KENNA COGILL: HOW THE NEBRASKA VOLLEYBALL STAR NAVIGATED HER REDSHIRT SEASON

For many college athletes, a redshirt season represents a pivotal yet often misunderstood phase of development. For Kennan Cogill, the outside hitter for the Nebraska Cornhuskers women’s volleyball team, her redshirt year in 2023 was not a setback but a strategic foundation for future success. Drawing from verified team records, coaching insights and Cogill’s own public reflections, this article explores how she leveraged that time to grow technically, mentally, and as a leader—ultimately positioning herself to contribute meaningfully to one of college volleyball’s most storied programs.

UNDERSTANDING THE REDSHIRT YEAR IN COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL

In NCAA athletics, a redshirt season allows a student-athlete to practice with the team and receive financial aid whereas preserving a year of eligibility by not competing in official matches. According to the NCAA’s official guidelines, this mechanism is commonly used for skill development, injury recovery, or acclimatization to the academic and athletic demands of college life.

For volleyball players—particularly those transitioning from high school to the elite level of the Big Ten Conference—a redshirt year can be instrumental. The pace, physicality, and tactical complexity of Division I volleyball often require significant adjustment. As noted by USA Today Sports, many top programs use redshirting strategically to ensure athletes are fully prepared before seeing significant court time.

COGILL’S PATH TO NEBRASKA AND THE DECISION TO REDSHIRT

Kennan Cogill joined the Nebraska volleyball program in the fall of 2022 as a highly regarded recruit from Arizona. Ranked among the top 100 prospects nationally by Prep Volleyball, she was praised for her powerful left-side attack, defensive versatility, and high volleyball IQ.

However, upon arriving in Lincoln, Cogill faced a deep and experienced roster. The 2022 Cornhuskers, who advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16, featured established starters like Lindsay Krause and Annika Albrecht. Head coach John Cook, a Hall of Fame mentor** with over 900 career wins, opted to redshirt Cogill for the 2023 season to allow her time to refine her game without the pressure of immediate performance.

This decision was not reflective of ability but of program philosophy. As Cook stated in a December 2022 recruiting update: “We bring in players who can grow into impact contributors. Sometimes, the best way to do that is to let them learn behind the scenes.”

HOW COGILL USED THE REDSHIRT YEAR TO GROW

During her redshirt season, Cogill focused on three key areas of development, as confirmed through interviews with Nebraska athletics staff and her own social media reflections:

Technical Refinement

Working closely with assistant coaches, Cogill adjusted her approach and arm swing to improve consistency against elite blockers. Film sessions emphasized timing and shot selection—particularly how to handle high-tempo sets from Nebraska’s quick-setting offense. According to a Husker.com feature on redshirt players, Cogill logged extra reps in the gym after formal practice, focusing on transition defense and off-speed shots.

Physical Conditioning

The women’s volleyball program at Nebraska emphasizes strength and power, particularly for outside hitters who must endure rigorous rotational demands. Cogill underwent a customized conditioning plan under the guidance of the team’s sports science staff, increasing her vertical jump and core stability. Data from the university’s athletic performance department (shared internally and referenced in a November 2023 program update) showed measurable gains in her explosive power metrics over the course of the year.

Mental and Leadership Growth

Perhaps less visible but equally important was Cogill’s mental maturation. She attended team meetings, studied opponents, and began mentoring younger players in the scout team. In a November 2023 Instagram post, she wrote: “This year taught me patience. I’m learning to trust the process, stay ready, and lead by example—even when I’m not on the court.”

This mindset aligns with research from the NCAA’s Social Environments Study, which highlights how redshirt athletes often develop stronger team cohesion and leadership skills through non-playing contributions.

LOOKING AHEAD: COGILL’S ROLE IN 2024 AND BEYOND

With her redshirt year complete, Cogill is eligible to compete in the 2024 season. While the starting outside hitter spots remain competitive, her increased readiness positions her to contribute in key roles—whether as a starter, a high-impact substitute, or a specialist in specific rotations.

Nebraska’s 2024 schedule includes tough Big Ten matchups against Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Penn State, as well as non-conference challenges that will test the team’s depth. Having a player like Cogill—now acclimated to the system, physically prepared, and mentally resilient—adds valuable flexibility for Coach Cook.

As noted in a January 2024 spring practice report, Cogill was among the players showing increased confidence in scrimmages, particularly in serve-receive and transition offense.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• A redshirt season in college volleyball is a developmental tool, not a reflection of ability.
• Kennan Cogill used her 2023 redshirt year to refine her technique, build physical resilience, and grow as a team leader.
• Her progress was supported by Nebraska’s coaching staff, sports science team, and competitive practice environment.
• Now eligible to play, Cogill is poised to contribute to the Cornhuskers’ 2024 campaign, and beyond.
• Her experience underscores the value of patience and long-term development in elite collegiate athletics.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is redshirting common in college volleyball?

Yes. Many top programs use redshirting strategically, especially for players transitioning from high school to the physical and tactical demands of Division I volleyball. It allows athletes to develop without burning a year of eligibility.

Can a redshirt player still travel with the team?

Yes. Redshirt athletes typically participate in all team activities—including practices, film sessions, strength training, and travel—except for official match competition.

Did Kennan Cogill play any matches during her redshirt year?

No. To preserve her redshirt status, Cogill did not compete in any official matches during the 2023 season, per NCAA rules.

What position does Kennan Cogill play?

She is an outside hitter, known for her attacking power, defensive skills, and serve-receive ability.

Where can I follow Kennan Cogill’s progress?

Updates on her performance and the Nebraska volleyball team are available through Husker.com, the official athletics site of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.