Reacting To Nebraska Volleyball’s 2027 Recruiting Class
It was a busy week for Nebraska volleyball recruiting! Perhaps you heard. Jeff and Lincoln talked about it on this week’s Volleyball State, going deep on Nebraska’s 2027 recruiting class, which filled up in a hurry this week. Below is a lightly-edited transcript of a portion of their conversation. Lincoln: It kind of started slow […]
It was a busy week for Nebraska volleyball recruiting! Perhaps you heard. Jeff and Lincoln talked about it on this week’s Volleyball State, going deep on Nebraska’s 2027 recruiting class, which filled up in a hurry this week.
Below is a lightly-edited transcript of a portion of their conversation.
Lincoln: It kind of started slow too, because Sunday was June 15, the first day that college coaches can have recruiting conversations with a class of 2027. Girls who have finished their sophomore year going into their junior year. Monday, Nebraska got two commits and then three more on Tuesday. Nebraska is going to be replacing the class that is juniors currently. So, Harper Murray, Bergen Reilly, Andi Jackson, Laney Choboy; that’s their class, they will be graduating and this class will be replacing them.
Nebraska Cornhuskers outside hitter Harper Murray (27) attacks against Illinois Fighting Illini outside hitter Sophie Stephenson (16) and Illinois Fighting Illini setter Brooke Mosher (22) in 2024 at Bob Devaney Sports Center. / Dylan Widger-Imagn Images
So, you knew it’s going to be a little bit bigger. And maybe that’s why you started with four and got a bonus five. It all started off exciting. I think the local product, Malorie Boesiger, who was the first commit on Monday morning; she got out got out up early. Went and did a photo shoot outside the Devaney Center. Sister of Maisie Boesiger, who’s a senior defensive serving specialist for the Huskers as well. She goes to school at Norris – Class B state champions – except, she didn’t play this past year because she suffered a knee injury, but she’s been playing club ball. So, she’s fully healthy and ready to go.
I think it’s interesting too, because Nebraska recruits setters every two-year cycle. So, with Bergen Reilly leaving, you always like to have at least two setters on your roster, just case you need have a backup plan in case something happens. So Nebraska was gonna look like they were probably we’re recruiting one. They had their hat thrown out for a couple names associated with them, but they go with the local product; someone they know. Malorie Boesiger has been around the program. She goes to a lot of one because her sister plays for them. So that’s kind of cool seeing all the current players react to being so excited for Malorie with those social media posts.
She’s a 5’9 setter. She’s a little bit undersized, maybe. Campbell Flynn is 6’3; Bergen Riley is 6’1, so she’s a little bit shorter. But I think as far as skill-wise, her hands, and her ability to put the ball where she wants to, she’s ranked by several recruiting services among the top 30 players in the nation.
Jeff: I would say that the highest ranked player in this class that also committed this week is Kendall Omoruyi, a 6’4 middle blocker out of Casteel High School, which is near Phoenix, Arizona. She’s the number one overall recruit by Prep Dig. I think Prep Volleyball has her ranked in the top five. Just, big physical middle blocker; the exact kind of middle that you want to bring into your program to develop.
Kendall Omoruyi, the top-ranked volleyball player in the 2027 class, has committed to Nebraska. / @kendallomoruyivolleyball/Instagram
Her athletic ceiling is very, high and she is one of two members of this class that plays for the Arizona Storm club in Arizona. That’s one best high school clubs in the country and it is continuing, what seems to be right now, a pretty strong pipeline between Nebraska and AZ Storm. Because it started with Lauren Stivrins and then current Nebraska freshman Teraya Sigler is part of that. Kenna Cogill is also from that club. So, you could do worse than developing a pipeline to one of the best club volleyball programs in country.
Lincoln: And Kenna Cogill was part of the team. She is on campus now, but she stayed with them and they won the national championship for 18 with Arizona Storm too. So they’re putting out a lot of talent. So yeah, they’re pumping out D1 talent every, every cycle. And yeah, like you said, there’s, there’s a few programs that are good to have pipelines to. And this one is definitely a good one.
Let’s talk quickly kind of a transition to the other; Pulelehua Laikona. Her first name is Pulelehua but she just goes by who is kind of what she goes by Hua. But she is a 5’8 libero defensive specialist. Her rankings by the recruiting services; she’s right around like 100 or lower, but you talk to people who know the game; she made the tryout for one of the under-19 national teams. She was an alternate, so didn’t make the cut, but one of the top liberos by coaches and the national team. So people really, really respect her athleticism. Her passing is great too.
2027 libero Pulelehua “Hua” Laikona has committed to Nebraska volleyball. / @pulelehualaikonavolleyball/Instagra
Jeff: Well, and if there’s one thing that Nebraska does really well – did really well under John Cook, I imagine will continue to do really well under Dani Busboom Kelly – is they know how to evaluate, scout, and recruit really good back row players. They have great ones on their roster now. They’ve got Laikona committed, who, if Nebraska is recruiting you as a libero, I don’t care what your prep dig ranking is; you’re really, really good. You’re one of the best in your class in the country.
And she played for one of the best club programs in the country, but Nebraska also went out and they also picked up another back row commit in libero Mallory Johnson from Grand Rapids, Michigan who’s the number 31 overall player in the prep volleyball rankings.
Lincoln: She was actually in Nebraska a couple of weeks ago for just one of their regular camps too, because she wanted to get to know DBK. And that was kind of the one unknown part of the program that she didn’t know. But, she’s very highly touted, very highly thought of and again, Nebraska has seen her in camp, they recruited her. And I think this was the one surprise. Nebraska had the four and then DBK put out the tweet, “bonus!” So I don’t know if she was kind of the fifth one, but she was looking at Nebraska and Penn State. And talking to her, she’s excited about the competition.
We’ve seen the last few years too; You need to have great passing to win at a high elite level. And Nebraska does not have a 2026 defensive specialist, libero recruit. So maybe they’re making up for that by getting two in this class they really like.
Jeff: And the fifth player week who committed this week. Another highly rated pin hitter – the only pin hitter in Nebraska’s class to this point – is Shaye Witherspoon, who’s a 6’3 outside hitter from the St. Louis area. She’s from Wildwood, Missouri. She’s the number ten overall recruit in the 2027 by Prep Dig. Kind of in your classic outside hitter build. Has a very athletic family. Her dad played in the NFL, her mom and two sisters both played college volleyball.
So, you know, this is someone with a really great pedigree and who really looks like she could put balls away.
Lincoln: Her older sister just finished up her high school career and is going to go play at Vanderbilt. She was the Missouri Gatorade player of the year too. Her mom was All-SEC at Georgia. She’s really quick leaper; quick off the floor and just really fast arm; hits a heavy ball.
They also spoke with Rose Eveleth about pro volleyball, discussed Team USA, and so much more. Watch the full episode below!
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‘Royhil’ seal gold in water polo tournament | World Sports
Port of Spain-based Royhil Seals Water Polo Club had a strong showing at the Curacao Aquatics Association Summer Water Polo Tournament, held in Willemstad over the past week, winning two gold medals along with one silver and one bronze. The club fielded two teams in the Under-14 coed category and one team each in the […]
Port of Spain-based Royhil Seals Water Polo Club had a strong showing at the Curacao Aquatics Association Summer Water Polo Tournament, held in Willemstad over the past week, winning two gold medals along with one silver and one bronze.
The club fielded two teams in the Under-14 coed category and one team each in the Under-16 girls and Under-16 coed divisions, competing against opponents from Curacao and Peru.
Royhil Seals dominated the U-14 coed competition, with both their teams advancing to the final after semifinal victories. In an all-Seals showdown, the Trinidad and Tobago club walked away with both the gold and silver medals in the division.
In the U-16 girls category, Royhil Seals faced Orca’s Club of Curacao in a best-of-seven series.
After dropping the opening match, the Seals bounced back impressively, winning three straight games.
They conceded another in the fifth, but closed out the series in the sixth match to clinch the gold medal.
In the U-16 coed division, the Seals battled hard but finished third overall, earning a bronze medal behind Aquatica of Peru and Orca’s Club of Curacao.
The tournament concluded on Saturday, capping a successful campaign for the Trinidad and Tobago club on the regional stage.
Special Olympics New York Announces Local Host for Summer Games | Local
Logo Courtesy of Special Olympic New York UTICA, N.Y. — Special Olympics New York announced the Mohawk Valley host for the Summer Games over the next three years. Utica University has been selected as the host site for the Summer Games, which will welcome over 1,200 athletes each June from 2026 to 2028. The six […]
UTICA, N.Y. — Special Olympics New York announced the Mohawk Valley host for the Summer Games over the next three years.
Utica University has been selected as the host site for the Summer Games, which will welcome over 1,200 athletes each June from 2026 to 2028.
The six sports in the Summer Games are basketball, powerlifting, swimming, tennis, volleyball and track and field.
Utica University will act as the central hub for the Summer Games, hosting both the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the majority of the events.
In addition, Hamilton College, the City of Utica and Mohawk Valley Community College will also host various segments of the Summer Games.
Special Olympics New York is recognized as one of the largest state chapters in the United States.
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente said that it’s an honor to have the Summer Games in our area.
“This is more than a sporting event—it’s a celebration of courage, determination and inclusion. We look forward to welcoming these incredible athletes, their families and supporters and showing them the warmth, pride and spirit that define our community,” he said.
For more about Special Olympics New York, click here.
Special Olympics New York announced the Mohawk Valley host for the Summer Games over the next three years.
Long Beach Poly & Wilson Both Win CIF-SS Championships – The562.org
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly is sponsored by Bryson Financial. The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009. The562’s coverage of high school volleyball in 2025 is brought to you by the MLP’s Bay Area Breakers. The 2025 CIF-SS Beach Volleyball Championships had the feel of a […]
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly is sponsored by Bryson Financial.
The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
The562’s coverage of high school volleyball in 2025 is brought to you by the MLP’s Bay Area Breakers.
The 2025 CIF-SS Beach Volleyball Championships had the feel of a Moore League showcase, with three Long Beach teams playing for championships on the Long Beach City College sand courts.
First up, Long Beach Poly took care of business with a thrilling win over Canyon in the Division 3 title match, setting the tone for an epic clash between Wilson and Millikan for the D2 crown. The Bruins and Rams played a very even match, with Wilson surviving with a 3-2 win to earn the program’s first CIF title and give the Moore League a pair of CIF titles in a two-hour span.
Poly trailed Canyon 2-1 in the first championship final, needing to win the last two matches to emerge victorious. It all came down to Court 4, where Simone Millsap and Alyssa Luna survived multiple match points for Poly with the antire crowd watching their match. The Jackrabbits were able to win 17-15 in the third set to clinch the title and set off the first celebration of the day.
“It was a battle from beginning to end,” head coach Litara Keil said. “I don’t think there was ever a break for relief and I think this whole playoff series it’s been like that where we’re down and we have to come back and the girls have come back on top every single time.”
In the next match, Wilson was able to defeat Millikan for a third time in the 2025 season, and the third win was certainly the toughest to attain. With the score tied 1-1, the remaining three matches went to a decisive third set, with a pair of nail-biters on Courts 2 & 4. The Bruins got the clinching point from Iyla Alvarado and Jane Morrison on Court 4, as the pair improved to 14-0 on the season.
After reaching the CIF semifinals the year prior, Wilson’s stated goal was to make it the CIF finals. Not only did they get there, but they got the gold, capping off a memorable season of beach volleyball as Long Beach looks to stake its claim in the emerging CIF sport.
“So much credit to Millikan. They’re outstanding,” said Wilson head coach Jeremy Cook, fresh off the championship celebration. “They’re such good sports, and we knew it was gonna be tough. They’ve been battling us hard since we started this whole thing, so a ton of credit to Millikan, and then I’m just so proud of our girls for refusing to lose. As a team, we’ve won 17 straight, and we’re not winning easily, but we were winning. It’s unbelievable.”
LBCC Alum, Super Bowl Champion Bryan Braman Dies of Cancer – The562.org
The Long Beach football community suffered a shocking loss earlier this month with the sudden passing of LBCC alum and Super Bowl LII champion Bryan Braman at the age of 38. Braman was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer in February and despite aggressive treatment, declined rapidly before passing away on July 17. […]
The Long Beach football community suffered a shocking loss earlier this month with the sudden passing of LBCC alum and Super Bowl LII champion Bryan Braman at the age of 38. Braman was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer in February and despite aggressive treatment, declined rapidly before passing away on July 17.
“We’re saddened by the passing of LBCC alum and Super Bowl champ Bryan Braman,” reads an LBCC official statement. His strength and spirit inspired many. Rest in peace.”
Braman leaves behind two daughters, aged 11 and 8. A GoFundMe posted earlier this year raised over $90,000, including a $10,000 donation from JJ Watt, Braman’s teammate on the Houston Texans.
Braman underwent several surgeries in Seattle as well as a form of cell therapy as part of the efforts to save his life.
Braman was a star with the Vikings who went on to a role player career in the NFL with the Eagles and Texans, winning a Super Bowl in Philadelphia.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bryan Braman,” the Eagles said in a statement. “During his four seasons in Philadelphia, Bryan was a loyal teammate, a supporter of the community, and a valuable member of our Super Bowl LII-winning team. More importantly, he was a devoted father who passionately loved his family and everyone around him. We extend our deepest condolences to Bryan’s family and all who are grieving his loss during this difficult time.”
Braman was an Eagle for four seasons from 2014-17 as a core member of the team’s special teams, including a critical play during a division round playoff game against the Falcons in the 2017 playoffs. The Super Bowl win that year was the final game of his career, and he had a special teams tackle in the win over the Patriots.
Braman was signed undrafted by the Texans after completing his collegiate career at West Texas A&M, and played three years with the Texans before his four years with the Eagles.
Braman came back and talked to the Vikings team after his career finished. He said that he had come from a blue-collar background in Spokane, WA and planned on getting a railroad job out of high school.
“I actually got a job making concrete railroad ties for a company named CXT. It was backbreaking work for $10 an hour and it was about 75 hours a week. I decided that I deserved an education over a broken back,” he said.
“I decided to go back to school and found my way to Long Beach City College, played two years. There was a real great guy, Bobby King, he came and found me from West Texas A&M from Long Beach City. He recruited me to the panhandle of Texas. I played there for two years. Coach King, fortunately enough, he was brought up onto the staff with Wade Philips when he came to Houston from Dallas and Coach King did a great thing for me and I feel like I owe him a lot. He stood up for me, put his name on the line, told the Houston organization that I’m a good quality guy, that I work hard. I’ve always worked hard for everything I have. So that’s kind of why Houston sits close to my heart, because they gave me a shot when nobody else was really batting an eyelash.”
Braman’s return to LBCC in 2018 was a special day for the Vikings.
“Bryan was just an all-around athlete,” said Jerry Jaso, the coach who recruited him to LBCC. Braman told LBCC’s track coach he could throw javelin and proceeded to throw a state-leading mark on his first try, going on to win a state championship that year. He also cleared 6-foot-11 on his first try at the high jump.
Braman took time to pose for pictures and sign autographs, including one for Vikings lineman Mitchell Kay, a lifelong Eagles fan who came in a jersey, wearing an Eagles Super Bowl champion hat.
Braman said that LBCC was an important stop on his journey.
“The coaches here helped me to focus on my goal and to get my grades right and get ready for life at the next level,” he said. “I would never have made it without them.”
Eight former University of Arkansas student-athletes have been selected as members of the 2025 class of the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor, the university’s athletic department announced Monday (July 28). Makeba Alcide (women’s track & field), Brian Baker (men’s track & field/cross country), Zack Cox (baseball), the late Ryan Mallett (football), C’eira Ricketts […]
Eight former University of Arkansas student-athletes have been selected as members of the 2025 class of the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor, the university’s athletic department announced Monday (July 28).
Makeba Alcide (women’s track & field), Brian Baker (men’s track & field/cross country), Zack Cox (baseball), the late Ryan Mallett (football), C’eira Ricketts (women’s basketball), James Rouse (football), Dwight Stewart (men’s basketball) and Clint Stoerner (football) will be inducted in a ceremony to be held Sept. 26, 2025, at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville.
Mallett will be inducted posthumously.
The ceremony is set for the night prior to the Razorbacks’ first-ever meeting with Notre Dame at 11 a.m. inside Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium.
Inductees are elected to the UA Sports Hall of Honor based on a vote by former Razorback letterwinners in conjunction with the A Club.
“Every year it is a privilege to induct our Razorback greats into the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Honor, and this year is no exception,” Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Hunter Yurachek said in a statement. “Our 2025 class represents individuals whose achievements, character and legacy have forever shaped the proud tradition of Razorback Athletics. It will truly be a fantastic weekend honoring them in September.”
Following are brief notes on the 2025 UA Sports Hall of Honor inductees. Makeba Alcide A St. Lucian native, Alcide competed for the Razorback women’s track and field team from 2009 to 2013, excelling in the pentathlon and heptathlon. She set a then-collegiate record in the pentathlon with a score of 4,569 points to win the 2013 SEC Indoor title and then finished third at the NCAA Championships.
Brian Baker A distance runner and member of the Razorback dynasty in the 1990s, Baker was part of nine national championship team titles accumulated by Arkansas from 1990 to 1993, which included a pair of national triple crowns in 1992 and 1993.
Zack Cox Cox spent two years as the third baseman for the Razorbacks in 2009-10 and proved himself as one of the best hitters in school history. His season batting average of .429 and hit total of 102 in 2010 still lead all Arkansas hitters over a decade later.
Ryan Mallett One of the most prolific passers in Razorback history, Mallett came to Arkansas after playing his freshman season at the University of Michigan. In two years as a Razorback, Mallett completed 491 of 814 pass attempts for 7,493 yards and 62 touchdowns.
C’eira Ricketts Ricketts was an All-Southeastern Conference guard for the Razorbacks from 2008-12. The Louisville, Ky.-native’s name is sprinkled throughout the Arkansas record books, including being eighth in total career points.
James Rouse Rouse played football for four years for the Razorbacks (1985, 1987–1989), rushing for 2,887 yards and 39 touchdowns. In the 1987 season, Rouse ran for 1,004 yards and 17 touchdowns, giving the Razorbacks their first 1,000-yard rusher since Ben Cowins in 1978.
Dwight Stewart Stewart was a three-time letterwinner for the Razorbacks from 1993 to 1995, after transferring to Arkansas from South Plains Junior College. The big man helped the Hogs to 85 victories, three Sweet Sixteens, two Elite Eights, two Final Fours, two consecutive NCAA Tournament Championship Games and the 1994 NCAA National Championship.
Clint Stoerner Stoerner was a Second-Team All-SEC quarterback in 1998 and 1999 leading the Razorbacks to a share of the SEC Western Division title in 1998. Stoerner was Arkansas’ offensive leader in each of three years – 1997-1999 – as well as Arkansas’ total offensive leader – 528 passes completed and 57 touchdowns.
Women’s Volleyball to Host Volley & Vibes Fundraiser
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FULLERTON, Calif. – The Cal State Fullerton women’s volleyball team invites family, friends, fans, and alumni to attend their 2025 Volley & Vibes Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16, in Titan Gym. The scrimmage will take place at 10:00 a.m., and the fundraiser will begin at 11:30 a.m. Guests at the […]
FULLERTON, Calif. – The Cal State Fullerton women’s volleyball team invites family, friends, fans, and alumni to attend their 2025 Volley & Vibes Fundraiser on Saturday, August 16, in Titan Gym. The scrimmage will take place at 10:00 a.m., and the fundraiser will begin at 11:30 a.m.
Guests at the fundraiser will enjoy food, beverages, both silent and live auctions, and the opportunity to mingle with new head coach Nicky Cannon, her staff, and the student-athletes. Attendees are encouraged to wear their Titan gear and come ready to celebrate the upcoming season!
All proceeds from this event will directly benefit the Titans Women’s Volleyball program.
Please register for Volley & Vibes by August 15
Register Here
EVENT DETAILS
DATE:
Saturday, August 16, 2025
10:00 a.m. Blue vs White Scrimmage
11:30 a.m. Program & Brunch
LOCATION:
Titan Gym KHS 268
800 N State College Blvd,
Fullerton, CA 92831
PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES:
Platinum Sponsor – $5,000
Includes a table for 10 guests, food and 2 drink tickets for each guest, signage at the fundraiser, sponsor recognition in the practice gym, Pre Game locker room experience for one home game, Access to Practices, Q&A with Coaching Staff, and a complimentary gift basket (contains Titan gear, and wine)
Cost of Goods & Services: $169.95
Gold Sponsor- $1,250
Includes a table for 10 guests, food and 2 drink tickets for each guest, signage at the fundraiser, sponsor recognition on the Donor Wall in the practice gym, Q&A with Coaching Staff, and a complimentary gift basket (contains Titan gear, and wine)
Cost of Goods & Services: $158.96
Silver Sponsor – $1,000
Includes a table for 10 guests, food and 2 drink tickets for each guest, signage at the fundraiser, Q&A with Coaching Staff
Cost of Goods & Services: $89.00
Individual Ticket- $75
Includes food, 2 drink tickets, and dessert
Cost of Goods and Services: $8.90
Titans Volleyball Alumna Ticket- $40
Includes food, 2 drink tickets, and dessert for a Titans Volleyball Alumna
Cost of Goods and Services: $8.90
Unable to Attend but Wish to Donate – $175
Please accept my donation to the Women’s Volleyball program. Value of goods & services: $0.00
Register Here
If you are unable to attend the event but would still like to show your support with a donation in any amount, click here to give a gift to the Women’s Volleyball Fund. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Athletics Development Team at 657-278-7034 or athleticevents@fullerton.edu
SUPPORT THE TITANS!
Fans can purchase tickets for various Cal State Fullerton athletic events by visiting FullertonTitansTickets.com. The Athletic Ticket Office can also be contacted by phone at 657-278-2783 or by email at athletictixs@fullerton.edu. The Ticket Office is located at the Titan Baseball ticketing office and is open from 10 am – 4 pm PT, Monday – Friday.
FOLLOW THE TITANS!
Fans can keep up with the latest in Titan Athletics by following us on Facebook (Facebook/FullertonTitans), X (@FullertonTitans) Instagram (@FullertonTitans), YouTube (FullertonTitansAthletics) and TikTok (@FullertonTitans). In addition, the softball team has established its own Instagram (@Fullerton_WVB) and X accounts (@Fullerton_WVB).
WATCH THE TITANS ON ESPN+
Titans fans can now watch every home event exclusively on ESPN+. Cal State Fullerton has built a top-tier production studio to give the viewers an ESPN quality production for all games at Titan Stadium. Additionally, all schools in the Big West Conference are committed to producing ESPN quality streams which will allow fans to watch the Titans on ESPN+ for all road conference games.