My mom was a member of the first Husker Scarlets Dance Team. Now, I'm living that same dream. Continuing that same legacy.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to play the sport I love and earn a degree from such an amazing University. I wouldn’t trade my time at Nebraska for anything.

Based on what I’ve learned in my swimming career, if I were to give any advice, I’d encourage others to just keep improving day in and day out. Whatever it is you’re passionate about and love to do, pursue it to the fullest extent.

When I committed to Nebraska three years ago, playing for Dad on the biggest stage in March is what we both had in mind and looked forward to the most. I could go on and on about how special it will be for us both, but to be honest with you, this is bigger than us.

From the knee injuries to the program cuts, I have faced my fair share of adversity in my gymnastics career. But, with the support of my family, friends and teammates, I have been able to rise above it all and come out even stronger on the other side.

Whenever I take the mat, whether it be for Team USA or Nebraska, I know they’re always with me and guiding me to put in the work and do my best to have my hand raised high.

As I start this new season with a new mindset and perspective, I'm more motivated and determined than ever.

I'm so grateful to be back on the field and doing what I love, and I'm not going to take a single moment for granted.

Returning to competition this year, I had no idea how I would perform.

I was a little nervous for what was ahead.

But after breaking the school record in my very first meet, I shattered my own doubt and uncertainty.

I did it again in my second meet this season.

I've traveled the world playing professional volleyball and had the privilege of representing my country at three different Olympics.

Truthfully, there probably isn't a corner of this globe I haven't seen, but there's only one place I'll ever call home.

Nebraska.

I didn’t think there was anything out of the ordinary when my alma mater reached out wondering if I was available for Alumni Day in early January.

Additionally, they said Coach Williams needed some help with recruiting and asked if I’d be willing to hop on a phone call with her and help sell the Husker basketball program.

Little did I know I was in for quite the surprise.

Stepping into the role of interim head coach has been both exciting and nerve-wracking. 

The responsibility of leading the team and shaping their future is not something I take lightly. 

But I know that with the support of my coaching staff and the dedication of the players, we can achieve great things.

Choosing a collegiate program was a pivotal moment, and my dad, despite his Nebraska legacy, allowed me the autonomy to forge my own path.

Offers came in from West Coast schools, yet the pull of Nebraska, with its unique atmosphere, dedicated coaching staff, and genuine love for the game, proved irresistible.

The decision to become a Husker was a deeply personal one, a choice that felt right to me.

Despite the obstacles, though, I have found immense success at Nebraska, particularly during this current campaign. Becoming a Big Ten champion with my teammates was undoubtedly a highlight of my college career. It was a validation of the hard work and dedication we had put into building a strong program. But this achievement does not mark the end — rather, it fuels our desire to continue striving for greatness.

Of the millions who served in World War II, I understand I'm one of a little over 100,000 Americans who are still alive. I'm proud to have served my country, but my wartime experience isn't something I talk about frequently. Truth be told, at 100 years old, the reason I'm still here and survived my time in WW2 comes down to one word. Luck.

Well, I tried. Sometimes, when you're competing at the highest level against some of the best athletes in the world, you can do your best and still come up short. That's exactly what happened on qualification day at the 2023 World Gymnastics Championships in Belgium.

I came to Nebraska to pitch and play baseball, but I also know I have a bigger responsibility than controlling my pitches and striking batters out. I have the ability – not to mention the platform – to make a difference and impact as many kids' lives as I can.

As game time approached and we watched the fans fill the stands we couldn’t help but realize something truly special was happening. 92,003 people. I still pinch myself.

Yet, the most cherished memory is that baseball was the last sport we played together. In that final game, I was the catcher as he pitched. It's a memory etched in my heart forever.

Nothing excites me more than leading a group of young athletes to believe in themselves and accomplish their goals through the course of the season and the forthcoming years.

I was beyond grateful to continue my head coaching career in Lincoln. 

My time in college has taught me many things, but above all else, it's presented me with opportunities and experiences to grow both on and off the court.

As a freshman, my world revolved around that crossbar. It took regression and failure for me to see that I'm not defined by the marks I set out to achieve.

At 46, my family is my entire motivation as I continue playing professionally to regain my PGA card and compete against the best golfers in the world.

Being an athletic trainer is my calling, and it's been the pleasure of my life to work with so many different wrestlers through the years that have entrusted me with their care.