Ten Potential Breakout Teams in Nebraska 2025 High School Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's welcome some new contenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nebraska has its share of volleyball powerhouses that seem to find the postseason more often than not. We've already discussed a few of these juggernauts that are <a href="https://prepdig.com/2025/08/ten-nebraska-teams-loading-up-for-postseason-repeat-in-2025/">raring for a repeat tournament appearance this fall</a>. This feature is looking for the next Cinderella story.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're dishing out a list of ten under-the-radar squads who could upset the status quo and make a breakout postseason appearance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Omaha Marian</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Crusaders were one match away from last year's tournament, and we know what this program can accomplish on Nebraska's biggest stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bringing back [player_tooltip player_id='458362' first='Campbell' last='Capece'] and [player_tooltip player_id='458162' first='Taylor' last='McLeay'] on the outside should boost Marian's prospects for a tournament appearance. We're also eager to see how the ball control positions materialize with players like [player_tooltip player_id='396745' first='Addison' last='Janke'] waiting for an opportunity to shine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Columbus</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class A contenders aren't limited to Lincoln and Omaha.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year was nearly Columbus's big breakthrough in the Class A circuit. The Discoverers logged an impressive 21-10 campaign while leaning on some steely frontcourt veterans. Many of those standouts depart, but the return of Lehigh commit [player_tooltip player_id='275936' first='Paighton' last='Erb'] should keep optimism high. She is joined by [player_tooltip player_id='497365' first='Carley' last='Kapels'] and [player_tooltip player_id='663305' first='Avery' last='Bloebaum'], who collectively anchored the setter spot for last year's squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Millard North</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Competing in the Millard area never gets any easier, but the Mustangs are eager to reassert their dominance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year's group looks stacked in the middle with [player_tooltip player_id='746931' first='Ruthley' last='Marin'] and Norah Todd patrolling the net. The pin positions should also look familiar with [player_tooltip player_id='518581' first='Taylor' last='Elsasser'] and [player_tooltip player_id='226172' first='Sydney' last='Rogokos'] coming back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll learn more about the Millard schools through the upcoming Battle at Buell jamboree spectacle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Gering</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a sneaky Class B pick for you.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs know how to score in bunches. Last year's heralded sophomore duo of [player_tooltip player_id='443104' first='Jacey' last='Cochran'] and [player_tooltip player_id='807959' first='Jaxie' last='John'] combined for over seven kills per set in 2024. Upperclassman status should only elevate their dominance, and they're accompanied by other returning stars in the lineup. [player_tooltip player_id='499005' first='Aubrey' last='Anderson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='814054' first='Ivy' last='Bruckner'] add to the Class of 2027 representation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Columbus Lakeview</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":488149,"width":"228px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2023/12/Rallie-Boyer.jpg?w=683" alt="" class="wp-image-488149" style="width:228px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Boyer</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Vikings are on the move.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Columbus Lakeview is jumping from Class C1 to Class B this fall, but that shouldn't quell any expectations for this consistently successful volleyball program. The Vikings bring back their top three scorers from last year with [player_tooltip player_id='298712' first='Katie' last='Rowe'], [player_tooltip player_id='809671' first='Jaelyn' last='Mejstrik'], and [player_tooltip player_id='486918' first='Rallie' last='Boyer'] locking in for another campaign. We recently saw this trio thrive on the club side with Lightning 17-1, which we dubbed the "Columbus Lakeview super team."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Guardian Angels Central Catholic</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Of course, we're only two years removed from Guardian Angels Central Catholic earning a No. 1 seed in the state tournament. After last year's absence, the Bluejays are loading up for another run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Outside hitter [player_tooltip player_id='830186' first='Bailey' last='Gerths'] had a tremendous freshman debut with 3.7 kills per set last fall. [player_tooltip player_id='809693' first='Juli' last='Ridder'] and [player_tooltip player_id='831054' first='Charlie' last='Dinslage'] have also been reliable contributors from the junior class, giving GACC more terminal weapons to wield in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Homer</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Homer was a frequent discussion topic during last fall's coverage. The Knights racked up a colossal 18-match winning streak before getting ousted by Norfolk Catholic in the district finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hard-hitting outside hitter Tori Walker departs, but other return gems can fill the void. [player_tooltip player_id='831080' first='Chayce' last='Abts'] and [player_tooltip player_id='814232' first='Janessa' last='Overgaard'] could become the new leaders for this group, and 2028 athlete Taiah Bird led last year's team in blocks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Nebraska Christian</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moving up to Class C2 will not slow Nebraska Christian's momentum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles narrowly missed out on last year's D1 postseason, but this program has all the pieces to make a tournament run regardless of class. [player_tooltip player_id='809867' first='Sheridan' last='Falk'] and [player_tooltip player_id='275965' first='Taytum' last='Perdew'] are the featured seniors for this group, and Perdew will do her share of setting from the back row. [player_tooltip player_id='809695' first='Kadeya' last='Sanborn'] added to Nebraska Christian's firepower last year, and Andeline Hunnicutt has massive breakout potential in the sophomore class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":876918,"width":"391px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/08/IMG_1183-edited.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-876918" style="width:391px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Perdew</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look out for this group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Maywood/Hayes Center</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like some of the other teams on this feature, Maywood/Hayes Center is no stranger to the pressure of postseason volleyball. The Wolves have a chance to build off a 24-8 season and take the next step back to Lincoln.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Returning attackers [player_tooltip player_id='850977' first='Karissa' last='Stengel'] and [player_tooltip player_id='499013' first='Caylie' last='Softley'] combined for six kills per set on last year's team. This duo also led the team in digs with rising senior Blayklee Farr following closely behind in the defensive tally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Dundy County-Stratton</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year's youth movement could be a good omen for Dundy County-Stratton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers got at least two kills per set from [player_tooltip player_id='809622' first='Emily' last='Schack'], [player_tooltip player_id='850982' first='Clara' last='Spargo'], and [player_tooltip player_id='810147' first='Abi' last='Spargo'], all of whom will be back this fall. Lexie Yrkowski is also an important backcourt contributor who will provide in-system options for the team's electric offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->