​SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — The Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team may still be a few weeks away from kicking off their season, but a weekend of youth volleyball excitement unfolded as a trio of Huskers led a camp in the region. Sioux Falls native Bergen Reilly joined forces with teammates Andi Jackson and Harper Murray to coach and mentor aspiring players, offering instruction to girls ranging from 6 to 17 years old in two separate sessions held in Sioux Falls and on Wednesday in Iowa.
By all accounts, the camp drew a large and enthusiastic crowd. Reilly noted that more than 1,000 young athletes participated across both locations, underscoring the event’s reach and impact. While the turnout was impressive, the Nebraska standout said returning home to her hometown for a meaningful community event holds a special place in her heart.
“It’s awesome, I’ve always wanted to come back and just give back to Sioux Falls,” Reilly said. “There are so many people in South Dakota who support me, so it’s been really cool to meet all these girls, talk to them. They’re from all over South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Iowa, and it’s been so awesome. I’m just so glad I’m able to give back to this community.”
Reilly also revealed that the reach of the camp extended beyond the neighboring states, with some participants traveling from California to attend the Iowa session. The enthusiasm surrounding the event reflected not only the players’ commitment to youth development but also the strong connections these student-athletes maintain with the communities that have supported them along their journeys.
The coaches emphasized fundamentals, teamwork, and the mental approach required to excel at volleyball, while also dedicating time to individual skills such as serve reception, setting, attacking, and blocking. For many of the participants, this camp provided a rare opportunity to work directly with college-level athletes and receive feedback tailored to their ages and skill levels.
Reilly, Jackson, and Murray shared tips on technique, drills, and playing with confidence, while also discussing the importance of discipline, preparation, and resilience—qualities that extend well beyond the court. The campers were treated to a blend of drills designed to build consistency and pace, alongside sessions focused on game-awareness and strategic decision-making.
In addition to technical coaching, the event offered an encouraging environment where young athletes could ask questions, explore potential career paths in volleyball, and gain insights into what it takes to balance academics with athletics at the collegiate level. The campers left with a renewed sense of purpose and a clearer understanding of the effort required to improve and compete at higher levels.
The weekend’s activities also highlighted the strong bond between the Huskers program and the communities they reach. The presence of Reilly in particular provided a tangible reminder of how local roots can translate into national success, while also serving to inspire the next generation of players in the region. For Reilly, the chance to return home and contribute more broadly to youth development was a meaningful chapter in her ongoing volleyball journey.
As the Huskers prepare to begin their season, the camp’s success stands as a testament to the value of outreach and mentorship within collegiate sports. The event demonstrated that beyond victories and records, there is substantial impact to be made by athletes who give back to the communities that supported them along the way. The experience reinforced the idea that sport can be a powerful vehicle for empowerment, education, and connection across diverse groups of young athletes.
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