Nebraska Volleyball Star Merritt Beason Reflects on Harsh Reality After NCAA Season Ends
Nebraska Volleyball’s NCAA journey ended with heartbreak as Penn State knocked them out in a grueling five-set battle, marking a bitter conclusion to an otherwise spectacular season. Penn State, who earlier handed the Huskers their first Big Ten Conference loss and shared the Big Ten title, delivered another blow by restricting Nebraska from advancing to the final four. For the Huskers, this reverse sweep—the first since 1982—was more than just a loss; it signaled the end of an era for senior players, including their co-captain Merritt Beason.
For Merritt Beason, the loss was bittersweet. In a heartfelt TikTok video, the senior outside hitter shared a glimpse of her emotional transition from college athletics. Posing alongside her best friend, the video’s caption read, “One day you are playing in the final four and the next you are home with your best friend talking about y’alls next stage of life.” While the video reflected excitement about the future, Beason’s caption, “Crazy how quickly life changes. So sad & so excited at the same time,” revealed the emotional whirlwind she is navigating.
Beason’s time at Nebraska was nothing short of transformative. Transferring from Florida, she spent her final two years building bonds with her teammates that she described as “one big family.” Reflecting on her journey, she expressed deep gratitude, saying, “There’s truly not another group of girls that I’d want to go out with.” The bond extended beyond the court, creating lifelong friendships with fellow seniors like Lexie Rodriguez, Taylor Landfair, Lindsay Krause, Kennedi Orr, and Leyla Blackwell.
Beason’s Next Chapter: A New Beginning with the PVF
Though Beason bids farewell to the NCAA, her volleyball career is far from over. The Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) draft brought good news for Nebraska fans, with three Huskers making it to the league. Merritt Beason, selected as the first overall pick of the 2024 draft by the Atlanta Vibe, now embarks on an exciting new chapter. The Atlanta Vibe holds a strong Nebraska connection, with former Husker Kayla Banwarth serving as their head coach.
However, the transition is not without emotional moments. In a post-game press conference, Beason reminisced about her younger self and the unexpected trajectory her life has taken. She recalled modest dreams of attending a local community college, never imagining that volleyball could become such a pivotal part of her life. “Little Merritt hoped to go to community college right down the road… volleyball wasn’t a big thing,” she shared, underscoring her humble beginnings.
Despite the loss and transition, Merritt Beason embodies the resilience and determination that define Nebraska Volleyball. While fans mourn the Huskers’ missed opportunity, they can take pride in watching their stars shine on professional platforms. The end of Beason’s collegiate career may be “so sad,” but her story proves that endings are often the start of something even greater.
