Previewing 2028 Top Prospects - Nebraska Edition

Previewing Nebraska’s Top Prospects

​

The state of Volleyball looks to have a depth of a class as it has had in a few years, especially with D1 talent. So why wouldn’t the “Home of the Libero” have a couple of our favorite liberos in the class? Without further ado, here’s our initial state overview of Nebraska.

​

Top Evaluated Player Profiles:

​

1. Shayla Rautenberg, MB - Nebraska One -Diamond level

Very rare Diamond level player! Shayla has everything you need to be a National Team Middle: Size, length, a vertical over 10½ feet, a big penetrating block, and the ability to hit sharp angles. Shayla has it all and will have the pick of the litter where she wants to play at the next level. This summer, she was chosen to play with Team USA’s U19 National Team, where the team won gold! This is just the beginning, and we cannot wait to continue to follow her and see where this volleyball journey takes her!

​

2. Averi Bridges, Libero - VCNebraska - Elite Red level

Elite ist of red level liberos. Averi has a very high motor that runs hot at all times. As quick as she is, she still has a nice, calm platform, so she is able to make good angles. Her feet are quick, and they work efficiently, keeping her balanced and ready to take that quick first step she has to get to any ball around her. Someone is going to be very happy with this high ceiling, bro.

​

3. Ava Nowling, Libero - Premier Nebraska - Red level

Ava has a strong base and good feet. She does a good job staying balanced and reads opposing hitters well. We have her as a Red level libero, whose out-of-system setting is already D1 level. As we see in the college game right now, Liberos who can set a ball with their hands at a high level really give their hitters a boost when the setter isn’t setting.

​

4. Loryn Piening, MB - Nebraska One - Elite Orange level

We recently highlighted Loryn earlier this week when we highlighted some of the 2028 MBs in the film room”. She is an Elite Orange-level athlete who moves well and has good power. She moves well laterally and is working to improve her slide attack. She is also pretty versatile and plays some on the right side, working hard to be that shut-down Opposite for her team. Opposite might be her long term position at the next level but she does have the ability to play both which is very valuable for a lot of programs.

​

5. Leighton Froehlich, MB - Premier Nebraska - Elite Orange level

We also featured Leighton this week, “in the film room”. She is an Elite Orange MB who has great length and uses it well, constantly contacting at her high point. She also has the ability to score in front of the setter off two feet (quick and gaps) or behind the setter off 1 foot (slide). She is a big block who will really benefit once she starts pressing her hands further on the other side of the net. She is an exciting prospect whom we are looking forward to following.

6. Eva Gutz, LIbero - VCNebraska - Orange level

Eva’s stock is rising in my eyes. She does a really good job controlling her digs, making good angles in serve receive, and sets really nicely out of system. The way she plays, you can tell she does a lot of beach volleyball, especially when setting. It is easy to see how the skills she has in the sand carry over onto the hardwood. She can do it al,l and right now is an Orange Level athlete who probably will have the opportunity to play indoor and beach at the next level.

​

7. Reese Wallraff, Libero - Nebraska One - Orange level

Reese has taken her game to the next level, the open level. We have her as an Orange level athlete who has the ability to continue to raise her stock the more experience she gains. She does a good job on defense and is not afraid to sacrifice her body to keep it alive. She had a really nice high school season, and we are excited to see how it carries over into the club season.

​

8. Ava Januelwicz, OH/DS - VCNebraska - Green Level

Ava is a 6 rotations OH but also a track athlete. She uses her athleticism to help elevate her game with her sprinting and high jumping background. She is a very reliable, all-around player who makes her teammates around her better. 

​

Other Athletes that caught our eye (without a player profile):

​

Emma Rink, MB - Orange Level Prospect - VCNebraska

Emma is a very reliable MB for VBNebraska. She has the ability to be terminal in front of the setter on “quicks” and “gaps’ and has worked hard to score on her slides, behind the setter, as well. Working in transition is a strength of hers, and when she does, typically she is rewarded with a good opportunity to score.

​

Koco Janssen, OPP - Elite Orange Level Prospect - Premier Nebraska

Long lefty, two words that programs love to be able to say are on their team. She works hard in transition to get off the net for a big approach and contacts at her high point. Throw in the sweet swing with a left arm, and you have D1 Opposite.

​

Tess Solomon, S - Orange Level Prospect Level - Premier Nebraska

Tess is a strong, confident setter. She does a good job staying calm and delivering a nice ball to her hitters in tempo. As she continues to develop her own offensive scoring, she will really open up the offense for her team.

​

Haleigh Bauer, MB - Elite Orange Level Prospect - VCNebraska

Haleigh is a big presence on the court. She has a Red level size and length. She does a good job working hard in transition and contacting at a high point, allowing her to hit good angles to score. As she gets stronger on the block, her game should continue to blossom.

​

Logan Dostall, OH - Elite Orange Level Prospect - Premier Nebraska

Very solid six rotation OH. Has Elite Red level athleticism and vertical. Logan has a cannon on that right arm and isn't afraid to use it!