Ally Batenhorst - Finding Peace

The top ranked 2021 recruit out of the state of Texas and 3rd overall player in her class, outside hitter Ally Batenhorst immediately made an impact at Nebraska during her freshman season. Appearing in 28 matches and making 16 starts, the Huskers relied heavily on Batenhorst throughout their run to the national championship. Although the season didn’t end the way Batenhorst and the Huskers had hoped, with Nebraska falling to Wisconsin in the championship, Ally cemented her name as one of the best young players in the sport. And as she prepares for her sophomore campaign, she does so with faith as her guide.

The former star of Seven Lakes High School in Houston, Texas, Batenhorst comes from a family full of athletes. Her dad, Kurt, played basketball and ran track in college, while both Ally’s sisters also are stars on the volleyball court. Throughout her childhood, faith was a part of life for Ally and her family. Growing up in the Catholic church, Ally says she learned early on about what she believed and its importance in her life. But as she has gotten older, it has continued to develop her into who she is today.

“Life isnt easy and relying on God has given me a sense of freedom knowing that he always has a plan in store for me and I don’t need to waste time worrying so much.”

During her senior year of high school, Ally was named Gatorade Volleyball National Player of the Year, a prestigious award given out to 1 national winner out of 50 state winners each year. As she has grown on the court, Ally says her faith has given her the confidence and assurance she needs everytime she suits up for the Huskers.

“My faith plays the most significant role in my volleyball career. When things aren’t always going well, my faith has been a steady constant that allows me to feel at ease knowing that God has a plan for me.”

With a magical season that ended just shy of a National Championship, Ally says she has learned to always trust whatever happens and learn from all of her experiences.

“I am relieved of all my stress knowing that everything happens for a reason and I am always loved.”

As she has ascended into a star role for the Huskers in just her first year on campus, Ally has seen her platform rise and a number of young athletes look up to her and the way she plays. As she tries to always encourage and uplift others, Ally says she hopes her time around the game inspires something greater to whoever is watching.

“I hope to be able to spread love and faith to everyone around me. Life has so many ups and downs but faith is the one thing that has made me feel safe and allowed me to stop stressing so much and focus on the things that make me happy.”

With volleyball as one of her greatest sources of joy, Ally says she hopes to use her gifts on the court to remind others of their skills and talents and to always use them to inspire greater change in the world.

As Ally anticipates seeing her role continue to expand for Nebraska throughout her time there, she is also aware of the number of uncertainties that accompany a season and any sport. Whether it comes in volleyball or any walk in life, Ally says her reliance on her faith allows her to stay grounded, trusting that everything is in His control. With that confidence in mind, Ally takes the court every chance she gets to uplift others, inspire love, and always play to the best of her ability.