Skyler Pierce - Faith, Volleyball, and Making an Impact at Nebraska

Skyler Pierce, a freshman outside hitter at Nebraska, has already made a name for herself in the volleyball world. With a track record of impressive performances and numerous accolades, she stands out not only for her athletic gifts but also for her strong faith and commitment to making a positive impact.

Pierce’s volleyball journey began in Olathe Northwest, Kansas, where she quickly became a standout player. Her high school career was decorated with honors such as Kansas 6A All-State First Team, AVCA First-Team High School All-American, and MaxPreps Underclass All-American. What she is most proud of is the Evelyn Gates Award, which was awarded to her for her top tier skills, spirit, and sportsmanship. Her consistent excellence also earned her the ranking of the nation’s No. 4 overall prospect and top outside hitter recruit by PrepDig.com.

She was selected to the U.S. U21 National Team that finished sixth at the 2023 FIVB U21 World Championships in Mexico. As an alternate team member for the U.S. Girls U19 Team, she was part of the gold-winning squad at the 2023 FIVB U19 World Championships in Croatia. Her national team involvement also included being part of the U.S. Girls U19 National Training Team in 2022 and selection to the 2020 USA Volleyball High Performance Girls Youth A2 Team.

For Pierce, she credits faith for guiding her throughout her life and being her cornerstone in her journey. “Faith has always played a huge role in my life. I trust God’s plans for me even when I don’t understand the direction or trial He is taking me through,” she reflects. Pierce finds strength in her faith, particularly in challenging times, writing Matthew 19:26 on her athletic tape before every practice and game as a reminder that “All things are possible with God.” This practice serves as a constant reminder that her identity and worth are rooted in her relationship with God, not just her athletic achievements.

Her faith journey began early, influenced by her upbringing in a military family with frequent relocations. “Growing up in a military home, my parents were always coming and going. There was so much out of my control, I learned to rely on His word and trust His plan for all of us,” she shares. It was during her junior year of high school, amid personal struggles, that her faith deepened significantly. She believes that these challenges all helped to strengthen her relationship with God.

Skyler Pierce is now determined to use her platform in volleyball to honor God and inspire others. “Volleyball gives me a huge platform to honor God and share my faith with others. By living a life of gratitude and service to others, I know that I receive His blessings every day,” she explains. Pierce hopes to be a positive role model, demonstrating how faith can bring light to even the darkest situations. She aims to leave a lasting, positive impact on people’s lives, showcasing through her actions that God is always with us, providing strength to persevere.

Pierce’s journey is a testament to the power of faith, hard work, and dedication. As she begins her collegiate career at Nebraska, she carries with her the lessons learned and the faith that has guided her thus far. Her story is an inspiration to many, showing that with faith, determination, and a heart committed to service, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness both on and off the court.