One of the top recruits in the 2022 class, Nebraska freshman Bekka Allick already has coaches and teammates raving about the player she will be. A native of Nebraska, playing for her hometown team has always been a dream for Bekka. As she gets closer to that reality, she says her goal is to use her gifts and platform to glorify God.
“I was raised in Christian household, and so God has always been around me. Faith wasn’t always an important part of my life, it was until about sophomore year that I wanted to know more. I wanted to know why I should care about my relationship with God. It was at a time that I felt really alone, not sure whether or not it was mental- but I didn’t feel right.”
Bekka says that it was during that period of isolation and loneliness that she looked to God more than ever before.
“That was when my faith really started to blossom because I was never completely alone. Jesus was always with me, but I had always put Him last because I had no faith- I had never put in intentional time in reading the Bible or praying, that spending with Jesus felt like a chore. But since then, I realized that my faith in God is a relationship- it’s not perfect but I’ll keep on trying.”
After enrolling early with the Huskers and participating in the 2022 beach season in the spring, Bekka has already developed a close relationship with teammates and coaches. As she prepares to take the court, she says she does so with the goal of always glorifying Him.
“Let me start by saying that I wonder frequently if God is annoyed with how much I pray to him about volleyball. My faith is a huge part of my volleyball career. My faith humbles me, and yet excites me for what’s to come.”
“What I’ve accomplished is solely because of Him. I’m no saint when it comes to constantly wanting what God wants for me. But I’ve learned there’s more to me than a volleyball player. I learned that I love this sport because of the people I’ve met along the way and what I’ve learned about myself, and none of this would have happened if God hadn’t put this dream in my heart. And if for any reason if it were to end, I know that God has a better and more fulfilling plan in store for me.”
As Bekka was nearing the end of her high school career and considering where her future would lead her, she says it was the people that brought her to Nebraska.
“I’ve never seen so many people, men and women, come together to celebrate female athletes, and take these women seriously. On top of that, the empire of a volleyball program- it was honestly a no brainer. I knew that if I decided to go anywhere else, I’d be missing out.”
During her time with the Huskers, Bekka hopes to encourage others to always be yourself, and never feel like you need to pretend to be anyone different.
“I strongly believe that if people could be more comfortable in their own skin, this world would be a much better place. I do think that being cool with what you like to listen to, what you like to wear, what you find weird and not weird should all be your own business and it’s a privilege to find others that share those interests.”
With just weeks remaining before the season, expectations are already high for Bekka and the Huskers. After an appearance in the National Championship last year, Nebraska hopes to finish with the trophy in the upcoming season. As Bekka looks to guide them on their way there, she will do so with faith guiding her as she hopes to inspire those around her.
