As Nebraska volleyball commits started pouring in on Monday, one name stood out from the crowd. The Huskers and head coach Dani Busboom Kelly managed to not only recruit one of the best players in the 2028 class but also a legacy player who will get to keep her family name rolling right along in Lincoln. Shayla Rautenberg is just the latest get for a program that remains just one step away from the very top of its sport.
Rautenberg clearly couldn’t wait to be a member of the Huskers’ latest class, as she announced her commitment to NU less than 14 hours after the period for such announcements opened. “I’m staying home,” Rautenberg posted on Instagram. “I am beyond blessed to announce my verbal commitment to play volleyball at Nebraska!!! I first want to thank coach Dani, coach Jaylen, coach Kelly and coach Brennan for believing in me and giving me this amazing opportunity. Thank you to all of my teammates and coaches who have helped me get to this point. Most importantly, I want to thank God for blessing me with the ability to play the sport that I love!!!”
SHE IS STAYING HOME‼️‼️❤️🫶
— Lil’ Red Volleyball (@LilRedVolley) June 15, 2026
Shayla Rautenburg out of Milford is staying in Nebraska for her collegiate volleyball career. This girl is going to be incredible❤️ pic.twitter.com/auRPxqQ3Rd
Shayla Rautenberg commitment gives Nebraska volleyball another elite in-state win
The 6-foot-4 middle blocker’s mother, Lisa Reitsma, was an All-American outside hitter at Nebraska from 1995-1998. During that time, Reitsma was a three-time All-American for the Huskers and a member of the 1995 National Championship team. She was inducted into the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame last fall.
Rautenberg is the No. 3 overall prospect in the Class of 2028 and the top middle blocker, according to PrepDig. PrepVolleyball ranks her as the fourth prospect and second-best middle blocker behind Megan Hodges.
Rautenberg has shown great athleticism in her two years at Milford, just 25 miles away from the Nebraska volleyball home court. She is a top athlete in volleyball and basketball. Shayla Rautenberg led the Eagles to their first Class C1 State Title in volleyball and girls’ basketball in the 2025-26 school year.
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