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Nebraska’s Lauren Stivrins Reflects on 2019 Huskers, Eyes Leadership Role in Senior Season…read more…
As Nebraska volleyball fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the program’s storied history, one of the most pivotal figures for the Huskers heading into the new season is senior middle blocker Lauren Stivrins. A cornerstone of the team both on and off the court, Stivrins recently opened up about her experiences during the 2019 season, her goals for her final collegiate year, and how she plans to help Nebraska continue its tradition of excellence.
Stivrins, who was an AVCA All-American and one of the Big Ten’s most dominant middle blockers, played a crucial role during the 2019 campaign, helping the Huskers reach the NCAA Elite Eight. While the season ended earlier than hoped, it was not without lessons and moments of growth — both individually and as a team.
“2019 was a year of learning and adjusting,” said Stivrins. “We had a lot of young players stepping into bigger roles, and I had to take on more responsibility as a leader. It definitely pushed me to grow — not just as a player, but as a teammate and communicator.”
Nebraska finished the 2019 season with a 28-5 record and second place in the highly competitive Big Ten Conference. For a program that has national title expectations year in and year out, falling short of the Final Four left a bitter taste. Still, Stivrins chooses to focus on the progress made.
“We didn’t get the ending we wanted, but we learned so much. Every practice, every match, there was improvement. I’m proud of how we stayed together and battled. It gave us a foundation for what’s to come,” she explained.
One of the keys to that foundation was the emergence of younger players like setter Nicklin Hames and outside hitter Madi Kubik, who showed promise as future leaders of the team. Stivrins took a mentoring role with both, understanding that her experience could be invaluable to helping them develop.
“I saw my younger self in them,” she said. “There’s always pressure when you’re new to this level, and I wanted to be someone they could lean on. I think that bond will really help us going forward.”
As she prepares for her senior season, Stivrins is embracing her position as the team’s veteran anchor. With over 300 career blocks and more than 800 kills to her name, she’s long been one of Nebraska’s most reliable contributors. But now, she’s also focusing on her voice.
“I’ve always been more of a lead-by-example type,” she admitted. “But now I’m working on being more vocal — helping set the tone in the locker room, encouraging players, holding people accountable. It’s a new challenge for me.”
That challenge is one that head coach John Cook believes she is more than ready for. Cook, who has guided the Huskers to four national titles and multiple Final Four appearances, praised Stivrins for her maturity and commitment to the team’s culture.
“Lauren’s growth as a leader has been tremendous,” said Cook. “She understands what it means to be a Nebraska volleyball player. She’s competitive, she holds herself to a high standard, and now she’s taking responsibility for the team’s direction. That’s what great seniors do.”
Stivrins’ senior season will also carry extra weight because it could be her final chance to win another national championship. She was a redshirt freshman during Nebraska’s 2017 title run and knows how special those moments are.
“That 2017 team had so much chemistry, so much heart,” she recalled. “It’s what we’re always chasing — to play at the highest level and win it all. I want to bring that feeling back before I leave.”
To do so, she and her teammates are focusing on consistency, communication, and continued improvement. The team is loaded with potential, combining experienced returners like Stivrins, Hames, and Kubik with a talented incoming class.
“We’ve got depth, we’ve got talent, and we’ve got the motivation,” Stivrins said. “Now it’s about putting it all together. Every day in the gym matters. That’s the mentality.”
Her goals for the season go beyond the court. As someone who has already completed her undergraduate degree, Stivrins is also looking ahead to life after Nebraska. She’s considering professional volleyball opportunities overseas and has an interest in sports broadcasting or coaching.
“I love the game, and I want to stay connected to it,” she said. “Whether that’s playing, coaching, or being behind the mic, I think there’s a future for me in volleyball.”
But before any of that happens, there’s unfinished business in Lincoln. The 2020 season — whether altered by the COVID-19 pandemic or played as scheduled — represents one last shot for Stivrins to leave her mark on Nebraska volleyball.
“I want to leave this program better than I found it,” she said. “That’s always been the standard here. Win or lose, I want to be remembered as someone who gave everything — to my teammates, my coaches, and this university.”
As the Huskers gear up for what promises to be another high-stakes season, Lauren Stivrins stands tall at the center of it all — experienced, driven, and ready to lead Nebraska back to the national spotlight. Her legacy is already cemented in Husker history,
but in her mind, the best is yet to come.
