Dream Team Camp: Outside Invitees

In the final week leading up the annual Dream Team Camp, I will be breaking down each position pool of the Huskers’ next generational talents. This camp has been integral in many players recruiting journeys, who fell in love with the team culture and campus as a whole. This is a year of innovation – in the midst of a major coaching transition, it is a question of whether Busboom-Kelly will choose to maintain old traditions or embed her own unique legacy within the program. I have no doubt that this year will win over plenty of recruits – just like it did the year prior with Shaye Witherspoon and the year prior to that with Ryan Hunter. Even just a mere taste of what it feels like to be a Nebraska Volleyball player is enough to have them coming back for more, an innate urge to chase that adrenaline rush and fulfillment. This year, if anything, there is an abundance of talent – and while the coaching staff may have remained conservative in their pursuit in prior years – the newly increased scholarship opens up some leeway for teams to cultivate depth and take more recruiting risks. Today, we start off with breaking down the outsides, and why this year's group could be symbolic of a stylistic shift on the left pin – indicative of Busboom-Kelly's gradual innovation of the program. 

​

‘28 Janiah Burrage: A 6-0 pin hitter for Forza 16 One, Burrage’s terminality makes her a game-changer on the court – despite being playing up an age group. With a 10 '7 jump touch, lightning-quick arm swing, and the shot selection to match it – more often than not, finding the open court and hammering through the block.  She quite literally soars through the air when she jumps, but not just offensively – her blocks are just as impressive, sealing the net with her pressed arms and limiting the attackers range of shots. Burrage’s athleticism can’t be understated; more than overcompensating for what many would consider to be an undersized frame. But Janiah shatters all of those preconceived notions with a single swing, proving she deserves to compete among the best. That is exactly what she will do at Dream Team, which will only make her better in the proccess, and the Huskers will gladly nurture and cultivate her raw athleticism and strong foundational skillset. 

​

‘29 Peyton Smith: A 6-0 outside for MadFrog 14 National Green, Smith has already established herself one of the most coveted recruits of the class of 2029. She sets herself up for success with the positioning of her approach, before exploding into the attack and elevating into the air. The swift and rapid nature of her attack often confuses the blockers, resulting in a one-on-one or simply beating the block altogether. Whether it's a high four-ball, a quick shoot on the right pin, or a wonky, out-of-system bump set, she can find a way to terminate. Her athletic prowess extends beyond the front court, a major defensive asset in the backrow – laying out for digs and providing a solid ball control foundation as well. She is an instant energizer on the court, hyping up her teammates and vise versa, but plays with a calm, stable disposition that facilitates her game. Smith definitely emulates Busboom-Kelly’s former outsides – nimble, bouncy, and explosive stars like Anna Debeer and Charitie Luper – and could certainly carry on their legacy.

​

‘29 Mary-Christine (MC) Crutcher: A 5-11 outside for TAV 16 Black Yun, Crutcher is fresh off of a gold medal in the Girls Junior Nationals. In a 3-set thriller championship match, she racked up 18 kills on a highly-impressive .438 clip on just 32 attempts – proving her lethality as an attacker. She was the most efficient overall pin hitter on days 2, 3, and 4 – her invaluable contributions landing her a place on the 15 Open All-Tournament team. Many may underestimate her initially due to her smaller frame in comparison to others – but don’t be fooled, Crutcher is just as just as dynamic and dominant attacker as someone 6-foot-3, and those misconceptions will be quickly alleviated after she bounces a kill 10ft line through the block. Recognized as a dynamic terminator who can find a kill anywhere on the court, from the subtle excellence of her passing to her jaw-dropping swings, her game is everything you could want in a developing six-rotation outside – and not even a freshman. MC is a fierce competitor and is constantly in competition to better herself, fueled by her faith and driven by purpose, she has a very bright future ahead and I’m sure she’ll handle it with grace. 

​

‘29 Rachel Bower: A 6-0 outside for Idaho Crush 15 Bower, she simply contacts the ball with a velocity that draws attention. She is an instant highlight reel on the court, finding kills so clean that it seems almost shocking – completely confusing or, simply, overwhelming the opposing defense with her aggressive swing. She has an almost Sarah Franklin-esque nature to her game; finding cut shots you didn’t even know existed, and by the time you realize, her heavy arm has already hammered it down for a kill. She’s only 15 – yet makes it look so effortless –and it's both scary and exciting to imagine what her game will look like 5 years from now. Rachel comes from a long lineage of volleyball players, and shares that joy with her six other sisters, which includes; Whitney Bower (Atlanta Vibe) and Elizabeth Bower (Louisville commit). She has already begun her camp circuit, starting off strong with programs like Auburn and Louisville in addition to Nebraska. There's no doubt Bower will be one of the most highly-coveted recruits come June 15th 2027, but she has plenty of time to develop and decide.