Nebraska volleyball’s Teraya Sigler discusses new chapter
LINCOLN, Neb. (BVM) – Teraya Sigler is stepping into an exciting new chapter as she prepares for her highly anticipated debut with the Nebraska Huskers volleyball team this fall.
As the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit from the Class of 2025, Sigler graduated high school early and moved to Lincoln in January. Just two months later, legendary head coach John Cook announced his retirement. A lot unfolded at once for Sigler: leaving her Arizona hometown, adjusting to college classes, starting D-I volleyball training and then navigating an unexpected coaching change.
“I think everyone knew Dani Busboom Kelly was going to be the new head coach if John were to retire – but I don’t think anyone thought it would be this soon,” Sigler said. “I think I was just overwhelmed by all of the recent changes in my transition since the start of the year. But with this, my teammates were so supportive and so caring towards all of us incoming freshmen!”
Thanks to Busboom Kelly, Sigler felt confident in her decision to remain committed to the Huskers volleyball program.
“The way John talked about Dani made me feel confident in his decision and the future of our program,” Sigler said. “Dani has earned impressive representation and accolades, which made the decision to stay become crystal clear. I think there is no better person for this job. She is from Nebraska, played for Nebraska and coached for Nebraska – she knows Nebraska!”
Sigler expressed her excitement for the future of Huskers volleyball and noted that she’s already established a strong connection with the new head coach.
“One of my favorite things about Dani is how honest she is,” Sigler said. “She tells you things you need to hear and not only what you want to hear. Slowly getting to know Dani over the past couple of weeks has been nothing short of incredible, but the one thing that stood out to me the most is how she carries herself. She is a very selfless, confident and independent woman, which makes me incredibly excited for the future of this program!”
Outside hitter, inside Nebraska
Sigler started playing volleyball at around 10 years old. During this time, she turned on the TV and caught a glimpse of her very first match, and in a twist of fate, it happened to be Huskers volleyball.
Sigler never predicted that she would soon become the No. 1 outside hitter in the country. She concluded her prep career at Horizon High School (Arizona) with an impressive 1,973 assists and 737 kills. With her club team, the Arizona Storm, she won back-to-back national titles and MVP honors. She also represented on the international stage, earning three gold medals with the USA Volleyball U19 and U21 teams.
Now, Sigler headlines the Huskers’ No. 2-ranked 2025 recruiting class, which also features Campbell Flynn. The pair played together on two USA teams and served as captains during the UA All-America game. Best of all, Sigler and Flynn are not only teammates but also roommates.
“Campbell is one of the most genuine people that I’ve gotten to love,” Sigler said. “I’m truly blessed to be close to her and I’m excited to grow this friendship!”
Flynn previously told BVM Sports that she wants to win a national championship – and Sigler echoed that exact sentiment.
“I’m extremely excited about putting on a Husker jersey for the first time,” Sigler said. “Just being able to run out in front of everyone in the Bob. Since being on campus, all I’ve been able to think about is the first whistle for the first match and just being about to live out this dream.”
Beyond her excitement, Sigler embraces the responsibility that comes with her role in a nationally recognized women’s sports program. After all, Nebraska volleyball’s ticket sales reached $2.6 million in fiscal year 2024 – making it one of the only women’s sports programs in college history to ever surpass $2 million in ticket revenue. Sigler hopes to continue the momentum of success with her approach to the game.
“I really want people to see me as someone who just plays with pure joy and giddiness,” Sigler said. “Competitive spirits can often be perceived as cocky or overly serious. I think women’s sports are frequently overlooked and don’t always capture how hard women work to make a name for themselves. Nebraska has been pushing to uplift women’s sports for decades, and I hope to do the same with how I play the game!”
Alongside showcasing her competitive spirit, Sigler hopes to foster a personal connection with Huskers fans.
“I want people to know I love Jesus,” Sigler said. “I think it’s so easy to get caught up in the fame and all of the outside noise – which I am guilty of doing – but Jesus has given me the opportunity to meet amazing people, travel the world and has taught me to work hard for everything. I love to laugh and be around people. I enjoy going out and exploring new places and meeting new people. I hope fans get to know me as an extremely bubbly person who they can enjoy laughing around.”
Overall, Sigler’s new chapter in Lincoln is only getting started. A day in her life on campus typically includes breakfast with Flynn or another teammate before heading to class around 10 a.m. By noon, she’s done with classes and heads to study hall before grabbing lunch. She enjoys a quick power nap mid-day before heading to volleyball practice. She likes to end her day with dinner, more homework, hanging out with teammates and FaceTime calls with friends and family.
“I love that everyone at Nebraska is working hard to become something great,” Sigler said. “We all have struggles, but together, we can laugh, cry, relate and build together!”
