Sportsbet.ioGo to homepage
Register
Sign In

Volleyball

Back to  Volleyball  news
Why Mendelson is a prime talent for Nebraska
Nov 23, 2021, 4:45:00 AM

Why Mendelson is a prime talent for Nebraska

Maggie Mendelson is one of the rare young volleyball stars who is starting to make waves in 2021. The star is playing two sports at the same time, which makes her a special talent that Nebraska has been dreaming of over the years.

Maggie made a promise and committed to Nebraska, but she will play both volleyball and basketball for the Huskers next fall. That is a rare case for a player that wants to shine in both games, and it may soon lead to some struggles and schedule problems.

While there has to be some give and take between the programs so they won’t overuse her body, adding Maggie to any of the squads is a huge win for them in the long run. Maggie has played for the USA youth national team in both sports.

In volleyball, Maggie plays as a middle blocker and was named as the no. 2 national recruit. In basketball, she is placed as the no. 32 prospect among hundreds of players. That says a lot about her value for both sports.

Bet on live volleyball games

Maggie can shine in volleyball

It will be a few years until fans can see how good Maggie is. That may even come at different times for each sport, but the rising star is thrilled to be a part of the volleyball team - which is known as one of the best in NCAA.

For volleyball coach John Cook, having Maggie in the roster is a huge boost for her chances to thrive with one of the leading teams in the league.

‘I think she’s good enough to start for both of us’, Cook said. ‘I’ve told her we’re not recruiting her to come in here and redshirt, or have her sit the bench. We want her because she has a chance to start’.

Maggie is athletic for a player at the age of 16. She is tall enough to be a reliable blocker for the team as well, which makes her a good pick in any spot. This is the reason why Cook wants her to play for the team.

‘That’s the first thing I told her’, the coach said. ‘I said, “I know you’re a great athlete and great player, but you are an elite competitor.” And that’s what I want you to bring to Nebraska volleyball.Think about it, she’s 6-4 and she’s an elite basketball player and elite volleyball player. So obviously she’s a good athlete. She can move, she has great vision’.

See the latest news on volleyball games

Nebraska has a need for young stars

Nebraska has reached an elite level in sports, and so did Maggie. Her competitive nature bodes well for the team at this point and that says a lot about her future. The Huskers have thrived well in their games thanks to a flurry of stars who rose from the lower ranks.

Cook believes that Maggie is the best star they can get in the long run. This means a lot for the team as they aim to change their game and turn Maggie into one of the best stars who have a chance to get a big break.

‘I flew to Salt Lake and was there the very opening morning of a club tournament she was playing in’, Cook said. ‘She’s a special talent. She’s a multi-sport athlete, which we love here’.

The future is bright for Maggie, and her success in volleyball makes her a strong athlete who can make history in the coming years as a top star.

For more volleyball and sports updates, visit Sportsbet.io


Words: Paul Daniel Flores

Image: PA


Who is French volleyball superstar Earvin N’Gapeth?
Earvin N’Gapeth is one of the best volleyball players in the world. He has all of the tools to compete at the highest level of volleyball and he still stands out. Let’s talk about how he has continued to prove why he’s seen as the sport’s premier star.
Why Jordan Larson is the world's most prolific volleyball player
Volleyball is not on the same level of popularity as football or basketball but it is one of the biggest sports in the world. American volleyball stalwart Jordan Larson is the sport’s most prolific player. Let’s talk about why Larson is considered the sport’s biggest athlete.
Wisconsin strengthens their dark-horse bid for the 2021 title
With all of the attention on both Louisville and Texas, the University of Wisconsin has gone under the radar as the dark horse for the 2021 NCAA volleyball title. The Badgers have had strong performances over the past few months as they have gone unnoticed.
Idaho coach Debbie Buchanan decides to retire after 22 years
After 22 successful years with the University of Idaho volleyball team, now-former head coach Debbie Buchanan has stepped down from her post. Debbie ends her Idaho stint as the program’s winningest coach with a 320-317 record.
Louisville doesn't want to waste their status as the country's best
Louisville is the only unbeaten college volleyball team. Despite the spotless record, the Cardinals do not want to be complacent in future games. They have been the best team in the country and they want to keep it going for the rest of the 2021-22 season.
Why Julius Thole's retirement surprised the beach volleyball world
In a surprising decision, Julius Thole announced that he’s retiring from beach volleyball. At just 24 years of age, he had a bright future in the sport. Thole is set to pursue law studies while his now-former partner, Clemens Wickler will team up with Nils Ehlers.
Louisville remains the only unbeaten college volleyball team
With Baylor University’s win over top-ranked University of Texas in Week 11, the University of Louisville is the only collegiate volleyball team in the United States with a spotless record. They have a 23-0 record after their latest win against the University of North Carolina.
Sander set for a fresh start in Itapema
The FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour is set to launch its four-star event in Itapema from November 10 to 14. American star Taylor Sander believes this is a great chance for him to set the tone in his games for the coming months after a busy run since the Tokyo Games.
Temple University wants a team culture that values good health
Temple University has had their fair share of injury struggles over the years. Co-captains Gem Grimshaw, Xeryah Salanoa, and Katerina Papazoglou want to push good health values. The Owls' performances have been poor so far but now they are healthier.
Texas remains the best team in collegiate volleyball
The Texas Longhorns were the best team heading into the 2021 season and they have lived up to the hype. They are still unbeaten and ranked number one in the country. Let’s talk about how the Longhorns continue to be the best team in collegiate volleyball.