Nebraska’s Rising 2026 Pins from GJNC
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Behold, the ever-evolving narrative of Nebraska’s Class of 2026. We’ve learned a lot of the 2026s over the past several months. New names, rising stars, and hidden gems have all highlighted our conversations on this group. Pin hitters have been…
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Continue ReadingBehold, the ever-evolving narrative of Nebraska’s Class of 2026.
We’ve learned a lot of the 2026s over the past several months. New names, rising stars, and hidden gems have all highlighted our conversations on this group. Pin hitters have been under the spotlight for many of those features, and they returned to the spotlight to dominate GJNC.
We have a lot of athletes to choose from. Here are just a few Nebraska 2026 pins who rose to the occasion at USAV Nationals.
We’re starting this feature by glancing up at the 16s, a place that was mostly occupied by 2025s this year. But Nebraska Pride Gold 16s brought a ton of 2026 representation to the fold this year, and Ryan is a big one. She started her prep career with a state runner-up finish with Overton last fall. Now, Ryan is carry positive momentum into another high school season after excelling with Nebraska Pride. Ryan can play on either pin, brings outstanding six-rotation skills, and is just beginning her all-around development.
It’s hard to exclusively classify White as a pin hitter given her prep experience in the middle with Skutt Catholic. However, her role as an opposite for Premier 15 Gold has changed our perception of what White is capable of. She hits a heavy ball on the pin and looks incredibly comfortable as a wing blocker, allowing 15 Gold to get a wide range of production from this multi-talented athlete.
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It’s worth rehashing the vital role that DeJonge played as South Central NE 15 Black nabbed a podium finish in 15 Liberty. The Adams Central athlete can do just about anything necessary to win, from setting to playing DS to hitting in the frontcourt. DeJonge is an adept attacker on either pin who will likely benefit from another successful high school season.
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The pipeline between Lincoln North Star and VCNebraska is still going strong. Bowen has emerged as a do-everything outside hitter for 15 Black who can make an impact regardless of rotation. She’s strong in the backcourt, serves aggressively, and makes savvy plays to better the ball. We saw all of that and much more as Bowen competed at GJNC.
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GJNC gave King a chance to shine on VCNebraska 15 Black’s right pin. She was an instant catalyst for the team while 15 Black was putting together an impressive showing in the 15 Freedom division. The Class of 2026 is building up plenty of optimism for the future of Lincoln-area volleyball.
Liebsack defines the role of a true six-rotation outside hitter. She’s brought everything that Premier 15 Red could ask of her, from phenomenal floor defense to lights-out scoring on the left pin. All of these strengths tie right into what made Bennington so successful as it made the state tournament last year. Liebsack will now be a key factor in mounting a charge back to Lincoln.
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Wohlgemuth has managed to take a step forward in seemingly every event she’s been a part of. She’s quickly developing into an intimidating pin hitter who made plenty of clutch swings during Nebraska ONE 15 Black’s breakout season. This surge bodes well for Wohlgemuth’s prospects of a repeat state championship with Lincoln Lutheran.
Another natural right-side hitter for the count. Peterson fits perfectly into the unique two-setter system deployed by Nebraska ONE 15 Black. She can lock down the right pin with authority and is a stout blocker on that side. And, if needed, Peterson can slide into the middle and make her presence felt there. Adaptability has clearly been a major storyline for 15 Black.
Highlights
We’re bookending with a revisit with Nebraska Pride Gold 16s. Emery helps close out what has been an incredibly versatile group of pin hitters on this feature. Her setter-hitter role has persisted with Minden and on the club side with Gold 16s. Emery dishes out a smooth offense from the setter spot before seamlessly transitioning to a frontcourt opposite for three rotations. Big stages are nothing new for Emery, and we expect to see her on a few more this fall.