Nebraska's Uncommitted 2026s Preparing for GJNC Spotlight

We've published plenty of 2027 chatter lately, but don't forget about the Class of 2026.   Nebraska is still loaded with uncommitted 2026s with impact potential at the next level. Few stages can exhibit that readiness better than USAV Nationals.   As America's best clubs, teams, and athletes prepare to converge on Dallas next month, we're picking out a few uncommitted 2026s ready to carry the Great Plains Region banner.    We've documented how Vavra has fortified the physicality of a new-look South Central NE 17 Black lineup. Even after a fair amount of roster changes from last year, Vavra has helped maintain 17 Black's high standards on the biggest stages. Her towering presence in the middle was a game-changer at the Show Me Qualifier as South Central NE returned to the Liberty division championship match. Keep tabs on Vavra and her small-town crew in Dallas.     South Central NE's changes and lineup shuffles have also shown us a new layer of Bauer's game. In previous seasons, we've seen Bauer's multi-dimensional impact as a middle-opposite hybrid player. However, because of this year's roster circumstances, we've seen Bauer log increasing reps on the left side. The Deshler junior has thrived under increased pressure and has also flexed her backcourt versatility. 17 Black needed its players to adapt and evolve this season, and Bauer has embodied this mindset perfectly.     Beethe adds to the list of elite athletes who have seamlessly transitioned to new club teams. This Johnson County Central standout has been on our radar for a while after lighting up the scoreboard since her freshman year. She produced over five kills per set for JCC last fall and even helped run the offense as a part-time setter. Beethe joined Premier Nebraska 17 Gold this spring and was a big part of the team's NLQ triumph to lock up an Open bid. Her presence on the right pin has solidified her status as a can't-miss 2026 prospect.     It's hard to miss any athlete representing the Papio South High School juggernaut. Larsen was part of another Titan championship run last fall, and that momentum has carried into the 2025 club campaign. Larsen joined a physical Premier 17 Gold frontcourt and squared up with the nation's best attackers across the net. She has also become a worthy transition option in front of the setter and is developing a wicked slide, too. 17 Gold will hope to recapture its NLQ magic this summer, and Larsen appears poised to answer the call.     From one state champion to another. Kuhlmann joined Lincoln Lutheran last fall and made a quick impression at the middle blocker spot. Her lateral quickness allows her to seal blocks and keep up with the fast-paced offenses across the Nebraska prep scene. Kuhlmann made another high-profile move this spring when she joined the [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 17 Black crew alongside many of her Lincoln Lutheran teammates. This has led to immediate success and a chance to hoist more trophies in Dallas.     [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 17 Black introduced several new players to its stacked lineup, and the moves have paid off in the form of a 17 American bid. Schlegelmilch is one of those new faces and provides incredible lineup flexibility for [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE']. The Lincoln East junior can score in the front row and has made exceptional progress as an out-of-system attacker. However, Schlegelmilch is also a stout middle-back defender who upgrades 17 Black's serve-receive pattern. [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] is eager to find the right combinations before next month's pressure test.     Kopf has been a year-round impact player in the back row, whether with Tri-County High School or [program_tooltip program_id='428743' first='VCNebraska' last='']. This instinctive defender has climbed the ladder with VCN to become an all-around weapon for 17 Elite. Kopf can command the end line as the libero or slot into any DS role in 17 Elite's starting rotation. GJNC awaits after 17 Elite slugged through a tough 17s bracket at the Great Plains Region Bid Tournament, and the team's Open experience should pay dividends.

We've published plenty of 2027 chatter lately, but don't forget about the Class of 2026.

Nebraska is still loaded with uncommitted 2026s with impact potential at the next level. Few stages can exhibit that readiness better than USAV Nationals.

As America's best clubs, teams, and athletes prepare to converge on Dallas next month, we're picking out a few uncommitted 2026s ready to carry the Great Plains Region banner.

Jamie Vavra

HEIGHT 6'1"

POS MB

CLASS 2026

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Jamie Vavra

State: Nebraska

Club: South Central Volleyball Club

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Payton Bauer

NE #137

RS #15

HEIGHT 5'9"

POS RS

CLASS 2026

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Payton Bauer

State: Nebraska

Club: South Central Volleyball Club

South Central NE's changes and lineup shuffles have also shown us a new layer of Bauer's game. In previous seasons, we've seen Bauer's multi-dimensional impact as a middle-opposite hybrid player. However, because of this year's roster circumstances, we've seen Bauer log increasing reps on the left side. The Deshler junior has thrived under increased pressure and has also flexed her backcourt versatility. 17 Black needed its players to adapt and evolve this season, and Bauer has embodied this mindset perfectly.