Nebraska outside hitter Olivia Boender has played her last match as a Husker after announcing her decision to end her career for medical reasons.
“My dream of becoming a Nebraska volleyball player was a dream come true,” Boender said in the school’s announcement. “Being a part of this program is something that will always hold a special place in my heart. I met some of my closest friends through this program and for that I am forever thankful. And I want to tell the fans that you are truly the greatest fans in the world and I can never thank you enough. My time here was something I’ll cherish forever.”
The junior from Waverly, Nebraska, joined the Husker squad as a Fab 50 selection, Prep Volleyball’s No. 56 Senior Ace and as the 2013-14 Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year. She redshirted her first season, then notched 2.29 kills and 2.36 digs per set over eight matches in 2015, including a double double. In 2016, Boender played in 11 matches, notching 2.47 kills per set, including a career-best 16 kills on a .727 hitting effort against Montana State. The four-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree, including the 2017 beach season, was a member of the Huskers’ 2015 National Champion team.
“Olivia has been struggling this season to stay healthy, and between her and the doctors it’s been determined that she is going to take a medical release from playing volleyball and end her playing career,” Cook said. “Olivia has been a really valuable part of our program, and the energy she has brought to games and practices has been second to none. I’ve loved coaching Liv and with her being from Waverly, watching her fulfill her dream by playing here at Nebraska, it’s unfortunate that it’s ending a little bit sooner than we all hoped. But she’s going to graduate in May and we’ve really enjoyed having her be a Husker, and she’ll be a Husker for life.”
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