Huskers Sign U.S. Youth National Team Standout

Lincoln ? University of Nebraska Volleyball Coach John Cook announced the signing of Rachel Holloway to a National Letter-of-Intent to play volleyball beginning in 2005.

Holloway, who will graduate from high school a year early later this spring, will join fellow incoming scholarship freshmen Jordan Larson and Amanda Gates on the Husker roster for the fall of 2005. Holloway had originally committed to Nebraska for the 2006 season, but her early graduation will allow her to come to Lincoln this fall.

“Exceptional people do exceptional things,” Cook said of Holloway. “This is something that Rachel has been considering for several months and many things fell into place for this to happen. Academically, she was on track to graduate in June and is confident that she is ready to begin her academic career at the college level.”

Cook said that Holloway’s vast club and international experience gives her a step up as she begins her college career.

“Rachel has played in the Front Range Volleyball program coached by Jim Miret that has prepared her well for this level,” Cook said. “She has already shown that she can play with the world’s best at her age group. We believe Rachel is one of the premier setters in the country, and her training and experience give her a chance to compete for playing time this fall.”

Holloway brings an impressive resume into the Husker program. She is a member of the 2005 Youth National Team that will compete in Macau, China, from July 23 to 31. In 2004, she served as the captain of the USA Youth National Team, leading Team USA to a gold medal at the NORCECA Continental Championships in San Juan, P.R., where she was chosen as the tournament’s best setter. She is also a three-year member of the USA Volleyball High Performance Program (2001-03).

A Mizuno and Prepvolleyball.com All-America selection, Holloway is considered one of the nation’s top high school volleyball players. In 2004, she was named the Colorado Player of the Year by three publications, averaging 3.83 kills, 4.83 assists, 1.15 aces and 2.79 digs per game to help Coach Steve Huntingdale and Smoky Hill High School finish third at the Class 5-A state tournament.  The 2004 Gatorade Player of the Year in Colorado, she was also selected the Sportswoman of the Year in the state for her athletic and academic accomplishments.

A three-year starter and two-time first-team all-state selection, Holloway has led her team to a state title and two third-place finishes during her career. She has been ranked among the top-50 players in the nation in her respective classes in both 2002 and 2003. In addition to her high school accomplishments, she also competes for the Front Range Volleyball Club.

Holloway chose Nebraska after also looking at Florida and Texas, where her older sister, Sarah, was a starter for the Longhorns as a freshman last season.

“I believe this is the team to win a national championship,” Holloway said. “It is a great opportunity to learn and play with some of the best players in the country. I love the fact that the fans support Nebraska volleyball in such an amazing way. The coaching staff is second to none.”

The daughter of Don and Paige Holloway, Rachel carries a 3.90 GPA and comes from a family full of athletic tradition. In addition to her sister, her older brother, Tillman, was a four-year letterwinner and All-American offensive lineman at Texas while her grandfather Bud McFadin was a two-time All-American at Texas and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

The Nebraska volleyball team finished the 2004 season with a 30-2 record and No. 5 final ranking in the CSTV/AVCA coaches poll. The Huskers return six starters in 2005, including All-Americans Melissa Elmer, Sarah Pavan and Jennifer Saleaumua.