Lopers Add Outside Hitter & Setter to '25 Roster

Kearney, Neb. – The Nebraska Kearney volleyball team announced today that outside hitter Addison Budke and setter Brylee Nelsen are joining the program.

UNK has five graduates and seniors on this year’s team (23 players overall) and will continue to add to their 2025 roster throughout the winter and spring months.

“We have signed a pair of outstanding future Lopers who fit perfectly both on and off the court at UNK.  With a great start on our 2025 class and a strong core of returners, we can be very selective in recruiting another player or two for next fall while also focusing on 2026 and beyond,” said Loper head coach Rick Squiers.

Budke (Belot, Kan./Beloit H.S.) recorded 2,302 kills in her career, the second most in Kansas prep history. Having a .422 hitting percentage this fall, the four-time first-team all-state pick also totaled 931 digs, 185 service aces and 150 blocks for the Lady Trojans the past four seasons. Finally, her play helped BHS reach the state tournament four times. 

“Addison is a potentially dominant pin hitter who also has a solid base of back row skills. Her physicality, competitive drive, and track record of winning are well suited for great success in the MIAA. She is an ideal fit for our system, and we look for her to do big things at UNK,” said Squiers.

Outside of volleyball, Budke was state runner up in the shot put in 2023 and placed third in 2024 and is a multi-year letterwinner in basketball. 

Nelsen (Fremont/Millard North H.S.) is a multi-year letterwinner in both volleyball and basketball for the Mustangs. Joining Budke as a member of the AVCA Phenom Watch list, she led Class A in assists this season (10.2) while having over 2,000 in her career.

“In addition to being a very skilled setter, Brylee brings a total package of all-around volleyball skills to the next level.  She shows all the positive traits of growing up in a coaching family along with the benefits of being a multi-sport athlete. We couldn’t be more excited about her future with Loper Volleyball,” said Squiers.

Helping Millard North finish as District Runners up this fall, Nelson previously has been named all-state in basketball and is a three-time all-league pick in volleyball. In addition to her assist total, she had 273 digs, 39 blocks, 37 aces and hit .322 this fall.

Fourth-ranked UNK is 28-1and faces Fort Hays State in the MIAA Tournament Thursday night in St. Joseph.