Four senior recruits signed with Nebraska on Wednesday to add to the 2027 roster, though roster limits require at least two departures to meet the NCAA maximum.
Malorie Boesiger Stabilizes the Setter Position
- Malorie Boesiger joins as an elite distributor, stabilizing the setter position with a high volleyball IQ built through extensive high-level prep experience.
- Roster compression creates intense competition for playing time, with 16 returning players vying for just 18 available scholarship spots.
New Seniors Join a Roster Facing Limits
Nebraska reloaded for 2027 with the addition of four seniors, all of whom signed with the Huskers on Wednesday, according to sports.yahoo.com. The incoming group is scheduled to enroll in January.
Nebraska currently carries 16 players on its roster, and every current player is eligible to return next season. Because the NCAA imposes a roster limit of 18, at least two players must depart before the season to stay compliant, whether through seniors exhausting their eligibility or players transferring out, sports.yahoo.com reported.
The incoming class stands among the best nationally, with PrepVolleyball and PrepDig ranking the group No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. Those initial rankings included middle blocker Kendall Omoruyi as the No. 3/2 overall prospect, but Omoruyi flipped her commitment to Texas A&M, sports.yahoo.com noted. Even without Omoruyi, the Huskers maintain a top-five class nationwide.
| Recruit | Position | Hometown | PrepVolleyball Rank | PrepDig Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaye Witherspoon | Outside Hitter | Wildwood, Missouri | No. 9 | No. 11 |
| Malorie Boesiger | Setter | Firth, Nebraska | No. 12 | No. 29 |
| Mallory Johnson | Libero / DS | Byron Center, Michigan | No. 40 | No. 23 |
| Pulelehua Laikona | Libero / DS | Gilbert, Arizona | No. 34 | No. 2 |
Evaluating the 2027 Signees
Witherspoon highlights the class as a 6-foot-3 outside hitter from Wildwood, Missouri. She earned Missouri Gatorade player of the year honors last season and collected All-American nods from AVCA, MaxPreps, and PrepVolleyball. Busboom Kelly evaluated the top recruit by stating, “Shaye is a dynamic left side with a great combination of athleticism, size, and a dynamic arm. Shaye knows how to win!”
Boesiger follows her older sister Maisie into the program, becoming the second member of her family to play for the Huskers. The 5-foot-9 setter holds eight career records at Norris and captured a Class B state championship in 2025.
Busboom Kelly assessed the local standout by saying, “Malorie has played a lot of high-level volleyball in her prep career, and it has allowed her to boast a volleyball IQ beyond her years. Malorie is the perfect fit who will add depth and stability to the setter position.”
Johnson brings defensive depth as a 5-foot-5 libero from Byron Center, Michigan. Busboom Kelly described her impact by noting, “Mallory has grown up in the gym, and she certainly plays like it. Her athleticism allows her to make some electric plays on defense, and her steady demeanor helps her as a consistent serve receiver.”
Laikona rounds out the class as a 5-foot-8 libero from Gilbert, Arizona, joining Arizona Storm club teammates Teraya Sigler and Kenna Cogill in Lincoln.
Busboom Kelly evaluated the final signee by stating, “Hua is one of those liberos you are always drawn to watching. She is equally as good as a defender and as a serve receiver. She brings a joy and energy to the court that makes others around her better.”
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