Locked In for 2027 | The Next Era of Husker Volleyball Has Arrived
In a program steeped in excellence, where national championships are not just dreams but expectations, Nebraska volleyball has once again looked to the horizon—and what they see in 2027 is nothing short of electrifying.
Over the span of mere days, John Cook and his staff have assembled a monumental class that already has fans buzzing and rivals nervously recalculating. With five commitments now locked in, the Huskers’ 2027 recruiting class is beginning to resemble something more than just a group of high-potential prospects.
It looks like the foundation of the next great Husker dynasty.
Meet the five fierce future stars of Nebraska volleyball—each handpicked for their fire, finesse, and fearlessness.
Locked In: The 2027 Fab Five
From setters to outside hitters, middles to liberos, this class is a masterstroke of balance, talent, and upside. Let’s break down each of these emerging stars—left to right—and see why Nebraska’s future is already radiating championship energy.
S | Malorie Boesiger | Norris (Firth, NE)
The Hometown Architect
Few things fire up Husker Nation like an in-state star pledging her loyalty to Lincoln—and Malorie Boesiger is Nebraska volleyball DNA incarnate. A setter with a maestro’s mind and a field general’s composure, Boesiger is a pure distributor, a player who makes everyone around her better. Her sets don’t just arrive—they arrive with intention, feeding tempo and punishing defenses who can’t keep up.
The Boesiger name already echoes through Husker athletics (her sister Madi is on the current roster), and Malorie is primed to build on that legacy in a big way.
Why it matters: Nebraska is known for elite setter development. Boesiger’s combination of precision, leadership, and local pride makes her the ideal future anchor of the Huskers’ offensive engine.
MB | Kendall Omoruyi | Casteel (Gilbert, AZ)
The Tower from the Desert
Omoruyi brings pure intimidation to the middle—an agile, 6-foot-plus force with terrifying vertical pop and closing speed that makes the court look smaller than it is. At Casteel, she’s already known as a net-dominating wall who can shut down even the most polished hitters. But don’t let her blocking prowess fool you—her transition speed and fast-twitch explosiveness make her a nightmare on the slide attack.
She’s a rare breed: powerful and polished, raw and ready.
Why it matters: Middle blocker may be the most difficult position to master at the college level. Omoruyi’s upside screams All-American—and Nebraska’s system is built to maximize a player like her.
DS/L | Mallory Johnson | Byron Center (Byron Center, MI)
The Michigan Magician
Her name already sent shockwaves through the recruiting world when she chose Nebraska over Big Ten rival Penn State. A defensive specialist with surgical precision and court awareness that belies her age, Mallory Johnson is more than a libero—she’s a defensive commander. Her passing is clean, her reads are instant, and her leadership qualities are already drawing comparisons to legends of Nebraska past.
There’s a quiet ruthlessness in her game. She doesn’t just dig balls—she erases momentum.
Why it matters: Nebraska has long been known as “Libero U.” Johnson fits perfectly into that lineage—and could redefine the role by the time she takes the floor.
DS/L | Pulelehua Laikona | Mesa (Gilbert, AZ)
The Island-Tough Game-Changer
Born with island roots and raised with Arizona grit, Pulelehua (which means “butterfly” in Hawaiian) brings fluidity and fire to the back row. Don’t be fooled by the poetry in her name—her game is pure bite. She’s versatile, vocal, and possesses a serve receive game sharp enough to command early playing time.
Laikona’s style is electric—agile on her feet, fearless in pursuit, and always two steps ahead of the attack. She plays with a chip on her shoulder and joy in her heart—a rare and lethal combo.
Why it matters: With Johnson and Laikona coming in together, Nebraska’s future backcourt isn’t just secure—it’s built for dominance.
️ OH | Shaye Witherspoon | Lafayette (Wildwood, MO)
The Firestarter
The crown jewel of the class (so far), Shaye Witherspoon is ranked No. 10 nationally—and rising. Her explosive arm swing, clutch presence, and offensive versatility have made her a must-see player on the national circuit. Whether she’s unleashing a thunderous kill down the line or tipping with icy calm over a double block, Witherspoon is a match-winner.
Her decision to join Nebraska added fuel to an already raging recruiting firestorm. And in a program where outside hitters are expected to carry the torch, Witherspoon seems more than ready to grab it and run.
Why it matters: Witherspoon is the type of six-rotation outside hitter that wins national championships. She’s the future face of Nebraska volleyball—and she knows it.
What This Means: Nebraska’s Not Rebuilding—They’re Reloading
Every time a program adds talent, the question isn’t just who they’re getting—it’s how they fit the machine. And make no mistake: John Cook doesn’t recruit for flash. He recruits for fit. Culture. Mentality. Ceiling.
This class? It’s not just one of the best in the country—it might be one of the most complete. Every positional group is addressed. Every player brings elite skill and personality. And most critically, every single one of them wants to wear the “N” on their chest for all the right reasons.
Nebraska isn’t hoping to stay on top. They’re building to stay there for another decade.
Final Word: The Dynasty Blueprint is in Motion
Locked in for 2027 —yes, but more than that, destined. With five elite players from five different regions and five very different skill sets, Nebraska has once again made a thunderous national statement.
The Devaney Center might be quiet today.
But if you listen closely?
You can already hear the echoes of a championship future.
