Nebraska Volleyball’s 2023 season was one of the most memorable seasons yet. Starting the season off with record breaking attendance in Memorial Stadium to playing in the National Championship game, Ally Batenhorst and her team had a remarkable season.
Q & A with Nebraska’s Ally Batenhorst
What was your favorite memory from the 2023 season?
My favorite memory was definitely playing in the volleyball match at memorial stadium when we broke the world record for attendance!
What is it like playing for Nebraska in a National Championship game?
It was unreal. We always have so much support from Husker Nation no matter where we go, so the energy was even more exciting in the arena. All of our hard work all season is built up to this one moment and to be able to represent Nebraska on such a big stage was truly incredible.
As you reflect on your career at Nebraska, what’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?
Between leadership, time management, hard work, etc., I could go on forever about the things I’ve learned from my career at Nebraska. However, what stood out to me the most was how important relationships are in my life. Nebraska has built a culture that puts more emphasis on this than most programs, and now I understand why. There are a million things that happen in your collegiate career, but it’s the memories and relationships you build with others that you will remember forever. I’ve met so many incredible people and have had the opportunity to make an impact on others by playing at Nebraska, and the support is unreal. The people I’ve surrounded myself with have brought me so much joy and have helped me through so many tough times. By prioritizing this during my career, I’ve made deep relationships and met people that I know will support me for a lifetime beyond the sport.
If you could give any advice to your past self, what would you say to an incoming freshman?
I would tell an incoming freshman to focus on living in each moment. Playing at such a high level in the sport you’ve always loved makes it easy to get caught up in the future and the pressure to perform. As a freshman, I wish I would’ve learned sooner how to look at the bigger picture and just enjoy the present. College is one of the most exciting points of your life, and playing on a volleyball stage like Nebraska is so special. There’s no point in worrying too much about the future when you’ve already made it this far. Everything will work out.
What have you valued most from your partnership with Midwest Bank?
As I said earlier, people and culture are very important to me. At Midwest Bank, they exemplify this in everything they do. During my time working with them, each person has been overly kind and welcoming to me. Just by spending time at the bank, it’s so obvious that there is great camaraderie in the building, and they truly want the best for their clients. I value spending time with people who are truly so genuine, and I had such a blast.
Teaming up with Midwest Bank
Ally Batenhorst announced her partnership with Midwest Bank in August of 2022. Midwest Bank was proud to team up with Ally because her values aligned well with the bank’s. We enjoyed having her apart of our team and wish her the very best in her future endeavors.