sky’s Story

Volleyball has been a huge part of my life since I was 10 yrs old. I played soccer, basketball and volleyball until 8th grade and then volleyball and basketball through high school. I chose Nebraska because it is the most competitive gym in the country. Every practice is as competitive as competing in the B1G and that was the challenge I wanted for myself. Nebraska competes indoors and beach, which is a great opportunity to cross train on different surfaces. Volleyball has brought me friendships from all over the country and I cherish the times we get to compete together. It was important to me to stay close to my family and Nebraska was only 3 hours away. I couldn’t be the player I am without their support and I’m grateful they get to be a part of my journey. The bonus you get at Nebraska is the fanbase. The Big Red fans are worldwide and truly the best fans in the nation. Volleyball has brought me many blessings and opportunities to use my platform to inspire young athletes and share my passion. I’m grateful for the honors I’ve received through volleyball. I graduated as the #1 OH in my class. My first beach season in Nebraska, I set a new beach record for matches won. Awarded MVP of the 2024 UA All America game. Blessed to represent my country several times and compete with the USAV U21 National Team at the 2023 Worlds. Received the 2023 Evelyn Gates award as the top volleyball player in KC. Named the 23-24 Best Female Performer by Children’s Mercy Sports Medicine Center and 810 Varsity. I was also very fortunate to play on an incredibly competitive club team that won USAV Nationals in 15 Open, took second in 17 Open and third in 16 Open.

WHY ULTRA ANKLE?

Starting in 7th grade, it was a club rule that if you played along the net, you wore ankle braces. I always wore soft braces until a month before USAV 15 Open Nationals. At Triple Crown, I came down on a foot under the net and rolled my ankle. The amount of work I put in to get back and ready for nationals, sent me on a journey to find the best ankle braces for me. I tried several hard, rigid braces that did not give me enough vertical and lateral flexibility as an outside hitter. For nationals, I wore my soft braces and began over tapping. This continued through the start of 16’s club season as it was working for me. While at MEQ, a friend rolled her ankle, and my mom assisted with getting her over to the doctor. The doctor spoke highly of the Ultra Ankle braces. Reluctantly, as we were leaving MEQ, my mom insisted we stop by the Ultra Ankle vendor and bought me a pair of braces. I did not want her to spend any more money since we had tried so many already. She was insistent as the design was one we had not seen before. I was extremely skeptical because I did not like a restrictive “hard brace.” After the first week of practice in the new braces, I stopped tapping my ankles. By week two, I took the soft ankle braces out of my gym bag and have not worn any other ankle braces. Since the braces mold around my ankles, it does not feel like a “hard brace” and gives me the flexibility and stability I needed. The braces are comfortable, and I have the peace of mind at the net that my ankles are protected. The best part is they don’t wear down. For two years, I wore my Ultra Ankle braces all year playing basketball and club and high school volleyball and could have continued for several more years.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT PLAYING FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA?

The best part of playing for Nebraska is the long-standing traditions that Nebraska represents. Devaney is the most competitive gym in the country. The fan base is at the next level and like no other and I get to train with the best coaches alongside my sisters. Every day I’m grateful for this journey God has provided me.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUNG PLAYERS IN YOUR SPORT?

The advice I would give young players is to learn every position at a young age regardless of what position you may eventually specialize in. Find ways to get reps in passing, serving and setting the out of system ball especially if you don’t do these skills on your current team. Also, mental strength requires work so start at a young age with positive affirmations and learn to move forward to the next point without being stuck on the past point. Learning to maintain composure on and off the court will take you far in life. It’s a game so have fun!

SKY’S Preferred Ankle Brace

Ultra Zoom in White