Breaking Down the Class of 2027

The first class of the Busboom-Kelly era is here, and it’s just as impressive as one would anticipate. – so Historically, the Huskers have been one of the best recruiting programs in the country, securing the top prospects in the nation year after year, so the expectation is high. Not only that, but this class will be the ones to replace the beloved 23s: Harper, Andi, Bergen, and Laney – which is some pretty big shoes to fill. However, if any class can do it, it's this one. Abundant with starpower – from top rated recruits to diamonds hidden in the rough – Dani and Jaylen have cultivated a class of game-changers that not only provide athleticism on the court, but contribute to the culture off it as well. This class of talented young women more than qualifies as a success in the pantheon of Nebraska Volleyball recruiting.

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Kendall Omoruyi (MB): A 6-4 middle blocker, Omoruyi is regarded as the top player in the entire class – ranked No. 1 by PrepDig. A Gilbert, Arizona native; she is yet another addition to the AZ Storm pipeline that Nebraska has cultivated. In her sophomore season at Casteel High School, she recorded 281 kills on an efficient .342 clip, recording 2.7 kills per set. On the defensive end, she posted 82 blocks, averaging 0.8 a set. With an approach touch of 128in, Kendall uses every bit of her 6 '4 frame to her advantage. She’s quick in transition to make herself available, able to get on the ball at its peak, and thus – bounce balls well within the 10 foot line. Her blocking is just as impressive – quick with lateral movements, her head above the net as her long arms suffocate opponents. Omoruyi's resume precedes her; a regular at NTDP, Under Armor MVP, as well as being named to the U19 Women’s National Team for the second year in a row – one of the youngest on the team. In the wake of the massive loss of Andi Jackson, she is the perfect candidate to carry on her freakishly athletic and point scoring abilities.

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Shaye Witherspoon (OH): A 6-3 outside hitter out of Wildwood, Missouri, Witherspoon has led her Lafayette High School team to two state championships in her two years of high school. In this past season, she averaged a staggering 4.4 kills per set on an even more impressive .379 clip. Being that efficient as an outside is practically unheard of, and is a testament to her consistency and terminality as an attacker. It is a combination of physicality, intelligence, and a whip of an arm swing that makes her so lethal, and she can quite literally kill the ball anywhere on the court. However, she isn’t just an offensive threat, but an all-around powerhouse. With her refined defense, ball control, and heavy serve – Shaye is everything you could want in a six-rotation recruit. Her dynamic style fits in perfectly with that of the modern Nebraska outside; high-flying, athletic, with a strong volleyball IQ. She has set her career expectations high – aspiring to start as a freshman, represent the national team, and play professionally – but they are all goals that are more than attainable for her. In lieu of a graduating Harper Murray, Witherspoon certainly has the potential and ceiling to be the next generation's star. 

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Mallory Johnson (L/DS): A 5-6 libero, Johnson is ranked as the number one overall recruit in Michigan – for good reason. Nebraska obviously holds itself to incredibly high defensive standards, and Mallory has shown glimpses of greatness and a very high ceiling. Even as a mere sophomore, her game is so well-polished and impressive. Johnson is able to read the hitters incredibly well – a trait that Lexi Rodriguez also hones – allowing her to anticipate the ball before it's even hit. She’s never on her heels, always prepared to lay out at any moment to scoop up a sneaky tip. Her ball control is so good it looks almost effortless, most of her digs going directly to target and putting her team in an ideal position to score. Not only is she a defensive powerhouse, but is an even better passer – stopped, stable, with a strong platform. Her ability to control the first contact constantly sets her team up for success, and she is only going to improve as the years go on. 

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Pulelehua Laikona (L/DS): A 5-8 libero out of Gilbert, Arizona, and yet another AZ Storm player turned Husker – Laikona’s defensive prowess was something that Nebraska simply couldn’t pass on. As sophomore at Mesa High School, she tallied 291 total digs, averaging 2.7 digs per set, in addition to 83 aces, and 33 assists. Her ability to absorb such heavy attacks and convert them into a high, controlled, settable ball is something that can’t be understated, and it can be jaw-dropping to witness. Just by being on the court, she directly puts the offense at an advantage. Not only can she soak up swings like it's nothing – but her quick instincts and hustle make it even harder for balls to hit the floor. Her abilities aren’t just limited to defense; a stable passer, strong out of system setter, and an effective attacker as well. Laikona was one of 19 selected to train and tryout for the USA U19 team, and is an alternative for the Pan American Cup. She is no stranger to high pressure moments, but always manages to perform gracefully and better her entire team in the process. Hua is a perfect new addition to Nebraska for a myriad of reasons, and she has all of the potential needed to go down as one of the greats. With her and Mallory in the backcourt, Husker fans should feel very gratified knowing that the legacy backrow will carry on.  

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Malorie Boesiger (S): A 5-9 setter out of Firth, Boesiger is one of the top prospects in Nebraska. A homegrown Husker, she gets to follow in the footsteps and achieve the same dream as her older sister, Maisie did – something not many siblings can say. Malorie plays for Norris High School, where she set a new single-season program record for assists in her freshman year – which was previously held by her older sister. In an unfortunate turn of events, she missed her sophomore season due to a knee injury, where she trained diligently on the sidelines and gained a unique teaching opportunity. Boesigers game is refined beyond her years, an ode to extra hours spent in the practice gym. She has the balanced and mature composure you want in a setter, but is also willing to take risks to put her hitters in better opportunities to score. Named all-conference and all-state, her resume extends beyond state lines and to the national scale. A regular attendee of NTDP; Boesiger has been named both an Under Armor and USAV All-American. Malorie bleeds Husker in every possible way, and will contribute dividends to the team both on and off the court. 

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