Today I’m an All-American shot-putter, a three-time state discus champion, and a proud Cornhusker aiming even higher in my favorite event, the discus. 

But the medals only tell part of the story. 

The real lesson has been learning when to let go of expectations and focus on the work that makes me feel alive.

To Husker Nation, I want to say: Keep an eye on the men’s tennis program.

Although this will be my last tournament as a Husker, I can confidently say that we’ve built a great foundation for this program, and there’s something special on the horizon.

Being a Husker fan is about more than just supporting the team—it’s about being part of a family and a tradition. 

It’s about sharing in the highs and lows together, and always standing proud.

For me, it’s about being a Husker for life. 

This weekend, I’ll salute the judges one last time.

My final routine. 

My final bow.

But before I get there, I want to take a moment to reflect on how it all began.

Six years later, I’m still here—and grateful for every moment.

Before I even toured the bowling facility, I stood at Memorial Stadium watching the football team and turned to my parents and said, “I’m coming here.” 

I hadn’t even been in Lincoln for an hour.

Six years later, I’m still here—and grateful for every moment.

Nebraska had its best finish ever at the 2025 NCAA Wrestling Championships. The Huskers were led by Ridge Lovettand Antrell Taylor, who became Nebraska’s first individual champions since 2011.

Every wrestler dreams of winning a national title, but what does it look like when those dreams come true? Let’s run it back through a day in the life of when Lovett and Taylor became national champions.

When I chose Nebraska, I knew I was joining a special program with the potential for greatness.

What I didn’t know was just how much I’d grow as both a player and a person—or how deeply I’d come to love this community.

It meant everything to me.

But never in a million years did I think that a game I wasn’t even supposed to attend could change my life, reconnect me with old friends and family, and give me one of the craziest experiences I’ve ever had.

Well, a random Wednesday night basketball game in January sure did.

I've grown so much as a player and a person during my time as a Husker, and I owe that to the coaches, teammates, and fans who supported me along the way.

Now, I'm ready to represent the Husker community in the NFL. 

As they look ahead to their remaining time in a Husker uniform, Lauren and Hannah are grateful for the opportunity to play in front of the fans they grew up with. They’re proud to represent their home state and be part of a program that continues to elevate women’s athletics.

It's been a long journey of ups and downs, but the win made all the hard work and sacrifices worth it.

More than anything, it reminded me of my love for track and field.

I knew I still had that joy in me, and this victory proved it.

Family friends introduced me to precision rifle competitions, and one night, they took me to a practice. 

I was just eleven years old, but I remember the moment like it was yesterday. 

The sound of the shots, the intense focus, the challenge—it all clicked for me.

From that day on, I was hooked.

There’s nothing like coaching at your alma mater, especially when your alma mater is Nebraska. The Cornhusker fans’ support is unmatched.

It’s been awesome to watch guys come through the program as walk-ons and leave as All-Americans.

If you can throw over 22 meters, you can become a legend in the sport. I believe all of these goals are within reach, and I’m ready to give it my all.

Life has a way of surprising us, and sometimes, it even brings us back to where it all began.

For me, that journey started in New York, took root in Nebraska, and now, decades later, returns to Yankee Stadium.

From Gotham to Pinstripe, the circle is complete.

I’m incredibly proud to be an alumna of the soccer program.

I’m proud of the growth I experienced there—on and off the field.

I’m proud to be part of the Nebraska program that’s been a trailblazer for women’s sports for nearly 30 years.

And most importantly, I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to play for the Huskers.

Competing for Nebraska is more than just wearing the team colors — it’s carrying on a legacy, one that is as much about character as it is about performance.

The history and tradition of Nebraska gymnastics weigh on us, but it also lifts us, reminding us that we’re here to build on something bigger than ourselves. 

Growing up, my older sister was my biggest inspiration. 

Six years older, she was my role model in every way—whether sharing clothes or giving advice, she was always there to guide me.

Following her path was natural. 

As I look ahead to my first full season at Nebraska, I’m just so excited to be here.

It’s been quite a journey to get here, but I know that everything happens for a reason.

I’m just grateful to be a part of the Husker family, and I can’t wait to see what my future holds.

On and off the field.

Husker volleyball certainly helped prepare me for this chapter.

And throughout the last 50 years, I know women’s sports here at Nebraska prepared many athletes for their next chapters just as well.

Go Big Red!

It'll be beyond special to take in that ceremony and share that moment with my family. While my twin boys may be too young to understand, one day I'll explain to them that Lincoln, NE is where I was a boy that turned into a man.

Where I found my home away from home.

Where I discovered the impact I can make on this world both on and off the field.

And honestly, I can't think of a better legacy than that.

As the Huskers celebrated their 400th consecutive sellout game at Memorial Stadium this past weekend, I’m just grateful I played a role in writing the first chapter of that milestone, back in 1962. November 3, 1962, to be precise — the first game of that legendary sellout streak.

Through the ups and downs and whatever life throws at us, that university and football program has always been there for us as an escape, to heal, to cheer, to love, to support, and everything else in between.

Our life stories simply cannot be told without the moments, memories, and lifetime worth of joy that Nebraska football has brought to our lives.

With the 400th consecutive sellout at Memorial Stadium happening this Friday against Illinois, to know I was a part of the very first sellout and am forever linked to this unmatched tradition is something that truly takes my breath away.

I’m very proud of everything I’ve already accomplished at Nebraska, but I’ve never started a season like I did this year — my senior year.

On August 18, I scored my first collegiate hat-trick in our game against Colorado State.

As if that wasn’t enough of a whirlwind, I followed that up with another hat-trick against Creighton just a few weeks later.

I've always been interested in college coaching as a way to stay in the sport of tennis and be able to give back to the sport that had given me so much.
I'm so grateful to be a part of the Husker family, and I can't wait to see what the future holds. 

I'm motivated by the mission of setting higher and higher goals for myself. And going out and proving that time after time. It's been that way for as long as I can remember my entire athletic career.

I looked at the bar, preparing to jump. It was my final jump at the Big Ten Championships. There was no fear, no pressure, no anxiety. I was at peace.

Something I’ve always been grateful for is not long after the accident, I was ready to move on. I can cry all day long, but that’s not going to change anything. How can I make the best of this situation?

Three weeks ago, I didn't make the travel roster. Tonight, I threw the first no-hitter for Nebraska in 70 years.

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.