The hard-working middle crew wouldn’t be complete without Rihanek. This Lincoln North Star standout has been on our showcase stage before, landing on our radar after several well-rounded performances. We then covered her 2026 stint with Nebraska Juniors 16 Red, and Rihanek’s stock elevated further. Her favorite set is the “slow-quick” in the middle, which allows Rihanek to get on top of the ball and overpower opposing blockers. Teams committed two blockers to slowing her down but did not succeed. It’s a perfect setup for Rihanek’s continued rise ahead of Year 3 with the Navigators.

Nebraska Juniors gets on the board with one of its physical anchors along the net. Rihanek has been a frequent star for 16 Red, whether it’s in the middle or on the right. Her refined blocking technique sets her apart, but December’s Exposure Tour also revealed her explosiveness as a transition attacker. Recent venues like Show Me and the Nebraska Showdown have added to the narrative as Rihanek hopes to build on last year’s historic season with Lincoln North Star.

Stocks are soaring for Rihanek heading into 2026. Her successful club tenure with Nebraska Juniors 15 Red revealed her ability to tee off in the middle or on the right. This positional versatility is exactly what we’d expect from a Nebraska Juniors standout, but Rihanek raised the bar further at Saturday’s outing. Her strength at the net will be a future asset for Lincoln North Star.