Setting the Standard: Bergen Reilly and the Dominance of Nebraska Volleyball
In the high-stakes world of Big Ten volleyball, the setter is the engine that drives the offense. At Nebraska, junior setter Bergen Reilly has not only mastered this role but has set a new gold standard for the conference. Following a historic 2025 campaign, Reilly has cemented her status as one of the most decorated players in the program’s history, leading the Huskers to a flawless conference run.
A Season of Historic Accolades
The 2025 season was a landmark year for both the Nebraska program and Bergen Reilly. The Huskers completed the Big Ten’s first 20-0 conference campaign since 2009, a feat that resulted in a sweep of postseason honors. Reilly was named both the Big Ten Player of the Year and Big Ten Setter of the Year.
Reilly’s achievement as Player of the Year is particularly significant. She is the first setter to earn this honor since Minnesota’s Samantha Seliger-Swenson in 2018 and only the second Nebraska player ever to win the award, joining Kelsey Robinson (2013). She is the first Husker setter to be named conference player of the year since Greichaly Cepero in 2002.
Consistency and Elite Performance
Reilly’s success is built on a foundation of remarkable consistency. She has become the second player in Big Ten history to be named Big Ten Setter of the Year three times, a distinction she shares with Wisconsin’s Sydney Hilley. Her ability to maintain this level of play is reflected in her weekly accolades, having earned 11 career Big Ten Setter of the Week awards.
Her impact is most evident in the team’s efficiency. During a key road trip in October 2025, Reilly led the top-ranked Huskers to sweeps of No. 16 Penn State and Rutgers. In the match against Penn State, she recorded 26 assists, eight digs, three blocks, two kills, and an ace, helping the team achieve a season-high .437 hitting percentage.
The Architecture of a Perfect Season
While Reilly manages the court, the team’s overall success is steered by head coach Dani Busboom Kelly. In her first year at Nebraska, Busboom Kelly led the team to a 30-0 regular-season record and a 20-0 mark in Big Ten play. She was voted the Big Ten Coach of the Year by both the media and her peers, becoming the first coach to win a Big Ten volleyball title in their first year at the school.
Reilly’s leadership at the setter position is complemented by a powerhouse roster of All-Big Ten First Team selections, including:
- Harper Murray: A three-time All-Big Ten First Team selection alongside Reilly.
- Andi Jackson: A unanimous All-Big Ten First Team selection.
- Rebekah Allick: A First Team selection who has also earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors.
Key Takeaways: Bergen Reilly’s 2025 Impact
- Dual Honors: Won both Big Ten Player of the Year and Big Ten Setter of the Year.
- Historical Milestone: First setter to win Big Ten Player of the Year since 2018.
- Consistent Excellence: Third consecutive Big Ten Setter of the Year award.
- Team Success: Led Nebraska to a 20-0 Big Ten record and a 30-0 regular season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Bergen Reilly been named Big Ten Setter of the Year?
Bergen Reilly has been named Big Ten Setter of the Year three times, making her one of only two players in conference history to achieve this feat.
Who is the current head coach of Nebraska volleyball?
The program is led by Dani Busboom Kelly, who was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year following the 2025 season.
What was Nebraska’s conference record in 2025?
Nebraska finished the 2025 Big Ten campaign with a perfect 20-0 record.
Conclusion
Bergen Reilly has evolved from a talented prospect into the definitive setter of the Big Ten. By blending elite technical skill with a winning pedigree, she has provided the stability and precision necessary for Nebraska to dominate the conference. As the program continues to build on this momentum under Coach Busboom Kelly, Reilly remains the central figure in the Huskers’ pursuit of continued excellence.