Nebraska 2028 Update: Can’t-Miss Athletes “Playing Up” (Pt. 2)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bring on a few more of Nebraska's "ascendant" 2028s.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our Nebraska 2028 watch list is loaded with athletes playing up an age group in the ongoing club season. We already rolled out one <a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/05/nebraska-2028-update-cant-miss-athletes-playing-up-pt-1/">feature</a> discussing these overachieving standouts, but we have room for more in Part 2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's do it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["572006"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6825259fd0eca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 16 Synergy's 2028 influence is not limited to the front row. Wallraff enters the fray at the DS spot and has played various roles for her top-tier team. She has donned the libero jersey to lead the defense and provide ever-present backcourt leadership. Wallraff can also come off the bench to fortify the back line and give 16 Synergy a stacked DS lineup. Whatever the case, this Elkhorn North standout is bound to log plenty of reps against elite competition--in Nebraska and nationwide.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["774919"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6825259fd0ffc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We have even more defensive talent lurking on the [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 16 Black roster. Paneitz is a vital part of [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 16 Black's DS rotation and can anchor any zone in any rotation. This was especially apparent at the Show Me Qualifier, where 16 Black platooned its backcourt positions to defend against a hard-hitting 16 USA division. Paneitz handled plenty of heat at that event and meshed well with her fellow passers. Her next stop is Lincoln North Star as the Navigators build momentum following a state tournament appearance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["573382"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6825259fd0f24"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] has never been afraid to mix and match classes to find the right combinations for its top teams. Bauer's towering presence makes her an ideal choice for VCN 16 Elite, a squad that has squared up with Open powerhouses throughout the year. 16 Elite allows Bauer to demonstrate her incredible range and contact point, leading to kills in front of the setter or on the slide. This Lincoln Southeast freshman also generates transition opportunities for her team with quality block touches. Bauer's complete game will remain in the Class A spotlight this fall, and her development has only just begun.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["737370"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6825259fd0f6e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bridges remains one of Nebraska's most dynamic defenders in the 2028 class. The Ashland-Greenwood star plays up with [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last=''] 16 Elite and has provided no shortage of highlight-worthy digs. Her sprawling saves keep rallies alive while also allowing 16 Elite to run its quick offense. Bridges is the kind of libero who will not hesitate to cover the "campfire" and make easy work of off-speed shots. She leapt up Nebraska's dig chart last fall and will likely do the same as a sophomore.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["746498"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6825259fd0fb7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Webster has already made a lasting impression on the Nebraska prep circuit. She starred on a freshman-laden Gretna lineup last fall, racking up triple-digit kills and helping the Dragons return to the Class B tournament. Webster also plays up a year with Premier Nebraska 16 Black and has been an exceptional addition to the lineup. She was particularly impactful at the Great Plains Region Bid Tournament, where her quickness and athleticism helped produce some clutch kills. Above all, Webster is an adaptable player who has slotted into many different lineups and positions early in her career. That will pay long-term dividends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["737378"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-682531b8cb666"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Why not include an athlete who climbed <em>two</em> age groups for this year's club season? Lightning 17-1 rolled into the Great Plains club scene as a de facto Columbus Lakeview "super team," and Mejstrik was a major part of that equation. This tremendous freshman had a huge debut with the Vikings last fall, amassing over 200 kills on a clip just shy of .300. Mejstrik's physicality and quick arm made her an ideal fit for the Lightning 17-1 frontcourt, where she has displayed terminal ability beyond her years. Expect her name to pop up on Nebraska's efficiency leaderboards later this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->