There’s an old saying when it comes to former NU athletes. It tends to be used when talking about football, but also applies to all sports. “Once a Husker, always a Husker.” That phrase was in full effect for two former Nebraska Cornhuskers stars who recently made a return to the state as part of the opposition to the Omaha Supernovas.
Merritt Beason is a very recent former Husker. She played for John Cook on the last two units that made runs towards the National Title match and now plays for the Atlanta Vibe of the Pro Volleyball Federation. As it turns out, her head coach with the Vibe is none other than ex-Nebraska Cornhusker Kayla Barnworth who also played for Cook, though a bit longer ago.
Both former Nebraska Cornhuskers stars were in town to take on (and beat) the Supernovas earlier this week. Despite being on the opposing side of the court, both women talked about the warm greeting they got from NU fans in their most recent return.
Former Huskers Merritt Beason and Kayla Banwarth both received a warm welcome home when facing the Omaha Supernovas ♥️ pic.twitter.com/L73DWslR8G
— Hurrdat Sports (@HurrdatSports) April 21, 2025
“It's always special being back,” Beason said after the match about herself and her head coach. “We both got a pretty warm welcome, so it just like goes to show how much Nebraska loves their athletes and continue to support them wherever they go in their life; that's that's pretty special and pretty hard to find, so it's definitely something that I don't think either of us take for granted.”
Nebraska Cornhuskers legends feel the love in return to face Omaha Supernovas
Barnworth was next to the mic and she seemed blown away in part because her Husker career was during a time when plenty of Vibe and Supernovas fans weren’t even born yet.
“My senior season was 15 years ago,” the former Ole Miss head coach remarked. “For people to remember that you know, and even some of the younger girls to understand that it's just it's a testament to the history and tradition of Nebraska volleyball.. Merritt’s a superstar. She's a superstar nationwide. But to still have that 15 years later is pretty special.”
The match was also a big one because it featured the top two teams in the PVF. Despite the loss, Omaha continues to sit atop the standings with Atlanta a half game back and both squads just about to end their regular seasons. The return for both former Nebraska Cornhuskers was last unless they face off in the postseason.