Kearney, Neb. – Nebraska-Kearney head volleyball coach Rick Squiers announced today the names of four high school seniors who'll take to the court for the Lopers in the fall of 2022.

They are defensive specialists/liberos Cordelia "Cordy" Harbison (Lexington) and Jordana "Jordie" Nekl (Columbus Lakeview H.S.) and outside hitters/middle blockers Emilee Lane (Hays, Kan.) and Trista Marx (Limon, Colo.) UNK could lose many as nine seniors this year, depending on whether several players return for a fifth or COVID year.

"The 2021 class is an outstanding assemblance of athletic and academic talent. In addition, they are outstanding people with all the intangibles necessary to excel and help maintain the tradition of Loper Volleyball," said UNK head coach Rick Squiers. 

Harbison (5-7) played for former Loper All-American Samantha Hammond at LHS. She is a four-year volleyball letterwinner who also has picked up letters in basketball, bowling and track and field.

Having over 1,000 digs and kills in her career, Harbison helped the Minutemaids finish as district runner up the past three seasons. She is a two-time all-state selection as well as a two-time all-conference pick. Finally, Harbison was part of a district champion bowling and track teams.

"Cordy's high school and club volleyball accolades speak for themselves, but they are a direct result of her passion and work ethic going back several years. She clearly has the drive and dedication to succeed as a college volleyball player and look forward to getting her energy into the gym," said Squiers.

Lane (6-0) preps at Thomas Moore Prep-Marian and has been a multiple all-state and all-league selection in volleyball. During the recently competed season she helped the Monarchs finish as sub-state runners up while racking up 419 kills. Also a basketball letterwinner, Lane is a member of the Western Kansas Elite club program in the offseason.

"Emilee is a dynamic and versatile attacker with huge potential at the next level. She can play above the net and score immediately as a hitter and blocker in the MIAA, but also shows promise as an eventual back row contributor," said Squiers. "We're very excited about the impact she can make on Loper Volleyball."

Marx is the daughter of Ginger (Keller) Marx, the all-time leading scorer in UNK women's basketball history. For the Limon Badgers, Marx (5-11) has lettered in volleyball, basketball, track and softball.

 

A four-year volleyball varsity team member, she recorded over 1,100 kills in her career while also hitting .304 and serving up 114 aces. Defensively, Marx had 76 blocks in each of her first two seasons and was just under 1,000 digs for her career. Finally, she has earned Class 2A all-state honors in multiple sports and scored a game-high 27 points to help LHS win the 2020-21 state basketball title.

"Trista is a smooth natural athlete with a lot to offer as a college volleyball player. She is comfortable playing multiple positions and has outstanding competitive instincts," said Squiers. "We think she can do big things as she gets the opportunity to specialize in one sport and train in our program."

Nekl (5-6) began her prep career at Shelby-Rising City before transferring to Columbus Lakeview. This past season for the Vikings she recorded 573 digs, 81 assists, 46 aces and serve received at 94%. She was part of a team that went 32-5 and reached the Class C-1 state semifinals. Lakeview also finished third in 2020.

"Jordie is a great competitor and skilled passer/defender who comes to UNK with an outstanding high school and club background. She has the potential and confidence to make a contribution early if she stays on her current trajectory," said Squiers.

Named all-league as a junior and an AVCA Phenom her first two seasons, Nekl had 1,070 digs in her Lakeview career. She dug up 625 balls at Shelby-Rising City, in addition to having 427 kills and 62 aces.

UNK (22-5, 13-5) finishes up the 2021 regular season this weekend at Missouri Southern and Pitt State. The Lopers will host an MIAA Tournament first round match on Tuesday (Nov. 16) against Central Oklahoma. First serve is set for 6 p.m.