Road to June 15th: Nebraska 2028 Hidden Gems (Pt. 2)

Let's keep searching.   The "hidden gem" motif is perhaps even more prevalent in the Cornhusker State. Nebraska's total population can't rival many of the country's other prep volleyball hotbeds, so it might be easy to dismiss the Great Plains Region. But, as we know, Nebraska makes up for its quantity deficit with a ton of quality across the board.   So, as the Class of 2028's recruiting journey approaches, we're eager to do our part to highlight the state's lurking stars. We've already featured a handful of athletes in Part 1, but this series deserves a double dip.    We couldn't resist revisiting that Omaha Fusion roster for yet another ball control expert. McCarthy has been on our radar through her outstanding work at Prep Dig Showcase events, but her tenure with Omaha Fusion has elevated her greatness. She dons the libero jersey to become the team's undisputed serve-receive anchor. The Great Plains Region Bid Tournament offered a stellar display of McCarthy's quick feet and unmatched defensive instincts. Clutch late-season performances have yielded a USAV Nationals berth for McCarthy and her full cast of hidden gems.     Like Omaha Fusion, Nebraska Elite 16 Alpha has plenty of talent to wield across the back row. We already brought one of the team's liberos into the spotlight, and the conversation expands further after Burnett's late-season emergence. The Elkhorn North sophomore is a stable, technical libero whose platform produces perfect backspin for her setter. We've seen her shoulder various DS roles in the 16 Alpha lineup, and Burnett's range allows her to patrol any zone. A full array of passing, defense, and secondary setting was required during 16 Alpha's Open grind at this month's Salt Lake City Showdown.     McGreer can't be labeled as "under the radar" for long. Her Premier Nebraska 16 Black crew made a stark, lasting impression en route to a bid-earning triumph at the Show Me Qualifier. That run required a ton of consistency and precision at the setter spot, and this Omaha Marian prep star was there to provide it. McGreer is a natural distributor who does some of her best work in 16 Black's three-hitter rotations. Not only does this allow McGreer to feed several offensive weapons, but it also brings her right-back defense into focus. GJNC will offer further tests of McGreer's all-around mettle.     Here's another watch list athlete making waves in the Premier Nebraska gym. Premier Nebraska 16 Silver has leveraged plenty of frontcourt physicality in 2026, with Mailloux aiding the operation on the right side. This Elkhorn standout is quick off the floor and thrives on up-tempo deliveries from her setter. Mailloux combines that explosiveness with some impressive power that lit up the scoreboard at April's Show Me Qualifier. We can expect this name to find our next Class of 2028 ranked hierarchy.     Kozisek adds to the list of pin hitters due for a considerable rise in the 2028 rankings. Her team's success speaks for itself, as Kozisek participated in an extraordinary championship triumph in Show Me's 15 USA division. We were most impressed with Kozisek's willingness to do whatever VCNebraska 15 Elite needed of her. The Crete outside hitter can soar along the net or morph into a middle-back anchor as a DS. Whatever the case, Kozisek has done plenty to cement her case as a rankings-worthy athlete.     We're closing out with a pair of defensive specialists on the 17s scene. 2028s playing up a year has been a common theme of this June 15th countdown, and Pearson is another noteworthy member of the movement. She delivers all the first-contact prowess you'd need from your libero, elevating Banzai VBC 17 Power's transition offense. Pearson can also take that offense into her own hands during scramble situations. Her role with this fall's Fort Calhoun crew will be fascinating to follow.     Let's close it out in the Wild West. Rapp was one of several Western Nebraska gems who stood out as Wild West Volleyball Academy trekked eastward for the Great Plains Region Bid Tournament. This Ogallala gem climbed the age ladder to represent Wild West's top 17s crew, and Rapp promptly brought defensive range beyond her years. Her stability as a primary passer lifted WWVA to a trio of wins at the bid tournament, establishing a rural foothold against big-city foes. Rapp can now look forward to building off a historic 2025 campaign with Ogallala, and another eastward postseason trip could be on the way.

Let's keep searching.