The 2024 Pro Volleyball Federation draft highlighted Nebraska’s dominance in collegiate volleyball, with Merritt Beason, a standout from the University of Nebraska, being selected as the top overall pick by the Atlanta Vibe. Beason, who transferred to Nebraska from Florida for the 2023 season, expressed her gratitude and excitement at the opportunity. With accolades such as SEC All-Freshman in 2021, All-SEC in 2022, and All-America First Team in 2022, she has been a pivotal player for Nebraska, averaging three kills per set on a .246 hitting percentage this season.
Former Nebraska players also made significant impressions during the draft. In the third round, Husker outside hitter Lindsay Krause was chosen by the Omaha Supernovas. Krause will join fellow Husker alum Ally Batenhorst, who was selected earlier in the second round. Krause, known for her contributions since her freshman year, has been a reliable performer with 2.4 kills per set on .251 hitting this season. Both players highlight the continuous pipeline of talent from Nebraska to professional leagues.
Leyla Blackwell, another Nebraska standout, was drafted by the San Diego Mojo in the fourth round. Blackwell had an illustrious career at San Diego, earning All-West Coast Conference First Team honors three times before transferring to Nebraska. Her skills as a middle blocker and her collegiate achievements contributed to her selection in the draft, further emphasizing Nebraska’s strong representation in the league.
Nebraska’s volleyball program, which is currently on a 25-match winning streak and boasts a 28-1 record, continues to produce exceptional talent that transitions well into the professional sphere. With the regular season concluding this weekend, the team’s achievements both on and off the court, including player success in the Pro Volleyball Federation draft, underscore its prominence in the sport.
Notable draft selections also included Creighton’s Norah Sis at No. 3 and Kendra Wait at No. 37, both selected by the Orlando Valkyries and Omaha Supernovas, respectively. These picks, alongside Nebraska’s strong showing, illustrate the Midwest’s dominance in collegiate volleyball talent, making this inaugural draft a landmark event for the league.
Notable Draft Picks
| Pick No. | Player Name | School | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merritt Beason | Nebraska | Outside Hitter | Atlanta Vibe |
| 3 | Norah Sis | Creighton | Outside Hitter | Orlando Valkyries |
| 15 | Ally Batenhorst | USC (formerly NE) | Outside Hitter | Omaha Supernovas |
| 19 | Lindsay Krause | Nebraska | Outside Hitter | Omaha Supernovas |
| 26 | Leyla Blackwell | Nebraska | Middle Blocker | San Diego Mojo |
| 37 | Kendra Wait | Creighton | Setter | Omaha Supernovas |
