Key Highlights
- Nebraska volleyball is set to face Illinois and Minnesota in critical matches.
- Dani Busboom Kelly debuts as the new head coach of Nebraska Volleyball.
- The Huskers are off to their best start since joining the Big Ten in 2011, with a 22-0 record.
- Nebraska leads nationally in hitting percentage and opponent hitting percentage.
New Head Coach for Nebraska Volleyball
In January 2025, Dani Busboom Kelly was named the fourth head coach of the Nebraska volleyball team. She succeeds John Cook, who retired after a remarkable 25-year tenure that saw the Huskers achieve four national championships and 12 NCAA Semifinal appearances.
Background on Dani Busboom Kelly
Born in Nebraska, Busboom Kelly was a national champion player for her alma mater. She spent eight years building Louisville into a national powerhouse before taking the helm at Nebraska. Under her leadership, the Cardinals reached two NCAA Championship matches and three Semifinals.
Nebraska Volleyball’s Stellar Start
The Huskers are off to their best start since joining the Big Ten in 2011, with a perfect 22-0 record. They have recorded 13 consecutive sweeps, their most since a 17-sweep streak in 2007.
Statistical Highlights
Nebraska leads nationally in hitting percentage at .339 and ranks first in the Big Ten in opponent hitting percentage at .117. The Huskers have hit better than .300 in 13 consecutive matches, a school record in the rally-scoring era.
Near-Perfect Home Record
Nebraska has won 56 consecutive home matches, which is tied for the eighth-longest active streak in the nation. The Huskers broke their own record of 90 straight home wins from 2004 to 2009.
Sweeping Success
The team’s success extends beyond their home court. They have won all 26 NCAA Tournament matches played in the Devaney Center, a school record. Nebraska has also dominated against ranked opponents this season, going 7-0 against them and 3-0 against top-10 teams.
Upcoming Matches
The Huskers will host Illinois on Thursday at 7 p.m., followed by a trip to play Minnesota on Saturday. Both matches are critical for maintaining their perfect season record.
Opponent Analysis
Illinois is coming off a tough loss to Iowa, while Minnesota travels from Wisconsin before facing the Huskers. The Big Ten Conference remains challenging, with each match crucial in securing a spot in the NCAA Semifinals.
Nebraska’s strong start and impressive stats indicate they are well-positioned to continue their winning ways as Busboom Kelly debuts her coaching style. The upcoming matches against Illinois and Minnesota will be key in determining whether the Huskers can maintain their perfect record and secure a top-seeded position in the Big Ten Tournament.
