Kelly Hunter is a Husker again. As a graduate assistant with the volleyball program, that is. (Sorry, her eligibility remains exhausted.)
One of the most decorated players in Nebraska's storied volleyball history, Hunter was a first-team All-American, Big Ten Setter of the Year and co-Most Outstanding Player at the NCAA Championship in 2017 to name just a few accolades the Papillion, Nebraska native accumulated during her time in Lincoln. Hunter was also a three-time captain at Nebraska and played professionally last season with Beylikduzu in Turkey.
Nebraska coach John Cook announced the news Friday.
“One of the greatest joys in coaching is having a former player come back and coach in your program,” Cook said. “Kelly has decided to finish her master’s degree and work with our program this season. Nicklin [Hames] and Nicole [Drewnick] are two of the luckiest setters in the country, as they’ll be able to train with her. Not only will Kelly be in the gym every day, she’ll also be helping us develop leaders in our program. She was one of the best captains we’ve ever had, and now after her experience being away from the program and playing professionally, she’ll have a lot of wisdom to share with our players.”
“I’m so excited to be back with Nebraska volleyball and working as a graduate assistant,” Hunter said. “It’s awesome to be a part of a program that supports their former athletes so much. I’ll be working every day with the setters at practice. I’m looking forward to a great season.”
Hames replaced Hunter in 2018 as the Huskers’ setter, earning honorable mention All-America designation from the AVCA. Drewnick joined the program in the spring and is a true freshman in 2019. She was originally committed to Nebraska as a member of the 2020 class, but reclassified to join the program a year early.
Brandon is the Managing Editor for Hail Varsity and has covered Nebraska athletics for the magazine and web since 2012, Hail Varsity’s first season on the scene. His sports writing has also been featured by Fox Sports, The Guardian and CBS Sports.
