The former Nebraska volleyball player Leyla Blackwell’s latest clash was against the Orlando Valkyries. Along with the thrilling matchup, another thing that grabbed attention was Blackwell’s tribute to her childhood inspiration, Lauren Stivrins.
Blackwell made her debut with the Omaha Supernovas this season and has been garnering attention for her performances on the court. Recently, during her team’s game against Valkyries on January 18 at the CHI Health Center, she highlighted Stivrins, the decorated former Husker’s influence on her volleyball journey.
Stivrins is widely regarded as one of Nebraska volleyball’s greatest standouts. During her collegiate career, she was a three-time All-American, leading the Huskers to multiple NCAA appearances.
Blackwell stepped onto the court wearing a custom No. 26 jersey, Stivrins’ number, honoring the Husker legend. Following the game, she spoke to Hurrdat Sports, opening up about her bond with Stivrins, saying:
“I like embarrassing her sometimes.. and telling her I’m a really big fan, but she’s just been such a light in my life, and kind of like a big sister.”
The media house shared Blackwell’s message on their Instagram handle, offering a glimpse of the middle blocker wearing the jersey. The post’s caption read:
“Former Husker Leyla Blackwell wears No. 26 because of her childhood idol and former Nebraska middle, Lauren Stivrins. Blackwell says Stivrins has become like a big sister to her. 🥹”
The post captured Stivrins’ attention, who dropped a sweet comment that read:
“I’m ur biggest fan 🫶🏼👯♀️”
The Supernovas endured a loss against Orlando, who secured a 3-2 (25-18, 25-20, 16-25, 24-26, 15-9) win. Leyla Blackwell and the Omaha Supernovas’ next matchup is scheduled on January 22 against the Columbus Fury at the CHI Health Center.
Leyla Blackwell described Nebraska team as her ‘best volleyball experience’
Before the season opener on January 8 with the Omaha Supernovas, Leyla Blackwell addressed the media. In an interview with Hurrdat Sports, she reflected on her time with the Nebraska volleyball team.
When asked whether her experience after transferring to the Huskers had met her expectations, she responded that being part of the program had been her ‘best volleyball experience.’ (1:51 onwards)
“Absolutely. I mean, so, my friend who’s in San Diego now, she grew up in Lincoln, Anie Evans. She played for the Huskers a couple of years ago. She kind of was helping guide me through that process, and she warned me about, I don’t want to say warned, but she gave me a hint for how Husker Nation is and what the fan base is like and what it’s like playing in Bob.”
“And I think it’s easy to imagine, but when you actually experience it in person, it’s unlike anything else. I still get full body chills thinking about the first time stepping in there, and it’s just unlike any other college volleyball experience in the entire country. Probably the best volleyball experience in the world,” said Leyla Blackwell.
