Graves already looks like the perfect addition to the Premier Nebraska 17 Black lineup. She knows what it takes to shut down elite attackers at the Open level, and the junior opposite catalyzed another Papio South championship last fall. This season-opening event offered a glimpse at Graves’ growing repertoire as an attacker, especially in first-ball situations. We’re used to seeing Graves tee off on the right side, but she worked in some middle routes and crossing patterns last weekend, too. Expect some high-volume scoring outings from this decorated athlete.

Frontcourt physicality has clearly been a major storyline in Premier Nebraska 16 Gold’s successful 2025 campaign. Graves has elevated her game this year to fortify 16 Gold’s right pin and give the team an all-around threat at the opposite position. This Papio South standout has squared up against the nation’s top attackers and has expanded her range when hitting behind the setter. Graves was an essential contributor to the team’s Open berth through the Show Me Qualifier, and she will carry her high-profile role all the way to Dallas.

There’s a lot of credit to go around for Premier Nebraska 16 Gold’s tremendous 2025 campaign, which culminated in a 16 Open bid through the Show Me Qualifier. Graves has been a game-changing force on the right side and is among Nebraska’s strongest wing blockers in the 2027 class. Aside from her defense, Graves has accelerated her development as a right-side attacker and can overpower backcourt defenders with her cross-court heat. Expect a few more highlight moments at GJNC.

Graves has maintained the right-side excellence we expect from the Papio South sophomore. This imposing opposite is one of the most natural wing blockers among Nebraska 2027s. Graves combines that with some sky-high attacks behind the setter and a ton of positive energy on the court. 16 Gold’s balance and depth took big steps forward at NIT, proving this squad can win with any lineup or personnel.

Graves is the kind of right-side hitter who can dominate at the net in multiple ways. She piled up triple-digit kills during Papio South’s 2024 championship effort, but Graves is perhaps even more impressive as a shutdown blocker. The sophomore opposite was credited with 62 blocks during the regular season–a huge total for a wing blocker. Graves’s multi-faceted onslaught will remain a focus of Premier Nebraska 16 Gold’s pursuit for another Open bid this spring.

Graves is the kind of right-side hitter who can dominate at the net in multiple ways. She piled up triple-digit kills during Papio South’s 2024 championship effort, but Graves is perhaps even more impressive as a shutdown blocker. The sophomore opposite was credited with 62 blocks during the regular season–a huge total for a wing blocker. Graves’s multi-faceted onslaught will remain a focus of Premier Nebraska 16 Gold’s pursuit for another Open bid this spring.