North Platte, Neb. –June 23, 2025 – It’s the last rodeo for bullfighter Zach Call.

The Seneca, Neb. native retired from professional bullfighting after the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte June 18-21.

Call, who is 32 years old, got his start in rodeo as a youngster. In college, first at Dodge City (Kan.) Community College, then at Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Okla., he rode bulls. But he didn’t find a lot of success at it.

“I knew I wasn’t ever going to be good enough at it to go real far,” he said. He caught the attention of another Nebraska legend, bullfighter Miles Hare, who grew up in Gordon. “In a round-about way, he told me I was good at it,” so Call pursued the career.

In 2014, he got his PRCA card, and began working rodeos.

Since then, he has worked rodeos across the nation, including the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte since 2017.

Call also mixed in some freestyle bullfighting: competitions between bullfighters, (with no riders riding the bulls), judged on the bullfighter’s ability to control and maneuver around the bull. In 2016, he was the runner-up at the Bullfighters Only World Finals, and the next year, he finished third at the Finals.

Of the things he’s enjoyed about his rodeo career, it’s the people who rank at the top.

“Most of my close friends are bullfighters,” he said. “They’re like family to me.” The rodeo committees are also special to him. “They treat you like family.’

He’s also loved the travel that comes with rodeo. “It’s been cool, going from state to state, seeing everything. Honestly, it’s been like a big vacation.”

Now living in Weatherford, Texas, Call has found a new passion: reined cow horses.

He was at a snaffle bit futurity when his interest was sparked. “It got my adrenaline going in my system again,” he said. “I hadn’t gotten that excited for something in quite a while. It is something that I think I can be competitive at. It’s the route I’m taking now.”

He has been training and riding performance horses for several years in Texas.

He loves the idea of competition. “I don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t competing at something.”

Call’s decision to retire did not come easily. “I am being drawn two ways: training horses and bullfighting. I’m neglecting one or the other. It’s time for me to pursue one thing.

“I can train horses a long time. Unfortunately, bullfighting is a young man’s game.”

He chose to leave the bullfighting career while he was at the top of his game.

“I didn’t want to lose my step,” he said. “I wanted to walk away on my terms, and on good terms, too.”

Being in North Platte for his final rodeo performance was fitting, he said. It’s the closest pro rodeo to his hometown, and he was “tickled” when they hired him. It was also the first pro rodeo he attended as a child.

North Platte, Neb. –June 23, 2025 – It’s the last rodeo for bullfighter Zach Call.The Seneca, Neb. native retired from professional bullfighting after the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte June 18-21.Call, who is 32 years old, got his start in rodeo as a youngster. In college, first at Dodge City (Kan.) Community College, then at Panhandle State University in Goodwell, Okla., he rode bulls. But he didn’t find a lot of success at it.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750680169481.jpeg" alt="Zach Call works as a bullfighter in a sailor’s hat borrowed from one of the USS Nebraska sailors attending the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. The Seneca, Neb. native retired from rodeo this weekend. Photo by Don Christner." />
 <figcaption>Zach Call works as a bullfighter in a sailor’s hat borrowed from one of the USS Nebraska sailors attending the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. The Seneca, Neb. native retired from rodeo this weekend. Photo by Don Christner.</figcaption>
 </figure>“I knew I wasn’t ever going to be good enough at it to go real far,” he said. He caught the attention of another Nebraska legend, bullfighter Miles Hare, who grew up in Gordon. “In a round-about way, he told me I was good at it,” so Call pursued the career.In 2014, he got his PRCA card, and began working rodeos.Since then, he has worked rodeos across the nation, including the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte since 2017.Call also mixed in some freestyle bullfighting: competitions between bullfighters, (with no riders riding the bulls), judged on the bullfighter’s ability to control and maneuver around the bull. In 2016, he was the runner-up at the Bullfighters Only World Finals, and the next year, he finished third at the Finals.Of the things he’s enjoyed about his rodeo career, it’s the people who rank at the top.“Most of my close friends are bullfighters,” he said. “They’re like family to me.” The rodeo committees are also special to him. “They treat you like family.’He’s also loved the travel that comes with rodeo. “It’s been cool, going from state to state, seeing everything. Honestly, it’s been like a big vacation.”Now living in Weatherford, Texas, Call has found a new passion: reined cow horses.He was at a snaffle bit futurity when his interest was sparked. “It got my adrenaline going in my system again,” he said. “I hadn’t gotten that excited for something in quite a while. It is something that I think I can be competitive at. It’s the route I’m taking now.”He has been training and riding performance horses for several years in Texas.He loves the idea of competition. “I don’t know what I would do if I wasn’t competing at something.”Call’s decision to retire did not come easily. “I am being drawn two ways: training horses and bullfighting. I’m neglecting one or the other. It’s time for me to pursue one thing.“I can train horses a long time. Unfortunately, bullfighting is a young man’s game.”He chose to leave the bullfighting career while he was at the top of his game.“I didn’t want to lose my step,” he said. “I wanted to walk away on my terms, and on good terms, too.”Being in North Platte for his final rodeo performance was fitting, he said. It’s the closest pro rodeo to his hometown, and he was “tickled” when they hired him. It was also the first pro rodeo he attended as a child.Call is the son of Craig and Lori Call.

Last Call; Neb. bullfighter announces retirement from rodeo 

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — June 21, 2025 — While the College National Finals Rodeo wrapped up in Wyoming this weekend, two college rodeo athletes made a splash at the professional level in Nebraska, claiming victories during the final night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte on Saturday.

Montana State University student Piper Cordes earned her first professional win in barrel racing, clocking in at 17.32 seconds aboard her 10-year-old gelding, Fiesta. The victory was especially meaningful for the Bozeman, Montana, freshman after a challenging college rodeo season.

“It was surreal,” Cordes said. “I’m glad all the ups and downs happened because it brought me here.”

Fiesta, whose dam Rosa was a six-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier with veteran barrel racer Lisa Lockhart, thrived in the wide-open layout of North Platte’s Wild West Arena.

In the bull riding, recent Sul Ross State University graduate Gavin Mitchell of Graford, Texas, was one of just three cowboys to make a qualified ride, scoring 77.5 points on Beutler &amp; Son Rodeo’s Six Shooter. Mitchell, who holds a degree in animal science, took home more than $5,500.

“My plan A is to ride bulls, and my plan B is to make plan A work,” said Mitchell, currently ranked fourth in the PRCA permit standings.

In breakaway roping, Cedar Jandreau of Kennebec, South Dakota, claimed the title with a quick 2.5-second run—just shy of the arena record. She rode a 5-year-old gelding named Dollar, owned by her father and trained by family friend Tate Cowan. The win comes after Jandreau spent last season recovering from a car accident that left her with two broken ankles.

Nebraska was well represented in steer wrestling, where Hoyt Kraeger of Weeping Water took home top honors with a combined time of 8.2 seconds on two head. Riding a horse trained by his brother Reed, who also hazed for him during the competition, Kraeger credited his win to the support of his family and team.

“It takes a lot of help,” Kraeger said. “You can’t do it yourself, especially in steer wrestling.”

Austin Hurlburt of Norfolk, Nebraska, was named the all-around champion (tie-down roping and steer wrestling).

During Saturday’s rodeo, the 2025 Trail Boss Award was presented to Deb Cox of Mullen, Nebraska. A lifelong horse trainer and barrel racer, Cox is celebrated for her six decades of involvement in the sport and her leadership in Rodeo Bible Camps.

The Buffalo Bill Rodeo is a central feature of NebraskalandDays, which continues next week with events including a prime rib feed, pickleball tournament, and concerts featuring Luke Bryan (June 27) and Bailey Zimmerman (June 28).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750599115792.jpeg" alt="The Buffalo Bill Rodeo is Piper Cordes’ first professional rodeo win. The barrel racer is from Wall, S.D. Photo by Clay Guardipee, Rodeo Ready." />
 <figcaption>The Buffalo Bill Rodeo is Piper Cordes’ first professional rodeo win. The barrel racer is from Wall, S.D. Photo by Clay Guardipee, Rodeo Ready.</figcaption>
 </figure>By&nbsp;Ruth NicolausNORTH PLATTE, Neb. — June 21, 2025 — While the College National Finals Rodeo wrapped up in Wyoming this weekend, two college rodeo athletes made a splash at the professional level in Nebraska, claiming victories during the final night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte on Saturday.Montana State University student Piper Cordes earned her first professional win in barrel racing, clocking in at 17.32 seconds aboard her 10-year-old gelding, Fiesta. The victory was especially meaningful for the Bozeman, Montana, freshman after a challenging college rodeo season.“It was surreal,” Cordes said. “I’m glad all the ups and downs happened because it brought me here.”Fiesta, whose dam Rosa was a six-time National Finals Rodeo qualifier with veteran barrel racer Lisa Lockhart, thrived in the wide-open layout of North Platte’s Wild West Arena.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750599204187.jpeg" alt="Gavin Mitchell won the bull riding title at the 2025 Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Photo by Clay Guardipee, Rodeo Ready." />
 <figcaption>Gavin Mitchell won the bull riding title at the 2025 Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Photo by Clay Guardipee, Rodeo Ready.</figcaption>
 </figure>In the bull riding, recent Sul Ross State University graduate Gavin Mitchell of Graford, Texas, was one of just three cowboys to make a qualified ride, scoring 77.5 points on Beutler &amp; Son Rodeo’s Six Shooter. Mitchell, who holds a degree in animal science, took home more than $5,500.“My plan A is to ride bulls, and my plan B is to make plan A work,” said Mitchell, currently ranked fourth in the PRCA permit standings.In breakaway roping, Cedar Jandreau of Kennebec, South Dakota, claimed the title with a quick 2.5-second run—just shy of the arena record. She rode a 5-year-old gelding named Dollar, owned by her father and trained by family friend Tate Cowan. The win comes after Jandreau spent last season recovering from a car accident that left her with two broken ankles.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750599032772.jpeg" alt="Hoyt Kraeger, Weeping Water, Neb. is the 2025 Buffalo Bill Rodeo steer wrestling champion. Photo by Clay Guardipee, Rodeo Ready." />
 <figcaption>Hoyt Kraeger, Weeping Water, Neb. is the 2025 Buffalo Bill Rodeo steer wrestling champion. Photo by Clay Guardipee, Rodeo Ready.</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska was well represented in steer wrestling, where Hoyt Kraeger of Weeping Water took home top honors with a combined time of 8.2 seconds on two head. Riding a horse trained by his brother Reed, who also hazed for him during the competition, Kraeger credited his win to the support of his family and team.“It takes a lot of help,” Kraeger said. “You can’t do it yourself, especially in steer wrestling.”Overall event champions were:<ul>
 <li>Bareback Riding: Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas (86 points)
</li><li>Saddle Bronc Riding: Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas (84 points)
</li><li>Tie-Down Roping: Jacob Haren, Callaway, Neb. (19.5 seconds on two head)
</li><li>Team Roping: Co-champions Garrett Tonozzi, Lampasas, Texas/Conner Herren, Crooks, S.D., and Eric Martin, Aurora, Colo./Ryon Tittel, Pueblo, Colo. (6.1 seconds)
</li><li>Bull Riding: Gavin Mitchell, Graford, Texas (77.5 points)
</li>
 </ul>Austin Hurlburt of Norfolk, Nebraska, was named the all-around champion (tie-down roping and steer wrestling).During Saturday’s rodeo, the 2025 Trail Boss Award was presented to Deb Cox of Mullen, Nebraska. A lifelong horse trainer and barrel racer, Cox is celebrated for her six decades of involvement in the sport and her leadership in Rodeo Bible Camps.The Buffalo Bill Rodeo is a central feature of NebraskalandDays, which continues next week with events including a prime rib feed, pickleball tournament, and concerts featuring Luke Bryan (June 27) and Bailey Zimmerman (June 28).

College athletes among winners at Buffalo Bill Rodeo Saturday night (Overall Winners)

North Platte, Neb. (June 19, 2025) – Rocker Steiner is looking to earn himself a second Buffalo Bill Rodeo buckle.

The Weatherford, Texas bareback rider, the 2024 Buffalo Bill Rodeo bareback riding champ, took the lead in his event during the second night of the rodeo on June 19.

On his way to North Platte, however, he questioned his decision to compete in North Platte on the Beutler and Son Rodeo horse named Dodge Avenger.

When he vetted the horse, what he heard wasn’t what he wanted to hear.

“What I heard from my bronc riding buddies is the horse is real treacherous, out of line, and hard to ride, and I didn’t know that until I was about three hours into my drive today. I was expecting the worst.”

The horse’s first jump was “super hard,” Steiner said, “and jerked my riggin away from me. Somehow I picked it back up and I finished it off and I’m leading it now.

Steiner is currently ranked second in the PRCA world standings, and is on a roll, after battling through wear and tear and concussions suffered at last year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.

“I get real hot in the summer,” he said. “June, July and August are my best months, which is perfect. Last year, I think I won $40,000 in June alone. These first rodeos for the summer run, Woodward (Okla.), North Platte, and Pleasant Grove (Utah), I have a history of winning them.”

Steiner won the Woodward rodeo this year and last year; he is the 2024 Pleasant Grove champion.

He’ll hit the trail hard over the next few months, as the rodeo season heats up and there’s plenty of money to be made. His rodeo schedule includes Pleasant Grove; Nampa, Idaho; Santa Ynez, Calif.; Springdale, Ark.; Pecos, Texas; Greeley, Colo.; and Ponoka, Alberta, all by July 4.

“It’s a real cool little rodeo. It’s very country, my kind of people. Any rodeo Bennie Beutler has, I’m going. They’re great friends of ours. I love this rodeo.”

Other high scores and fast times from the morning slack and the evening competition include steer wrestler Hoyt Kraeger, Weeping Water, Neb. (3.8 seconds); tie-down roper Monty Lewis, Hereford, Texas (8.6 seconds); saddle bronc rider John Thelen, Pierre, S.D. (81.5 points) breakaway roper Jessica McMaster, Madison, Kan. (3.3 seconds); team ropers Jay Tittel, Pueblo, Colo. and Cullen Teller, Ault, Colo. (6.5 seconds); and barrel racer Alyssa Allen, Oelrichs, S.D. (17.79 seconds.) No bull rider made a qualified ride.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The third night of action at the Buffalo Bill rodeo takes place Friday, June 20 starting at 7:30 pm. The rodeo is broadcast on the Cowboy Channel app and on local radio station KODY 1240 AM.

Results, 2nd Performance and slack, June 19, 2025

North Platte, Nebraska – Buffalo Bill Rodeo

1. Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas 86 points on Dodge Avenger; 2. Waylon Bourgeois, Church Point, La. 84; 3. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Texas 83.5; 4. Owen Brouillette, St. Francisville, La. 80.&nbsp;&nbsp;

1. Hoyt Kraeger, Weeping Water, Neb. 3.8 seconds; 2. Trisyn Kalawaia, Alva, Okla. 4.1;

3. (tie) Riley Westhaver, High River, Alb., Austin Eller, Glendo, Wyo. and Marc Joiner, Wayne, Okla. 4.6 each.

1. Monty Lewis, Hereford, Texas 8.6 seconds; 2. Zane Rampey, Pryor, Okla. 9.2; 3. Hunter Herrin, Elgin, Okla. 9.6; 4. New Bruley, Willow Lake, S.D. 10.6.

1. John Thelen, Pierre, S.D. 81.5 points on Revenge; 2. Kyle Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alb. 81; 3. (tie) Tyrel Roberts, Charlie Lake, B.C. and Mitchell Story, Bayfield, Colo. 79 each.

1. Jessica McMaster, Madison, Kan. 3.3 seconds; 2. Taylor Raupe, Douglas, Kan. 3.6; no other qualified runs.

1. Jay Tittel, Pueblo, Colo./Cullen Teller, Ault, Colo. 6.5 seconds; 2. Cooper Brott, Gothenburg, Neb./Dustin Harris, O’Neill, Neb. 10.2; 3. Brayden Fillmore, Pueblo, Colo./Cody Lansing, Cortez, Colo. 16.2; 4. Gary Haynes, Orchard, Colo./Bryton Scheller, Ault, Colo. 19.7.

1. Alyssa Allen, Oelrichs, S.D. 17.79 seconds; 2. Jodi Nelson, Hartford, S.D. 17.80; 3. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla. 17.81; 4. Karson Bradley Berger, Saratoga, Wyo. 17.88.

North Platte, Neb. (June 19, 2025) – Rocker Steiner is looking to earn himself a second Buffalo Bill Rodeo buckle.The Weatherford, Texas bareback rider, the 2024 Buffalo Bill Rodeo bareback riding champ, took the lead in his event during the second night of the rodeo on June 19.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750428996299.jpeg" alt="Rocker Steiner leads the bareback riding after the second night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Photo courtesy Clay Guardipee." />
 <figcaption>Rocker Steiner leads the bareback riding after the second night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Photo courtesy Clay Guardipee.</figcaption>
 </figure>On his way to North Platte, however, he questioned his decision to compete in North Platte on the Beutler and Son Rodeo horse named Dodge Avenger.When he vetted the horse, what he heard wasn’t what he wanted to hear.“What I heard from my bronc riding buddies is the horse is real treacherous, out of line, and hard to ride, and I didn’t know that until I was about three hours into my drive today. I was expecting the worst.”But things worked out.The horse’s first jump was “super hard,” Steiner said, “and jerked my riggin away from me. Somehow I picked it back up and I finished it off and I’m leading it now.“So not a bad day.”Steiner is currently ranked second in the PRCA world standings, and is on a roll, after battling through wear and tear and concussions suffered at last year’s Wrangler National Finals Rodeo.“I get real hot in the summer,” he said. “June, July and August are my best months, which is perfect. Last year, I think I won $40,000 in June alone. These first rodeos for the summer run, Woodward (Okla.), North Platte, and Pleasant Grove (Utah), I have a history of winning them.”Steiner won the Woodward rodeo this year and last year; he is the 2024 Pleasant Grove champion.He’ll hit the trail hard over the next few months, as the rodeo season heats up and there’s plenty of money to be made. His rodeo schedule includes Pleasant Grove; Nampa, Idaho; Santa Ynez, Calif.; Springdale, Ark.; Pecos, Texas; Greeley, Colo.; and Ponoka, Alberta, all by July 4.He likes coming to North Platte.“It’s a real cool little rodeo. It’s very country, my kind of people. Any rodeo Bennie Beutler has, I’m going. They’re great friends of ours. I love this rodeo.”Other high scores and fast times from the morning slack and the evening competition include steer wrestler Hoyt Kraeger, Weeping Water, Neb. (3.8 seconds); tie-down roper Monty Lewis, Hereford, Texas (8.6 seconds); saddle bronc rider John Thelen, Pierre, S.D. (81.5 points) breakaway roper Jessica McMaster, Madison, Kan. (3.3 seconds); team ropers Jay Tittel, Pueblo, Colo. and Cullen Teller, Ault, Colo. (6.5 seconds); and barrel racer Alyssa Allen, Oelrichs, S.D. (17.79 seconds.) No bull rider made a qualified ride.&nbsp;&nbsp;The third night of action at the Buffalo Bill rodeo takes place Friday, June 20 starting at 7:30 pm. The rodeo is broadcast on the Cowboy Channel app and on local radio station KODY 1240 AM.- ### -Results, 2nd Performance and slack, June 19, 2025North Platte, Nebraska – Buffalo Bill RodeoBareback riding1. Rocker Steiner, Weatherford, Texas 86 points on Dodge Avenger; 2. Waylon Bourgeois, Church Point, La. 84; 3. Cole Franks, Clarendon, Texas 83.5; 4. Owen Brouillette, St. Francisville, La. 80.&nbsp;&nbsp;Steer wrestlingStart of the 2nd round1. Hoyt Kraeger, Weeping Water, Neb. 3.8 seconds; 2. Trisyn Kalawaia, Alva, Okla. 4.1;3. (tie) Riley Westhaver, High River, Alb., Austin Eller, Glendo, Wyo. and Marc Joiner, Wayne, Okla. 4.6 each.Tie-down ropingStart of the 2nd round1. Monty Lewis, Hereford, Texas 8.6 seconds; 2. Zane Rampey, Pryor, Okla. 9.2; 3. Hunter Herrin, Elgin, Okla. 9.6; 4. New Bruley, Willow Lake, S.D. 10.6.Saddle bronc riding1. John Thelen, Pierre, S.D. 81.5 points on Revenge; 2. Kyle Wanchuk, Sherwood Park, Alb. 81; 3. (tie) Tyrel Roberts, Charlie Lake, B.C. and Mitchell Story, Bayfield, Colo. 79 each.Breakaway roping1. Jessica McMaster, Madison, Kan. 3.3 seconds; 2. Taylor Raupe, Douglas, Kan. 3.6; no other qualified runs.Team roping1. Jay Tittel, Pueblo, Colo./Cullen Teller, Ault, Colo. 6.5 seconds; 2. Cooper Brott, Gothenburg, Neb./Dustin Harris, O’Neill, Neb. 10.2; 3. Brayden Fillmore, Pueblo, Colo./Cody Lansing, Cortez, Colo. 16.2; 4. Gary Haynes, Orchard, Colo./Bryton Scheller, Ault, Colo. 19.7.Barrel racing1. Alyssa Allen, Oelrichs, S.D. 17.79 seconds; 2. Jodi Nelson, Hartford, S.D. 17.80; 3. Emily Beisel, Weatherford, Okla. 17.81; 4. Karson Bradley Berger, Saratoga, Wyo. 17.88.Bull ridingNo qualified rides.** All results are unofficial.&nbsp;

Repeat performance; second night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo 

Story by Buffalo Bill Rodeo Communication

North Platte, Neb. (June 18, 2025) – A Colorado cowboy is in the steer wrestling lead after the first night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte.

Tait Kvistad, Hudson, Colo., had a time of 4.2 seconds during slack on June 18 to win the first round.

The 42-year-old cowboy had done his homework on the steer, asking other steer wrestlers how the animal would run.

Tagged #110, Kvistad knew the steer might “slip a horn,” when the steer’s left horn slips across the steer wrestler’s belt line and the steer gets away.

“I was just trying to stay on my feet,” Kvistad said, “get in there to the nose early, and hope for the best.”

And the best is what happened: he won the round and a check for $1653.

Kvistad isn’t too old to steer wrestle, but he’s among the upper percentile in his age bracket among wrestlers.

It’s the horses that keep him in the game.

In North Platte, he rode a seven-year-old gelding named Cactus who is “still a little green.” Kvistad started him last summer, roping on him “a bunch.”

“He’s just a good horse,” he said. “My son (Trigg, age 14), was just riding him back to the trailer. If you’re around him, you wouldn’t even know he was a bulldogging horse. He’s really broke and just an easy horse to get along with. Between me and my fiancée (Selina Wiseman), he’s one of our favorite horses.”

He trains most of the horses he rides and takes great enjoyment in that process. “That’s what keeps me going, is the training part of it,” he said, “being able to train my own and haul them, and when you get those wins on them.”&nbsp; It’s part financial, that he’s able to win money on his home-trained horses, but it’s also incentive, “motivation to get out there, keep practicing, and stay hooked even though I’m 42 years old.”

In the saddle bronc riding, the number twelve man in the PRCA world standings is leading after the first night of the rodeo.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Miami, Texas cowboy was aboard a Beutler and Son horse named Ridge Walker. “That horse, he got me worked up in the chute,” Casper said. “He’s a bugger to saddle and get my halter on.” But the ride went well, to the tune of 84 points. “He came out there to the right, was pretty danged good, so I just stayed ahead of him and did what I could.”

The busiest part of the rodeo season is about to heat up, and Casper’s schedule is evidence.

He has off tomorrow, June 19, then competes in Pleasant Grove, Utah; and Elko and Reno, Nevada before coming home to Texas for a few days. Then he’s off to Springdale, Ark., Greeley, Colo., and Pecos, Texas, all before July 1.

He’s competed at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo a few times.

“It’s been a few years since I could fit this one into my schedule,” Casper said.

“It’s nice to be back here in North Platte. I’ve got friends all around here that cowboy and raise cattle, so it’s fun to see them and hang out.”

Other leaders after the day’s slack and the evening’s competition include bareback rider Quintonn Lunsford, McCune, Kan. (77); tie-down roper JD McCuistion, Estes Park, Colo. (8.9 seconds); breakaway roper Cedar Jandreau, Kennebec, S.D. (2.5 seconds); team ropers Marty McPherson, Piedmont, S.D. and Wroper Kosel, Mobridge, S.D. (6.2 seconds); barrel racer Amy Jo Reisdorfer, Cheyenne, Wyo. (17.61 seconds) and bull rider Jad Fogelsonger, Jefferson, Colo. (76 points).

The 2026 Miss Rodeo Nebraska was crowned during tonight’s rodeo.

Brylee Thompson, Hershey, won the crown. A graduate of Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte, she will serve as ambassador and representative of pro rodeo in the Cornhusker State in 2026 and will compete in the Miss Rodeo America pageant in December 2026.

The 2025 Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska was crowned on June 17. Dakota Glasshoff, Murdock, Neb., won the title. This fall, she will be a senior at Elmwood-Murdock Public Schools.

The Buffalo Bill Rodeo continues with its second of four shows on Thursday, June 19 at 8 pm. Tickets range in price from $11 to $24 and are available online at www.NebraskalandDays.com and at the gate.

Results, 1st Performance and slack, June 18, 2025

1. Quintonn Lunsford, McCune, Kan. 77 points on Hot Rod; 2. Gauge McBride, Kearney, Neb. 76; 3. Darren Doporto, Milan, Mo. 59; 4. Stetson Bierman, Hidalgo, Ill. 57.

1. Tait Kvistad, Hudson, Colo. 4.2 seconds; 2. Aaron Vosler, Laramie, Wyo. 4.3; 3. (tie) Charlie Smith, Killdeer, N.D. and Hoyt Kraeger, Weeping Water, Neb. 4.4 each.

1. JD McCuistion, Estes Park, Colo. 8.9 seconds; 2. (tie) Macon Murphy, Keatchie, La. and Zane Kilgus, 9.1 each; 4. Austin Lawrence, Sperry, Okla. 9.4.

1. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas 84 points on Ridge Walker; 2. Jake Clark, Crane, Ore. 80.5; 3. (tie) Jake Schlattmann, Greybull,Wyo. and Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho 80 each.&nbsp;&nbsp;

1. Cedar Jandreau, Kennebec, S.D. 2.5 seconds; 2. Samantha Fulton, Miller, S.D. 3.4; 3. Ally Brennaman, Deerfield, Kan. 3.5; 4. (tie) Kayla Olson, Chadron, Neb. and Misti Brown, Valentine, Neb. 3.6 each.

1. Marty McPherson, Piedmont, S.D./Wroper Kosel, Mobridge, S.D. 6.2 seconds; 2. JB Lord, Menoken, N.D./Ed Shearer, Parshall, N.D. 11.0; 3. Corben Culley, Lawton, Iowa/Trent Vaught, Mena, Ark. 11.4; 4. Guy Howell, Belle Fourche, S.D./Logan Schliinz, Whitewood, S.D. 11.6.

1. Amy Jo Reisdorfer, Cheyenne, Wyo. 17.61; 2. Jamie Olsen, Brock, Texas 17.88; 3. Prairie Rose Robbins, Brooksville, Kan. 17.93; 4. Hadley Tate, Apache, Okla. 17.96.

1. Jad Fogelsonger, Jefferson, Colo. 76 points on No. Y72; no other qualified rides.

Story by Buffalo Bill Rodeo CommunicationNorth Platte, Neb. (June 18, 2025) – A Colorado cowboy is in the steer wrestling lead after the first night of the Buffalo Bill Rodeo in North Platte.Tait Kvistad, Hudson, Colo., had a time of 4.2 seconds during slack on June 18 to win the first round.The 42-year-old cowboy had done his homework on the steer, asking other steer wrestlers how the animal would run.Tagged #110, Kvistad knew the steer might “slip a horn,” when the steer’s left horn slips across the steer wrestler’s belt line and the steer gets away.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750333722291.jpeg" alt="Tait Kvistad, Hudson, Colo., won the first round of the steer wrestling at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Photo courtesy Clay Guardipee/Rodeo Ready Photography" />
 <figcaption>Tait Kvistad, Hudson, Colo., won the first round of the steer wrestling at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo. Photo courtesy Clay Guardipee/Rodeo Ready Photography</figcaption>
 </figure>“I was just trying to stay on my feet,” Kvistad said, “get in there to the nose early, and hope for the best.”And the best is what happened: he won the round and a check for $1653.Kvistad isn’t too old to steer wrestle, but he’s among the upper percentile in his age bracket among wrestlers.It’s the horses that keep him in the game.In North Platte, he rode a seven-year-old gelding named Cactus who is “still a little green.” Kvistad started him last summer, roping on him “a bunch.”“He’s just a good horse,” he said. “My son (Trigg, age 14), was just riding him back to the trailer. If you’re around him, you wouldn’t even know he was a bulldogging horse. He’s really broke and just an easy horse to get along with. Between me and my fiancée (Selina Wiseman), he’s one of our favorite horses.”He trains most of the horses he rides and takes great enjoyment in that process. “That’s what keeps me going, is the training part of it,” he said, “being able to train my own and haul them, and when you get those wins on them.”&nbsp; It’s part financial, that he’s able to win money on his home-trained horses, but it’s also incentive, “motivation to get out there, keep practicing, and stay hooked even though I’m 42 years old.”In the saddle bronc riding, the number twelve man in the PRCA world standings is leading after the first night of the rodeo.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Miami, Texas cowboy was aboard a Beutler and Son horse named Ridge Walker. “That horse, he got me worked up in the chute,” Casper said. “He’s a bugger to saddle and get my halter on.” But the ride went well, to the tune of 84 points. “He came out there to the right, was pretty danged good, so I just stayed ahead of him and did what I could.”The busiest part of the rodeo season is about to heat up, and Casper’s schedule is evidence.He has off tomorrow, June 19, then competes in Pleasant Grove, Utah; and Elko and Reno, Nevada before coming home to Texas for a few days. Then he’s off to Springdale, Ark., Greeley, Colo., and Pecos, Texas, all before July 1.He’s competed at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo a few times.“It’s been a few years since I could fit this one into my schedule,” Casper said.“It’s nice to be back here in North Platte. I’ve got friends all around here that cowboy and raise cattle, so it’s fun to see them and hang out.”Other leaders after the day’s slack and the evening’s competition include bareback rider Quintonn Lunsford, McCune, Kan. (77); tie-down roper JD McCuistion, Estes Park, Colo. (8.9 seconds); breakaway roper Cedar Jandreau, Kennebec, S.D. (2.5 seconds); team ropers Marty McPherson, Piedmont, S.D. and Wroper Kosel, Mobridge, S.D. (6.2 seconds); barrel racer Amy Jo Reisdorfer, Cheyenne, Wyo. (17.61 seconds) and bull rider Jad Fogelsonger, Jefferson, Colo. (76 points).The 2026 Miss Rodeo Nebraska was crowned during tonight’s rodeo.Brylee Thompson, Hershey, won the crown. A graduate of Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte, she will serve as ambassador and representative of pro rodeo in the Cornhusker State in 2026 and will compete in the Miss Rodeo America pageant in December 2026.The 2025 Miss Teen Rodeo Nebraska was crowned on June 17. Dakota Glasshoff, Murdock, Neb., won the title. This fall, she will be a senior at Elmwood-Murdock Public Schools.The Buffalo Bill Rodeo continues with its second of four shows on Thursday, June 19 at 8 pm. Tickets range in price from $11 to $24 and are available online at www.NebraskalandDays.com and at the gate.- ### -Results, 1st Performance and slack, June 18, 2025North Platte, Nebraska – Buffalo Bill RodeoBareback riding1. Quintonn Lunsford, McCune, Kan. 77 points on Hot Rod; 2. Gauge McBride, Kearney, Neb. 76; 3. Darren Doporto, Milan, Mo. 59; 4. Stetson Bierman, Hidalgo, Ill. 57.Steer wrestling1st round1. Tait Kvistad, Hudson, Colo. 4.2 seconds; 2. Aaron Vosler, Laramie, Wyo. 4.3; 3. (tie) Charlie Smith, Killdeer, N.D. and Hoyt Kraeger, Weeping Water, Neb. 4.4 each.Tie-down roping1st round1. JD McCuistion, Estes Park, Colo. 8.9 seconds; 2. (tie) Macon Murphy, Keatchie, La. and Zane Kilgus, 9.1 each; 4. Austin Lawrence, Sperry, Okla. 9.4.Saddle bronc riding1. Wyatt Casper, Miami, Texas 84 points on Ridge Walker; 2. Jake Clark, Crane, Ore. 80.5; 3. (tie) Jake Schlattmann, Greybull,Wyo. and Kade Bruno, Challis, Idaho 80 each.&nbsp;&nbsp;Breakaway roping1. Cedar Jandreau, Kennebec, S.D. 2.5 seconds; 2. Samantha Fulton, Miller, S.D. 3.4; 3. Ally Brennaman, Deerfield, Kan. 3.5; 4. (tie) Kayla Olson, Chadron, Neb. and Misti Brown, Valentine, Neb. 3.6 each.Team roping1. Marty McPherson, Piedmont, S.D./Wroper Kosel, Mobridge, S.D. 6.2 seconds; 2. JB Lord, Menoken, N.D./Ed Shearer, Parshall, N.D. 11.0; 3. Corben Culley, Lawton, Iowa/Trent Vaught, Mena, Ark. 11.4; 4. Guy Howell, Belle Fourche, S.D./Logan Schliinz, Whitewood, S.D. 11.6.Barrel racing1. Amy Jo Reisdorfer, Cheyenne, Wyo. 17.61; 2. Jamie Olsen, Brock, Texas 17.88; 3. Prairie Rose Robbins, Brooksville, Kan. 17.93; 4. Hadley Tate, Apache, Okla. 17.96.Bull riding1. Jad Fogelsonger, Jefferson, Colo. 76 points on No. Y72; no other qualified rides.** All results are unofficial.&nbsp;

First night of action at the Buffalo Bill Rodeo 

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Nebraska softball pitcher and utility player Jordyn Bahl was named a CSC first-team Academic All-American, the organization announced on Tuesday. The honor marks Bahl’s second Academic All-America award, as she grabbed second-team recognition at Oklahoma in 2023.

Bahl is the 24th Husker to earn Academic All-America honors and the fifth Husker to be named an NFCA All-American and a CSC Academic All-American in the same season. She is only the third NU softball player and first since 1986 (Lori Richins) to earn first-team honors both athletically and academically in the same year.

Bahl brought the Big Red’s Academic All-America award total to 32, which ranks first in the Big Ten and third nationally.

The Academic All-America first-team recognition adds to a long list of accolades for Bahl’s junior season. She was named the NFCA National Player of the Year, along with the Big Ten Player of the Year and Big Ten Pitcher of the year. The Papillion, Neb., native was a first-team NFCA All-American, a first-team All-Big Ten team member and an NFCA All-Mountain Region first-team honoree. She was one of three finalists for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award and the Honda Award for Softball.

In the classroom, Bahl has maintained a 3.64 cumulative grade-point average while studying human development and family sciences. She was an Academic All-Big Ten team member and has been on the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete honor roll every semester she has been at NU. 

In the circle, Bahl amassed a record of 26-8 with a 1.56 ERA. She allowed only 46 earned runs and 114 hits across 206.1 innings, while striking out 286 batters. Bahl started 34 games and grabbed eight shutouts and two saves. Her opponents averaged .156 at the plate. 

At the plate, Bahl posted a program-record .462 batting average and logged 72 runs, 78 hits and 66 RBIs. She added 23 home runs, the most in Nebraska history, along with 16 doubles and two triples to total a school-record .988 slugging percentage. She drew 27 walks and 11 hit-by-pitches and struck out only 17 times for a .555 on-base percentage.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska softball pitcher and utility player Jordyn Bahl was named a CSC first-team Academic All-American, the organization announced on Tuesday. The honor marks Bahl’s second Academic All-America award, as she grabbed second-team recognition at Oklahoma in 2023.Bahl is the 24th Husker to earn Academic All-America honors and the fifth Husker to be named an NFCA All-American and a CSC Academic All-American in the same season. She is only the third NU softball player and first since 1986 (Lori Richins) to earn first-team honors both athletically and academically in the same year.Bahl brought the Big Red’s Academic All-America award total to 32, which ranks first in the Big Ten and third nationally.The Academic All-America first-team recognition adds to a long list of accolades for Bahl’s junior season. She was named the NFCA National Player of the Year, along with the Big Ten Player of the Year and Big Ten Pitcher of the year. The Papillion, Neb., native was a first-team NFCA All-American, a first-team All-Big Ten team member and an NFCA All-Mountain Region first-team honoree. She was one of three finalists for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award and the Honda Award for Softball.In the classroom, Bahl has maintained a 3.64 cumulative grade-point average while studying human development and family sciences. She was an Academic All-Big Ten team member and has been on the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete honor roll every semester she has been at NU. In the circle, Bahl amassed a record of 26-8 with a 1.56 ERA. She allowed only 46 earned runs and 114 hits across 206.1 innings, while striking out 286 batters. Bahl started 34 games and grabbed eight shutouts and two saves. Her opponents averaged .156 at the plate. At the plate, Bahl posted a program-record .462 batting average and logged 72 runs, 78 hits and 66 RBIs. She added 23 home runs, the most in Nebraska history, along with 16 doubles and two triples to total a school-record .988 slugging percentage. She drew 27 walks and 11 hit-by-pitches and struck out only 17 times for a .555 on-base percentage.

Bahl garners First-Team Academic All-America Honors

The Nebraska women's basketball team will travel to Florida to compete in the second annual Emerald Coast Classic ahead of the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday (Nov. 24-25), Global Sports announced on Tuesday, June 17.

Nebraska, which finished 21-12 and advanced to its second consecutive NCAA Tournament, will play two games in the four-team Beach Bracket at Raider Arena on the campus of Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Fla.&nbsp;

“Our team is excited to be a part of the Emerald Coast Classic this November,” Nebraska Coach Amy Williams said. “It is great to get back in a tournament Thanksgiving week in Florida, and we are thrilled to be able to return home to Nebraska to celebrate the holiday together after we play. The teams in our side of the bracket will provide us with great challenges as we prepare for the Big Ten season ahead of us.”

Nebraska's opening-round game will come on Monday, Nov. 24, when the Huskers face off with Purdue Fort Wayne at 5 p.m. (CT). The Mastodons finished with a 27-9 record (18-2, Horizon League) and advanced to the WNIT Great 8 in 2025.

The other first-round game in the Beach Bracket will include Virginia (17-15) taking on Northwestern State (16-16) at 7:30 p.m. The Cavaliers won four of their final five games in 2024-25, including a 78-75 win over No. 8 North Carolina to close the regular season and a 20-point win over Stanford. Virginia finished 8-10 in the ACC. Northwestern State earned a trip to the first round of the 2025 WNIT after the Lady Demons went 12-8 in the Southland Conference.

The winners of the first-round battles will meet in the Beach Bracket championship game on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m. The title game will be preceded by the third-place game at 5 p.m.

The eight-team Emerald Coast Classic also includes a four-team Bay Bracket that features Mississippi State, Providence, Middle Tennessee State and Alcorn State. Bay Bracket games will follow a similar format with games at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 24 and 25.

Online tickets for the tournament will go on sale later this summer through <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.emeraldcoastclassic.com__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!AXYyY7K3o-_2bgk_9YCEVpbyEav920Gh9PoQyRvi6BYH8gecFQVZKzRi2Z38HCzePrKwus6i7tYvV90IKK1POtIZ_m4sFOw$">www.emeraldcoastclassic.com</a>. FloSports will live stream all of the games in the Emerald Coast Classic.

Emerald Coast ClassicNiceville, Fla. (Northwest Florida State College)

Beach BracketMonday, Nov. 24Nebraska (21-12) vs. Purdue Fort Wayne (27-9), 5 p.m. (CT) - FloSportsNorthwestern State (16-16) vs. Virginia (17-15), 7:30 p.m. (CT) - FloSports

Tuesday, Nov. 25Third-Place Game, 5 p.m. (CT) - FloSportsChampionship Game, 7:30 p.m. (CT) - FloSports

Bay BracketMonday, Nov. 24Middle Tennessee State (26-8) vs. Providence (13-19), 11 a.m. (CT) - FloSportsAlcorn State (14-18) vs. Mississippi State (22-12), 1:30 p.m. (CT) - FloSports

Tuesday, Nov. 25Third-Place Game, 11 a.m. (CT) - FloSportsChampionship Game, 1:30 p.m. (CT) - FloSports

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska women's basketball team will travel to Florida to compete in the second annual Emerald Coast Classic ahead of the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday (Nov. 24-25), Global Sports announced on Tuesday, June 17.Nebraska, which finished 21-12 and advanced to its second consecutive NCAA Tournament, will play two games in the four-team Beach Bracket at Raider Arena on the campus of Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Fla.&nbsp;“Our team is excited to be a part of the Emerald Coast Classic this November,” Nebraska Coach Amy Williams said. “It is great to get back in a tournament Thanksgiving week in Florida, and we are thrilled to be able to return home to Nebraska to celebrate the holiday together after we play. The teams in our side of the bracket will provide us with great challenges as we prepare for the Big Ten season ahead of us.”Nebraska's opening-round game will come on Monday, Nov. 24, when the Huskers face off with Purdue Fort Wayne at 5 p.m. (CT). The Mastodons finished with a 27-9 record (18-2, Horizon League) and advanced to the WNIT Great 8 in 2025.The other first-round game in the Beach Bracket will include Virginia (17-15) taking on Northwestern State (16-16) at 7:30 p.m. The Cavaliers won four of their final five games in 2024-25, including a 78-75 win over No. 8 North Carolina to close the regular season and a 20-point win over Stanford. Virginia finished 8-10 in the ACC. Northwestern State earned a trip to the first round of the 2025 WNIT after the Lady Demons went 12-8 in the Southland Conference.The winners of the first-round battles will meet in the Beach Bracket championship game on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m. The title game will be preceded by the third-place game at 5 p.m.The eight-team Emerald Coast Classic also includes a four-team Bay Bracket that features Mississippi State, Providence, Middle Tennessee State and Alcorn State. Bay Bracket games will follow a similar format with games at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 24 and 25.Online tickets for the tournament will go on sale later this summer through <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.emeraldcoastclassic.com__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!AXYyY7K3o-_2bgk_9YCEVpbyEav920Gh9PoQyRvi6BYH8gecFQVZKzRi2Z38HCzePrKwus6i7tYvV90IKK1POtIZ_m4sFOw$">www.emeraldcoastclassic.com</a>. FloSports will live stream all of the games in the Emerald Coast Classic.Emerald Coast ClassicNiceville, Fla. (Northwest Florida State College)Beach BracketMonday, Nov. 24Nebraska (21-12) vs. Purdue Fort Wayne (27-9), 5 p.m. (CT) - FloSportsNorthwestern State (16-16) vs. Virginia (17-15), 7:30 p.m. (CT) - FloSportsTuesday, Nov. 25Third-Place Game, 5 p.m. (CT) - FloSportsChampionship Game, 7:30 p.m. (CT) - FloSportsBay BracketMonday, Nov. 24Middle Tennessee State (26-8) vs. Providence (13-19), 11 a.m. (CT) - FloSportsAlcorn State (14-18) vs. Mississippi State (22-12), 1:30 p.m. (CT) - FloSportsTuesday, Nov. 25Third-Place Game, 11 a.m. (CT) - FloSportsChampionship Game, 1:30 p.m. (CT) - FloSports

Huskers plan Thanksgiving trip to Florida for Emerald Coast Classic

The Nebraska women’s tennis team continues to build its 2025-26 roster with the addition of transfer Catherine Gagnon. After spending two seasons at Washington, Gagnon joins the Big Red with success as part of a ranked doubles duo in her time with the No. 18 Huskies.

“I am super excited to add Catherine to the Husker family,” Dalmagro said. “During our conversations, her enthusiasm and great energy made me feel great about having her on the team. She has big goals and wants to be a part of our culture here in Nebraska. She will be a great addition and fit for our program and what we are trying to build. She’s a hard worker, very competitive and an even better person. She is also a very positive person, a great teammate and will represent Nebraska the right way. I look forward to working with her and seeing her compete and grow on and off the courts.”

Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Gagnon has earned ITA All-Academic in both of her collegiate seasons, as well as an Academic All-Big Ten selection in 2025. She currently holds UTR rankings of 9.65 in singles and 10.00 in doubles. Outside of her college career, Gagnon was the 2022 U16 Canadian Jr. Nationals Doubles Champ and a 2023 U18 Canadian Jr. Nationals Singles &amp; Doubles Finalist. In 2024, she made the doubles semifinals at both the W35 Saskatoon and W75 Granby tournaments.

“I chose Nebraska because from the beginning, I felt like more than just an athlete—I felt truly valued,” Gagnon said. “The coaches believe in me, the support extends far beyond the court and there's a deep sense of community. I know this experience will foster my growth, while ensuring I feel supported at every turn.“

In her freshman season in Seattle, Gagnon went 7-5 in doubles partnered with Melissa Sakar. The pair was ranked by ITA as high as No. 72 and collected victories over No. 36 Piper/Fry (USC) and No. 66 Vagramov/Guichard (UCLA). She also went 6-3 in singles in the 2024-25 season, as she only competed in the fall.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska women’s tennis team continues to build its 2025-26 roster with the addition of transfer Catherine Gagnon. After spending two seasons at Washington, Gagnon joins the Big Red with success as part of a ranked doubles duo in her time with the No. 18 Huskies.“I am super excited to add Catherine to the Husker family,” Dalmagro said. “During our conversations, her enthusiasm and great energy made me feel great about having her on the team. She has big goals and wants to be a part of our culture here in Nebraska. She will be a great addition and fit for our program and what we are trying to build. She’s a hard worker, very competitive and an even better person. She is also a very positive person, a great teammate and will represent Nebraska the right way. I look forward to working with her and seeing her compete and grow on and off the courts.”Originally from Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Gagnon has earned ITA All-Academic in both of her collegiate seasons, as well as an Academic All-Big Ten selection in 2025. She currently holds UTR rankings of 9.65 in singles and 10.00 in doubles. Outside of her college career, Gagnon was the 2022 U16 Canadian Jr. Nationals Doubles Champ and a 2023 U18 Canadian Jr. Nationals Singles &amp; Doubles Finalist. In 2024, she made the doubles semifinals at both the W35 Saskatoon and W75 Granby tournaments.“I chose Nebraska because from the beginning, I felt like more than just an athlete—I felt truly valued,” Gagnon said. “The coaches believe in me, the support extends far beyond the court and there's a deep sense of community. I know this experience will foster my growth, while ensuring I feel supported at every turn.“In her freshman season in Seattle, Gagnon went 7-5 in doubles partnered with Melissa Sakar. The pair was ranked by ITA as high as No. 72 and collected victories over No. 36 Piper/Fry (USC) and No. 66 Vagramov/Guichard (UCLA). She also went 6-3 in singles in the 2024-25 season, as she only competed in the fall.

Huskers sign transfer Catherine Gagnon

Story by NU Athletic Communication

Former Nebraska All-American libero Lexi Rodriguez is one of 14 players on the U.S. Women's National Team roster for week two of the Volleyball Nations League this week.&nbsp;

Rodriguez is making her VNL debut, though she competed for the senior national team at the 2024 Pan American Cup.&nbsp;

The VNL brings together the world’s top 18 teams for three action-packed weeks of preliminary play, with each team competing in four matches per week. Only the top eight teams will earn a spot in the Final Round, where a VNL title will be on the line.

The U.S. went 1-3 in the first week of competition and sits in 13th place. They begin week two against Serbia on Wednesday at 1 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;

The U.S. Women are the reigning Olympic silver medalists and ranked No. 3 in the world. They have won the VNL three times (2018, 2019, 2021) since its inception in 2018. In 2024, they lost in the quarterfinals to eventual Olympic champion Italy.

U.S. Women’s Week Two Roster for 2025 VNL

No. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)6&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/morgan-hentz/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi1LYq6z1Q$">Morgan Hentz</a>&nbsp;(L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford Univ., Pioneer)

7&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/lexi-rodriguez/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi3xWcSrFg$">Lexi Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;(L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska, Great Lakes)

8&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/brionne-butler/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi0zoWmMDA$">Brionne Butler</a>&nbsp;(MB, 6-4, Kendleton, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)

9&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://texassports.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/madisen-skinner/13357__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi2LxtllWQ$">Madisen Skinner</a>&nbsp;(OH, 6-2, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky and Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)

13&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.lovb.com/athletes/amber-igiede__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi2ThEOkGw$">Amber Igiede</a>&nbsp;(MB, 6-3, Baton Rouge, La., Univ. of Hawaii, Delta)

16&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://uwbadgers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/dana-rettke/9803__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi04MEwbQQ$">Dana Rettke</a>&nbsp;(MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)21&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/roni-jones-perry/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi1x5ipcAg$">Roni Jones-Perry</a>&nbsp;(OH, 6-0, West Jordan, Utah, BYU, Intermountain)

22&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://uwbadgers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/sarah-franklin/13117__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi2XBlmN2Q$">Sarah Franklin</a>&nbsp;(OH, 6-4, Lake Worth, Fla., Univ. of Wisconsin, Florida)

24&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/olivia-babcock/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi0wFwGv2Q$">Olivia Babcock</a>&nbsp;(Opp, 6-4, Los Angeles, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)

27&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://gohuskies.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/ella-may-powell/14505__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi28py6KTw$">Ella Powell</a>&nbsp;(S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Univ. of Washington, Delta)

28&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/logan-lednicky/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi3cjADTEw$">Logan Lednicky</a>&nbsp;(Opp, 6-3, Sugar Land, Texas, Univ. of Texas A&amp;M, Lone Star)

29&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/molly-mccage/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi2Tk7U9Yw$">Molly McCage</a>&nbsp;(MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)

32&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/saige-kaahaaina-torres/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi3LNir4hA$">Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres</a>&nbsp;(S, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)

33&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/logan-eggleston/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi0Xms3c_w$">Logan Eggleston</a>&nbsp;(OH, 6-2, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)

15&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/rachel-fairbanks/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi29RTXiBA$">Rachel Fairbanks</a>&nbsp;(S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)

Second Assistant Coach: Brandon Taliaferro

Second Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-Park

Team Doctors:&nbsp; William Briner, James Suchy, Chris Lee, Andrew Gregory

Physical Trainers: Shawn Hueglin, Shannon Boone

Mental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker, Katy Stanfill

Week 2 Schedule: Belgrade, Serbia (all times CDT)

Matches will be shown on VBTV, Big Ten Network and/or CBS Sports Network. Please check listings for BTN and CBSN.

June 18 at 1 p.m. vs. SerbiaJune 19 at 9:30 a.m. vs. PolandJune 21 at 9:30 a.m. vs. NetherlandsJune 22 at 9:30 a.m. vs. France

Week 1 Results: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

June 4 Italy def. USA, 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 30-28)

June 5 Brazil def. USA, 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-19)

June 6 Czechia def. USA, 3-2 (23-25, 20-25, 25-17, 25-20, 27-25)

June 8 USA def Korea, 3-0 (25-13, 28-26, 25-17)

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationFormer Nebraska All-American libero Lexi Rodriguez is one of 14 players on the U.S. Women's National Team roster for week two of the Volleyball Nations League this week.&nbsp;Rodriguez is making her VNL debut, though she competed for the senior national team at the 2024 Pan American Cup.&nbsp;The VNL brings together the world’s top 18 teams for three action-packed weeks of preliminary play, with each team competing in four matches per week. Only the top eight teams will earn a spot in the Final Round, where a VNL title will be on the line.The U.S. went 1-3 in the first week of competition and sits in 13th place. They begin week two against Serbia on Wednesday at 1 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;The U.S. Women are the reigning Olympic silver medalists and ranked No. 3 in the world. They have won the VNL three times (2018, 2019, 2021) since its inception in 2018. In 2024, they lost in the quarterfinals to eventual Olympic champion Italy.U.S. Women’s Week Two Roster for 2025 VNLNo. Name (Pos., Ht., Hometown, College, USAV Region)6&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/morgan-hentz/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi1LYq6z1Q$">Morgan Hentz</a>&nbsp;(L, 5-9, Lakeside Park, Ky., Stanford Univ., Pioneer)7&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/lexi-rodriguez/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi3xWcSrFg$">Lexi Rodriguez</a>&nbsp;(L, 5-5, Sterling, Ill., Univ. of Nebraska, Great Lakes)8&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/brionne-butler/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi0zoWmMDA$">Brionne Butler</a>&nbsp;(MB, 6-4, Kendleton, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)9&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://texassports.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/madisen-skinner/13357__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi2LxtllWQ$">Madisen Skinner</a>&nbsp;(OH, 6-2, Katy, Texas, Univ. of Kentucky and Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)13&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.lovb.com/athletes/amber-igiede__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi2ThEOkGw$">Amber Igiede</a>&nbsp;(MB, 6-3, Baton Rouge, La., Univ. of Hawaii, Delta)16&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://uwbadgers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/dana-rettke/9803__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi04MEwbQQ$">Dana Rettke</a>&nbsp;(MB, 6-8, Riverside, Ill., Univ. of Wisconsin, Great Lakes)21&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/roni-jones-perry/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi1x5ipcAg$">Roni Jones-Perry</a>&nbsp;(OH, 6-0, West Jordan, Utah, BYU, Intermountain)22&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://uwbadgers.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/sarah-franklin/13117__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi2XBlmN2Q$">Sarah Franklin</a>&nbsp;(OH, 6-4, Lake Worth, Fla., Univ. of Wisconsin, Florida)24&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/olivia-babcock/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi0wFwGv2Q$">Olivia Babcock</a>&nbsp;(Opp, 6-4, Los Angeles, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)27&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://gohuskies.com/sports/womens-volleyball/roster/ella-may-powell/14505__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi28py6KTw$">Ella Powell</a>&nbsp;(S, 6-0, Fayetteville, Ark., Univ. of Washington, Delta)28&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/logan-lednicky/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi3cjADTEw$">Logan Lednicky</a>&nbsp;(Opp, 6-3, Sugar Land, Texas, Univ. of Texas A&amp;M, Lone Star)29&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/molly-mccage/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi2Tk7U9Yw$">Molly McCage</a>&nbsp;(MB, 6-3, Spring, Texas, Univ. of Texas, Lone Star)32&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/saige-kaahaaina-torres/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi3LNir4hA$">Saige Ka’aha’aina-Torres</a>&nbsp;(S, Honolulu, Hawaii, Univ. of Texas, Aloha)33&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/logan-eggleston/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi0Xms3c_w$">Logan Eggleston</a>&nbsp;(OH, 6-2, Brentwood, Tenn., Univ. of Texas, Southern)Reserve15&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://usavolleyball.org/athlete/rachel-fairbanks/__;!!PvXuogZ4sRB2p-tU!FhxBo0vR9MDx8K7z3u72ynVxObolWC6NUSWGmnUedwoVADqxBBhcXIHhl2kVLr3bk9ODh4YwxaZsXDoYCTL-zi29RTXiBA$">Rachel Fairbanks</a>&nbsp;(S, 6-0, Tustin, Calif., Pitt, Southern California)CoachesHead Coach:&nbsp; Erik SullivanAssistant Coach: Mike WallSecond Assistant Coach: Brandon TaliaferroSecond Assistant Coach: Tayyiba Haneef-ParkSecond Assistant Coach: Joe TrinseyTeam Manager: Rob BrowningTeam Doctors:&nbsp; William Briner, James Suchy, Chris Lee, Andrew GregoryPhysiotherapist: Kara KessansPhysical Trainers: Shawn Hueglin, Shannon BooneMental Performance Coach: Andrea Becker, Katy StanfillPerformance Analyst:&nbsp;Virginia PhamWeek 2 Schedule: Belgrade, Serbia (all times CDT)Matches will be shown on VBTV, Big Ten Network and/or CBS Sports Network. Please check listings for BTN and CBSN.June 18 at 1 p.m. vs. SerbiaJune 19 at 9:30 a.m. vs. PolandJune 21 at 9:30 a.m. vs. NetherlandsJune 22 at 9:30 a.m. vs. FranceWeek 1 Results: Rio de Janeiro, BrazilJune 4 Italy def. USA, 3-0 (25-13, 25-13, 30-28)June 5 Brazil def. USA, 3-0 (25-18, 25-17, 25-19)June 6 Czechia def. USA, 3-2 (23-25, 20-25, 25-17, 25-20, 27-25)June 8 USA def Korea, 3-0 (25-13, 28-26, 25-17)

Rodriguez selected to U.S. National Team VNL roster

The Nebraska softball team has added talented outfielder Hannah Coor to its roster for next season. Coor, who spent the previous four years at Oklahoma, will have one season of eligibility with the Cornhuskers.

A three-time national champion at Oklahoma, Coor played in 152 games with 25 starts in her Sooner career. She collected 31 hits in 111 at bats for a .279 career average with six doubles, three homers and 23 RBIs. Defensively, Coor was a standout outfielder with a 1.000 fielding percentage.

“We believe Hannah Coor is one of the best defenders in the country at her position. Offensively, she will add speed and power to our lineup,” head coach Rhonda Revelle said. “We are ecstatic that she said ‘yes’ to the Red Team. Her impact will be immediate and often, and we cannot wait to get this competitor in the scarlet and cream.”

Coor was primarily a pinch runner as a freshman in 2022. She scored 19 runs and had six stolen bases while drawing four walks in six plate appearances. In 2023, an injury limited Coor to just four games as she was awarded a medical hardship for the lost season. As a sophomore in 2024, Coor was one of four primary outfielders on an Oklahoma team that won its fourth straight national title. She started two games in 2024 and produced eight hits, including two doubles and one home run.

A native of Yorba Linda, California, Coor played in 45 games with 23 starts as a junior in 2025. She hit .329 with four doubles, two home runs and 15 RBIs. Coor made a big impact with her bat in Oklahoma’s three-game sweep of No. 15 Mississippi State, homering twice in the series. Defensively, Coor made numerous highlight plays throughout the season, including a momentum-shifting double play against Tennessee in the Women’s College World Series.

Coor is the second transfer to join Nebraska this summer along with former UNLV catcher Jesse Farrell. The Huskers lost only two starters from last season’s team which came within one victory of a trip to the Women’s College World Series and ended the year with a No. 13 national ranking.

Story by NU Athletic Communications<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/6/1750160205074.png" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>The Nebraska softball team has added talented outfielder Hannah Coor to its roster for next season. Coor, who spent the previous four years at Oklahoma, will have one season of eligibility with the Cornhuskers.A three-time national champion at Oklahoma, Coor played in 152 games with 25 starts in her Sooner career. She collected 31 hits in 111 at bats for a .279 career average with six doubles, three homers and 23 RBIs. Defensively, Coor was a standout outfielder with a 1.000 fielding percentage.“We believe Hannah Coor is one of the best defenders in the country at her position. Offensively, she will add speed and power to our lineup,” head coach Rhonda Revelle said. “We are ecstatic that she said ‘yes’ to the Red Team. Her impact will be immediate and often, and we cannot wait to get this competitor in the scarlet and cream.”Coor was primarily a pinch runner as a freshman in 2022. She scored 19 runs and had six stolen bases while drawing four walks in six plate appearances. In 2023, an injury limited Coor to just four games as she was awarded a medical hardship for the lost season. As a sophomore in 2024, Coor was one of four primary outfielders on an Oklahoma team that won its fourth straight national title. She started two games in 2024 and produced eight hits, including two doubles and one home run.A native of Yorba Linda, California, Coor played in 45 games with 23 starts as a junior in 2025. She hit .329 with four doubles, two home runs and 15 RBIs. Coor made a big impact with her bat in Oklahoma’s three-game sweep of No. 15 Mississippi State, homering twice in the series. Defensively, Coor made numerous highlight plays throughout the season, including a momentum-shifting double play against Tennessee in the Women’s College World Series.Coor is the second transfer to join Nebraska this summer along with former UNLV catcher Jesse Farrell. The Huskers lost only two starters from last season’s team which came within one victory of a trip to the Women’s College World Series and ended the year with a No. 13 national ranking.

Hannah Coor joins Huskers for final season

The Nebraska softball team grabbed its first transfer portal addition on Monday, as former UNLV catcher Jesse Farrell joined the 2025-26 roster.&nbsp;

Farrell, a Henderson, Nev., native, played two years with the Rebels and was a NFCA All-West Region second-team selection as a freshman and a second-team All-Mountain West member as a sophomore. She was also one of 25 finalists for national freshman of the year in 2024.

Farrell played in 100 games and started 99 in her two seasons at UNLV. The catcher owns a .338 batting average in her career, including 26 doubles, three triples, 19 home runs, 72 runs scored and 74 RBIs on 100 hits. She has posted an OPS of 1.060 and has drawn 44 walks in two years. On the fielding side, Farrell has logged 221 putouts and 139 assists.&nbsp;

In 2025, Farrell amassed 39 runs, 48 hits and 28 RBIs on a .318 batting average. She added eight home runs, 14 doubles and two triples, along with 23 walks. As a catcher, she owns a .964 career fielding percentage and has thrown out 35 percent of base stealers.

Prior to UNLV, Farrell helped Liberty High School to the state tournament and played club ball for the Corona Angels.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska softball team grabbed its first transfer portal addition on Monday, as former UNLV catcher Jesse Farrell joined the 2025-26 roster.&nbsp;Farrell, a Henderson, Nev., native, played two years with the Rebels and was a NFCA All-West Region second-team selection as a freshman and a second-team All-Mountain West member as a sophomore. She was also one of 25 finalists for national freshman of the year in 2024.Farrell played in 100 games and started 99 in her two seasons at UNLV. The catcher owns a .338 batting average in her career, including 26 doubles, three triples, 19 home runs, 72 runs scored and 74 RBIs on 100 hits. She has posted an OPS of 1.060 and has drawn 44 walks in two years. On the fielding side, Farrell has logged 221 putouts and 139 assists.&nbsp;In 2025, Farrell amassed 39 runs, 48 hits and 28 RBIs on a .318 batting average. She added eight home runs, 14 doubles and two triples, along with 23 walks. As a catcher, she owns a .964 career fielding percentage and has thrown out 35 percent of base stealers.Prior to UNLV, Farrell helped Liberty High School to the state tournament and played club ball for the Corona Angels.

Huskers ink Catcher Jesse Farrell

One of the top young golfers at Illinois State as a freshman in 2024-25, Jessica Jolly announced her decision to follow former Redbird Head Coach Breanne Hall to Nebraska on Monday, June 9.

"I am excited to welcome Jessica Jolly to the Husker Golf family," Hall said. "Jessica had an impressive freshman year and has proven herself as a dedicated, resilient and driven student-athlete. Her commitment to improvement and her love for the game make her an incredible addition to our program. I'm looking forward to watching her grow and thrive over the next three years at the University of Nebraska."

Jolly, a native of Rockford, Michigan, competed in all 33 team rounds for the Missouri Valley Conference champions at Illinois State a year ago. She earned four top-10 individual finishes on her way to a spot on the All-Missouri Valley Conference team. She finished with a 75.36 stroke average on the season, including a season-best 69 in the second round of the Sea Best Intercollegiate (Jan. 27). She added six rounds of 70 and a round of 71 during the season.

Jolly opened her collegiate career by tying for fourth individually at Illinois State's season-opening Redbird Invitational at the Weibring Golf Club in Normal, Ill. (Sept. 8-9). Jolly fired a 215 (-1) with rounds of 73, 70 and 72 on the 6,093-yard layout.

She added her second top-10 finish by tying for ninth with a career-best 210 (-6) in The Clash at Boulder Creek in Boulder City, Nev. (Oct. 20-22). Jolly posted three consecutive rounds of 70 (-2) on a 6,334-yard layout at the Boulder Creek Golf Club to lead the Redbirds.

Jolly opened the spring with a tie for ninth at 216 (-1) at the Sea Best Intercollegiate in Jacksonville, Fla. (Jan. 27-28). Her effort included a career-best 69 (-3) in the second round on a 6,084-yard layout at the San Jose Country Club.

She earned her third consecutive top-10 finish and fourth of the season with a tie for eighth with a 218 (+2) at the Columbia Classic in Viera, Fla. (Feb. 8-9). She carded rounds of 70 (-2) around a second-round 78 on a 6,293-yard layout at the Duran Golf Club.

Jolly produced her fifth top-20 finish of the year by tying for 17th with a 228 (+12) at the Missouri Valley Conference Championship at the Annbriar Golf Course in Waterloo, Iowa (April 13-15). Her opening-round 72 counted toward Illinois State's title-winning team score to help the Redbirds advance to NCAA Regional play.

She capped her freshman campaign by tying for 62nd with a 237 (+21) at the NCAA Columbus Regional (May 5-7). Jolly's final-round 75 (+3) led the Redbirds on the final day of regional competition. She opened with a 77 (+5), before battling her way to an 85 in a rain-soaked second round at the Scarlet Course.

A four-time all-state selection during her four years at Rockford High School in Michigan, Jolly was also a first-team All-State Super Team member in 2022 and 2023. She tied a course record at the 2022 MHSAA Regionals with an eight-under 64. She also set a course record at Pigeon Creek with a six-under 29 over nine holes during a conference match.

Jolly made the cut and advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Michigan Women's Amateur and was the 2023 Golf Association of Michigan Junior Kickoff Champion. During the summer, she qualified for the 2023 U.S. Girls Junior Championship. She tied for seventh during the stroke play portion of the 2023 Women's Western Junior, and advanced to the final 16 during the match-play portion of the event.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsOne of the top young golfers at Illinois State as a freshman in 2024-25, Jessica Jolly announced her decision to follow former Redbird Head Coach Breanne Hall to Nebraska on Monday, June 9."I am excited to welcome Jessica Jolly to the Husker Golf family," Hall said. "Jessica had an impressive freshman year and has proven herself as a dedicated, resilient and driven student-athlete. Her commitment to improvement and her love for the game make her an incredible addition to our program. I'm looking forward to watching her grow and thrive over the next three years at the University of Nebraska."Jolly, a native of Rockford, Michigan, competed in all 33 team rounds for the Missouri Valley Conference champions at Illinois State a year ago. She earned four top-10 individual finishes on her way to a spot on the All-Missouri Valley Conference team. She finished with a 75.36 stroke average on the season, including a season-best 69 in the second round of the Sea Best Intercollegiate (Jan. 27). She added six rounds of 70 and a round of 71 during the season.Jolly opened her collegiate career by tying for fourth individually at Illinois State's season-opening Redbird Invitational at the Weibring Golf Club in Normal, Ill. (Sept. 8-9). Jolly fired a 215 (-1) with rounds of 73, 70 and 72 on the 6,093-yard layout.She added her second top-10 finish by tying for ninth with a career-best 210 (-6) in The Clash at Boulder Creek in Boulder City, Nev. (Oct. 20-22). Jolly posted three consecutive rounds of 70 (-2) on a 6,334-yard layout at the Boulder Creek Golf Club to lead the Redbirds.Jolly opened the spring with a tie for ninth at 216 (-1) at the Sea Best Intercollegiate in Jacksonville, Fla. (Jan. 27-28). Her effort included a career-best 69 (-3) in the second round on a 6,084-yard layout at the San Jose Country Club.She earned her third consecutive top-10 finish and fourth of the season with a tie for eighth with a 218 (+2) at the Columbia Classic in Viera, Fla. (Feb. 8-9). She carded rounds of 70 (-2) around a second-round 78 on a 6,293-yard layout at the Duran Golf Club.Jolly produced her fifth top-20 finish of the year by tying for 17th with a 228 (+12) at the Missouri Valley Conference Championship at the Annbriar Golf Course in Waterloo, Iowa (April 13-15). Her opening-round 72 counted toward Illinois State's title-winning team score to help the Redbirds advance to NCAA Regional play.She capped her freshman campaign by tying for 62nd with a 237 (+21) at the NCAA Columbus Regional (May 5-7). Jolly's final-round 75 (+3) led the Redbirds on the final day of regional competition. She opened with a 77 (+5), before battling her way to an 85 in a rain-soaked second round at the Scarlet Course.A four-time all-state selection during her four years at Rockford High School in Michigan, Jolly was also a first-team All-State Super Team member in 2022 and 2023. She tied a course record at the 2022 MHSAA Regionals with an eight-under 64. She also set a course record at Pigeon Creek with a six-under 29 over nine holes during a conference match.Jolly made the cut and advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Michigan Women's Amateur and was the 2023 Golf Association of Michigan Junior Kickoff Champion. During the summer, she qualified for the 2023 U.S. Girls Junior Championship. She tied for seventh during the stroke play portion of the 2023 Women's Western Junior, and advanced to the final 16 during the match-play portion of the event.

Jolly joins Husker Women's Golf Program

Nebraska softball incoming freshman Alexis Jensen was tabbed the Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year for the second consecutive year.&nbsp;

Jensen helped lead Gretna High School to an undefeated record and a 2024 Class A State Championship. Jensen was a member of the Nebraska All-State team in 2023 and 2024, along with being named a three-time Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska selection and two-time captain. Jensen joined Peaches James, Molly Hill, Ashley Hagemann and Jordyn Bahl as the fifth Husker to be a two-time All-Nebraska captain. Over the course of her career, Jensen was part of Gretna’s 2024 state championship team and three district title teams.

In 2024, Jensen posted a 0.29 ERA and a 20-0 record, while striking out 234 batters and allowing only 10 walks. As a hitter, she owned a batting average of .549 and notched 10 home runs and 47 RBIs.&nbsp;

Jensen holds four program records at Gretna, with a career batting average of .445, 83 career wins, 959 strikeouts and a 1.30 ERA. She also amassed 28 home runs and 124 RBIs during her time with the Dragons.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska softball incoming freshman Alexis Jensen was tabbed the Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year for the second consecutive year.&nbsp;Jensen helped lead Gretna High School to an undefeated record and a 2024 Class A State Championship. Jensen was a member of the Nebraska All-State team in 2023 and 2024, along with being named a three-time Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska selection and two-time captain. Jensen joined Peaches James, Molly Hill, Ashley Hagemann and Jordyn Bahl as the fifth Husker to be a two-time All-Nebraska captain. Over the course of her career, Jensen was part of Gretna’s 2024 state championship team and three district title teams.In 2024, Jensen posted a 0.29 ERA and a 20-0 record, while striking out 234 batters and allowing only 10 walks. As a hitter, she owned a batting average of .549 and notched 10 home runs and 47 RBIs.&nbsp;Jensen holds four program records at Gretna, with a career batting average of .445, 83 career wins, 959 strikeouts and a 1.30 ERA. She also amassed 28 home runs and 124 RBIs during her time with the Dragons.

Jensen named Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year

The Nebraska softball team revealed its 2026 Big Ten and tournament schedule on Tuesday, which includes four tournaments, four home conference series and four road conference series.

The Huskers open the season at the UTSA Invitational in San Antonio, Texas on Feb. 6-8 before traveling to Clearwater, Fla., for the ESPN Clearwater Invitational on Feb. 12-15. That tournament also features Texas Tech, Tennessee and UCLA, all of whom made the 2025 Women’s College World Series.&nbsp;

The Big Red will then take part in the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic from Feb. 19-22 and will host its home tournament at Bowlin Stadium on March 13-15.&nbsp;

NU has a week-one bye and will open the Big Ten season with a home series against Michigan the weekend of March 13. The Huskers will then travel to East Lansing, Mich., for a series at Michigan State the weekend of March 20.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska softball team revealed its 2026 Big Ten and tournament schedule on Tuesday, which includes four tournaments, four home conference series and four road conference series.The Huskers open the season at the UTSA Invitational in San Antonio, Texas on Feb. 6-8 before traveling to Clearwater, Fla., for the ESPN Clearwater Invitational on Feb. 12-15. That tournament also features Texas Tech, Tennessee and UCLA, all of whom made the 2025 Women’s College World Series.&nbsp;The Big Red will then take part in the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic from Feb. 19-22 and will host its home tournament at Bowlin Stadium on March 13-15.&nbsp;NU has a week-one bye and will open the Big Ten season with a home series against Michigan the weekend of March 13. The Huskers will then travel to East Lansing, Mich., for a series at Michigan State the weekend of March 20.&nbsp;The Big Red will host UCLA the weekend of March 27 before welcoming Rutgers for another home series the weekend of April 3.&nbsp;Nebraska travels to Wisconsin and Minnesota for two straight road series the weekends of April 10 and April 17.The Huskers host Iowa for their final home series the weekend of April 24 and will close out the regular season with a series at Penn State the weekend of May 1.&nbsp;NU will look to continue the momentum from last season. In 2025, the Big Red went 43-15 (.741) for their best winning percentage since 2006 and reached the NCAA Super Regionals for the first time since 2014.&nbsp;Nebraska Softball 2026 ScheduleFeb. 6-8 - at UTSA InvitationalFeb. 12-15 - at ESPN Clearwater InvitationalFeb. 19-22 - at Mary Nutter Collegiate ClassicFeb. 27-March 1 - TBDMarch 6-8 - Home TournamentMarch 13-15 - MichiganMarch 20-22 - at Michigan StateMarch 27-29 - UCLAApril 3-5 - RutgersApril 10-12 - at WisconsinApril 17-19 - at MinnesotaApril 24-26 - IowaMay 1-3 - at Penn State