Potential Alumni for Summer Scrimmage: Part One

It was announced last week that – alongside the traditional red-white scrimmage – there would be an alumni exhibition as well as an extra treat for the fans. With two volleyball leagues starting up in the USA, and Omaha being home to each of them, there is a plentiful of former Huskers in ripe shape. This event is shaping up to be a Husker Homecoming and a congregation of generations melding into one – all united under the same program and creed. Since the format of the scrimmage isn’t entirely determined, nor is the personnel list, so here are some likely names that you can expect to see.

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Lexi Rodriguez (L) 2021-2024: As long as there are no scheduling conflicts, I would be suprised if Lexi wasn’t there. Currently, shes at her sisters wedding, but is simultaneously training for USA, who is competing in the Volleyball Nations League. It is presumed that she will be returning to LOVB Omaha for another year, where she will stay under the tutelage of Justine Wong-Orantes. The 4x All-American certainly has Olympic aspirations, and choosing her patience over pride is something that will pay dividends later on. I highly doubt Lexi would pass up an opportunity to play in Devaney once more and soak in the warm, familiar, embrace of Husker Nation; who considers her the most beloved alumni to date. 

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Jordan Larson (OH) 2006-2010: The other Husker household name belongs to “the Gov,” and for Larson to put on and play in a Nebraska jersey after almost twenty years would be truly surreal. She had coached the Huskers on the bench for two seasons, but decided to purely focus on her volleyball career with LOVB Omaha instead. While she is thirty-eight, and her years and body are growing limited – Larson proved this last season that she still has what it takes to compete with the best, and earn the title of “GOAT.” Jordan has never backed down from a challenge, so consider her a likely candidate to participate. 

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Lauren Stivrins (MB) 2016-2021: Over her six seasons with the Huskers (thanks redshirt & Covid year), Lauren had pretty much became a program staple. In recent years, many are familiar with a different tall, blonde, middle and the hyper-efficient “Jackson Slide,” but what some don’t know was that the original “Stivrins Slide,” was coined upon Lauren first. She was a 3x All-American, even despite having to undergo back surgery early in the 2021 season. She played the last 23 matches of the season and carried the team to a heartbreaking loss in the championship match – the second time she has lost a title by 3 points in the fifth. In the spring, Lauren was a critical weapon for LOVB Omaha, but was in and out with injuries. If she’s healthy this summer, expect to see her on the court. 

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Ally Batenhorst (OH) 2021-2023: Although she transferred to USC for her graduate season, Ally will forever remain a true Husker in manys hearts. The bonds and emotional connections she formed with the girls cannot be overlooked, and she contributed deeply to the teams familial chemistry. She left Nebraska with no bad blood, merely an intention to pursue her masters, play six-rotations, and live by the beach (who can blame her). She realy seemed to blossom on the coast of Southern California, developing into the player we all knew she could be. She carried that into her season with the Omaha Supernovas, where she had several highly-impressive performances that earned her Player of the Match honors – showing her true ceiling as an athlete.

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Kaitlyn Hord (MB) 2022: Although Kaitlyn only spent one (less than ideal) season as a Husker, there is nothing but good things to say about her impact on the team. Both her and her teammates have asserted high praise to the experience, Kait saying that she found her love and passion again with Nebraska. John Cook always complimented her high intelligence both on and off the court, as well as her well-articulated words and calming demeanor. She was a crucial asset of the Omaha Supernovas semifinal run this year – breaking league blocking records along the way. Kaitlyn is beloved by her teammates and Husker Nation, and this would be a welcome reunion.

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