Nebraska volleyball has secured the highly coveted top pick in this year’s Pro Volleyball Federation draft, marking a significant moment for the program.
On Monday, the Atlanta Vibe made headlines by selecting standout Merritt Beason with the No. 1 overall pick. Notably, the Vibe’s head coach is none other than former Nebraska star Kayla Banwarth, adding another layer of connection to the pick.
This draft marks a pivotal milestone as it is the first of its kind for the league, following the successful inaugural season that took place earlier this year.
After trading with Indy for the No. 1 overall pick, the @AtlantaVibeVB select @HuskerVB‘s @merbson!#PVFDraft2024 pic.twitter.com/NhtBnsuwSf
— Pro Volleyball Federation (@RealProVB) November 25, 2024
News: #Huskers Senior Merritt Beason drafted #1 Overall in the @RealProVB 2024 Draft by the Atlanta Vibe!
(@1011_News, @merbson) pic.twitter.com/Y8xg69NLzE
— Chase Matteson (@ChaseMatteson) November 25, 2024
“It’s such a cool experience and such a blessing,” Beason expressed in an interview with 10/11 News. “I continue to be blown away by the opportunities that the Lord presents for me. I’m so excited to even be in that position, but also be selected at No. 1. It’s a really cool and exciting thing to be a part of.”
“It’s a really cool and exciting thing to be a part of”
– @merbson #Huskers Senior excited to be continuing her volleyball career and doing it in the fast-growing PVF League.
(@1011_News) pic.twitter.com/IyJVizwzX9— Chase Matteson (@ChaseMatteson) November 25, 2024
Merritt Beason made her way to Nebraska ahead of the 2023 season after previously honing her skills at Florida, where she earned recognition as SEC All-Freshman in 2021 and All-SEC in 2022. Her remarkable talents led her to an All-America First Team selection last year, and this season, she’s been impressive with an average of 3 kills per set and hitting at a .246 percentage.
In a thrilling third round, the Omaha Supernovas chose Husker outside hitter Lindsay Krause, who will reunite with fellow former Nebraska athlete Ally Batenhorst, drafted earlier in the second round.
With the 19th pick in the 2024 #PVFDraft, the #OmahaSupernovas select OH @lindsayykrause from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln!#NovasNation #LightItUp #GBR pic.twitter.com/Un6BKela5u
— Omaha Supernovas (@OmahaSupernovas) November 25, 2024
Krause, who was honored as a member of the Big Ten All-Freshman Team in 2021, has showcased her skills this season, participating in 21 matches and averaging 2.4 kills per set on a .251 hitting percentage.
In an exciting fourth round, Husker middle blocker Leyla Blackwell was selected by the San Diego Mojo. Blackwell had previously been a standout player at San Diego, earning All-West Coast Conference First Team honors during the three seasons she played there before transferring to Nebraska.
As of now, Nebraska boasts an impressive record of 28-1 and is currently riding a phenomenal 25-match winning streak. The regular season is set to wrap up this weekend, with matches against Penn State on Friday and Maryland on Saturday.
2024 Pro Volleyball Federation Draft Picks of Note
No. 1: Nebraska’s Merritt Beason to Atlanta Vibe
No. 3: Creighton’s Norah Sis to Orlando Valkyries
No. 15: USC’s Ally Batenhorst to Omaha Supernovas
No. 19: Nebraska’s Lindsay Krause to Omaha Supernovas
No. 26: Nebraska’s Leyla Blackwell to San Diego Mojo
No. 37: Creighton’s Kendra Wait to Omaha Supernovas
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What achievements did Merritt Beason accomplish during her volleyball career before being drafted first overall in the Pro Volleyball Federation Draft?
The recent Pro Volleyball Federation Draft saw Nebraska’s Merritt Beason make headlines as she was selected as the #1 overall pick by the Atlanta Vibe. Beason expressed her excitement in an interview, highlighting the blessings and opportunities presented to her throughout her volleyball journey. Before reaching Nebraska, she had an impressive career at Florida where she earned SEC All-Freshman honors in 2021 and was named to the All-SEC team in 2022. Beason capped her previous season with a First Team All-America selection and has maintained strong performances throughout the current season.
In addition to Beason’s notable selection, the draft also featured other former Nebraska athletes. In the third round, Lindsay Krause was picked by the Omaha Supernovas, where she will reunite with Ally Batenhorst, who was taken earlier in the second round. Krause, recognized for her contributions while at Nebraska, averaged 2.4 kills per set this season.
Further showcasing Nebraska’s talent, middle blocker Leyla Blackwell was drafted by the San Diego Mojo. Blackwell previously made her mark at San Diego before transferring, achieving All-West Coast Conference First Team honors.
As Nebraska’s volleyball team boasts an impressive record of 28-1 with a remarkable 25-match winning streak, they are gearing up for their final regular-season matches against Penn State and Maryland this weekend.
### 2024 Pro Volleyball Federation Draft Picks of Note:
– **No. 1:** Merritt Beason (Nebraska) to Atlanta Vibe
– **No. 3:** Norah Sis (Creighton) to Orlando Valkyries
– **No. 15:** Ally Batenhorst (USC) to Omaha Supernovas
– **No. 19:** Lindsay Krause (Nebraska) to Omaha Supernovas
