Title: Caroline Jurevicius Ends Big Ten Season With Huge Honor
Last year, Caroline Jurevicius redshirted for the Nebraska Huskers before making the bold decision to transfer to Penn State. Now, in just one year, Jurevicius has not only settled into her new role with the Nittany Lions but also played a crucial role in handing her former team a monumental defeat. With a spectacular performance that included 18 kills and a hit percentage above .400, she helped Penn State upset the favorites and earn a share of the Big Ten title—a thrilling victory that marked Penn State’s first Big Ten title win since 2017.
Caroline Jurevicius’s stellar performance was not just a personal highlight but also a landmark win for her team. When interviewed by Michella Chester, Jurevicius opened up about how it felt to go head-to-head against her former team and best friend Andi Jackson. The young outside hitter spoke highly of the Nebraska Volleyball program, offering nothing but respect. “I mean, I have nothing but love and respect for the Nebraska Volleyball Program. They’re a great group of girls. I threw the ball to my best friend, Andi Jackson, across the net beforehand, and I am very, very thankful for that program,” Jurevicius, originally from Cleveland, Ohio, told Chester.
Facing her former teammates wasn’t easy, though. Jurevicius revealed that it was a “daunting task” for the Penn State team. They knew Nebraska was coming in hot, boasting a 25-game win streak, including two victories over Wisconsin that month. “It was a lot of mental preparation coming into this,” Jurevicius shared. “It’s a daunting task. I mean, they’re a good team.” Despite the intimidating challenge, Jurevicius and the Nittany Lions showed remarkable grit, ultimately dethroning the favorites and securing their place among the elite.
The victory was not just significant for Penn State but also a major blow to Nebraska, who had hopes of becoming outright champions for the second year in a row. The Badgers had snapped the Nittany Lions’ 15-game win streak earlier, making Nebraska’s victory over Wisconsin a statement game. However, despite their confidence, the Huskers couldn’t seal the deal at University Park. Now, with the Big Ten trophy secured after seven years, Penn State is brimming with confidence—ready to chase their dreams in the NCAA championship.
Caroline Jurevicius’s Confidence Ahead of the NCAA Championship
Besides reflecting on her experience against her former team, Caroline Jurevicius was also asked about the significance of this victory ahead of the upcoming national championships. Her response was both inspiring and bold: “I think we just kind of solidified like, ‘Yeah, we should be here. We’re Penn State volleyball, and we’re gonna defend our house.'” Jurevicius added that the team’s focus now is on maintaining the confidence they’ve built. “We know we can do it. It’s just about capitalizing on that and not resting on our laurels,” she said.
For Caroline, this moment is particularly meaningful due to her family connection to Penn State. Her father, Joe Jurevicius, is a Super Bowl-winning NFL icon who also played college football for Penn State. This personal history has fueled her passion for the game. “My dad didn’t take me to football games; he took me to Penn State volleyball games,” she revealed. Playing for the team she grew up cheering for has given Jurevicius an unshakeable sense of pride and determination.
As the Nittany Lions head into selections for the NCAA championship, they’re riding high on their six-game win streak and the momentum from the Big Ten title. Fans are hopeful, and Jurevicius’s enthusiasm is palpable. But can they overcome the defending champions, the Texas Longhorns, and seize the national title this year? One thing is for sure—this young star and her team are ready to leave everything on the court.
Do you believe the Nittany Lions can also defeat defending champions Texas Longhorns to win the national title this year? Write your views in the comments below.
