Maggie Brahmer and Taya Beller, two seniors on the Wayne State volleyball team, have been playing volleyball almost all their life. They both started at a young age and over the years fell in love with the sport.
Brahmer has been playing for twelve years and has given her talents to Wayne State College for six. She was originally going to play basketball, but after visiting Wayne she chose volleyball. Wayne State gave Brahmer a place to call home.
Beller has been playing volleyball since she was a little kid. Her parents introduced her to the sport, as it was a big thing in her small hometown. Beller committed to Wayne State after meeting the coaches. Head coach Scott Kneifl played a big factor in her decision. “I came to camp one year and he just helped make it feel like it was another home here”, said Beller. She also commented on the small-town feel, and as a bonus her sister played at Wayne.
These two players were a part of one of the biggest events in women’s sports history, Nebraska Volleyball Day. They both reflected on the pregame locker conversations, as nerves and tension were high. “Winning was top priority but then second was showing our pride for Wayne State and being the only state college there also was great way to represent us small colleges”, said Brahmer. She also highlighted on the amount of Wayne State fans that showed out and the reassurance the team got that the community had their backs.
In the locker room before stepping into Memorial Stadium, Beller and the team took a moment to talk about what they were experiencing. “We talked about taking it all in and allowing yourself a moment to look around and experience that and how amazing the day was”, said Beller. While it was amazing to take it all in, they also discussed that at some point they would need to lock in to play a match.
In addition to Nebraska Volleyball Day being a huge way to represent volleyball, it also represented women’s sports in general. “We set a record and just to be part of that, there is a lot of pride and a lot of just honor in our names”, said Brahmer. Brahmer also mentioned how big of an influence the event had on little girls and how it affected them in a big way.
The event brought a large amount of attention and positivity to the sport of volleyball. It showed how you don’t have to be a D1 player to receive recognition. You can compete at any level, and there will still be an audience and a large crowd supporting and cheering you on. Nebraska is such a special place for this sport. “I just think with the deep history rooted in volleyball and just Terry Pettit and all those great historic names, I think Nebraska has a great thing going for them”, said Brahmer.
Outside of the realm of volleyball, Nebraska is a great place to play sports. From the sport you play for, to the team you play for, and even to the level you play at, the fanbase in Nebraska has athletes back.
Brahmer and Beller both have role models that they look up to. Beller looks up to a former player and now assistant coach of the Wayne State volleyball program, Katie Morris. “I watched her play, and she was super competitive all the time and it just was something that really drew me to volleyball”, said Beller.
“I have always looked up to Husker volleyball and Jordan Larson specifically”, said Brahmer. Brahmer also mentioned that you can look up to anyone that inspires you, older or younger than you.
Nebraska Volleyball Day was a huge success for players, coaches, fans, and sports in general. There is no place like Nebraska to watch and support sports, especially volleyball. The day and support impacted Brahmer and Beller in immense ways, where now they can talk about their experience and how they were a part of history.