Hours After Nebraska Volleyball's Emotional Win, Fellow Huskers Pay Special Tribute to Their Seniors: “Forever Grateful”
Just a day ago, Nebraska Volleyball gave fans yet another unforgettable performance, sweeping the Badgers 25-21, 25-22, 25-17 in front of 9,009 loud and proud supporters at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Despite their 25th consecutive win, the air was filled with a mix of triumph and nostalgia. It was Senior Night—a night full of bittersweet goodbyes. Five amazing seniors—Lexi Rodriguez, Kennedi Orr, Leyla Blackwell, Merritt Beason, and Lindsay Krause—took the court for their final regular-season home game, marking the end of a memorable chapter. And boy, did they leave a mark!
Merritt Beason led the Big Red with 11 kills in her emotional farewell match at the Devaney Center, while Lexi Rodriguez showcased her unmatched determination, digging out a match-high 16 digs. These seniors played their hearts out, creating lasting memories that will stay with the team and fans forever. Following the emotional victory, the Huskers came together to honor and celebrate their seniors with heartfelt tributes.
A Heartfelt Farewell on Social Media
Andi Jackson, the sophomore middle blocker, shared a touching tribute on Instagram on November 24, pouring her emotions into a beautiful montage. Each slide highlighted a different Nebraska volleyball senior, from Lexi Rodriguez to Merritt Beason. Alongside the photos, she wrote: “Had to take some time to recover Happy Senior Night to these five selfless, resilient, and empowered women. You continue to inspire me and so many others every day. Saying I’m grateful for our friendship is an understatement. You are widely admired and deeply loved by all. ❤️” The post captured the deep bonds that transcend the court.
The love and celebration didn’t stop there. Maisie Boesiger, the junior libero, joined in the Senior Night festivities, sharing her own sweet moments across Instagram and TikTok. On Instagram, she posted a heartfelt photo with Lexi Rodriguez and Kennedi Orr, captioning it, “We ⭐ celebrating our besties!” Meanwhile, over on TikTok, Maisie teamed up with Skyler Pierce, the freshman outside hitter, for an adorable video where they prepared a goodie bag for Lexi. Filled with thoughtful surprises—comfy slippers, a matching Stanley, curling supplies, lip balms, vanilla lotion, and even an espresso martini kit—they made sure no detail was overlooked, even decorating the bag with extra care. It was a lovingly crafted tribute to their teammate, packed with memories and love.
Harper Murray also added her own tribute to the celebrations. Her Senior Night post was brimming with gratitude as she spoke of her admiration for the seniors: “You all have a very special place in my heart, and I am forever grateful to call you a teammate and a friend.” For the past two years, these five incredible women have been Harper’s support system, pushing her to become a better player and person every single day. From their dedication on the court to their loyalty off it, Harper acknowledged just how much they have shown her what being a team truly means—lifting each other, celebrating each other, and always sticking together.
Hours After Nebraska Volleyball’s Emotional Win, Fellow Huskers Pay Special Tribute to Their Seniors: “Forever Grateful”Huskers’ Senior Night—A Tradition Full of Emotion
With their final home game on the horizon, Coach John Cook kept his game face on, focusing on the ultimate goal—winning nine more matches. But as the day unfolded, even Coach Cook couldn’t help but be moved by the iconic send-off for his players. True to tradition, Coach Cook brought a touch of elegance to the evening by presenting each senior with a single red rose. His warm smile and reassuring pat on the back made the ceremony all the more special, as the seniors stood center court—a mixture of pride, nostalgia, and joy written across their faces.
But the night didn’t end there. The seniors were also presented with beautifully framed jerseys—a tribute to their remarkable careers at Nebraska Volleyball. As the weight of their journey began to sink in, emotions overflowed. Tears glistened, hugs were shared, and the arena felt like one giant embrace for these five who had given it their all.
It was an evening to remember—a testament to years of hard work, camaraderie, and the powerful connection that sports create. These Huskers left their mark, not just in the record books but also in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege to watch them play.
