‘I Take the Pressure as a Privilege’ – Keoni Williams Embraces Nebraska Volleyball and Its Passionate Fanbase

Keoni Williams opens up about handling pressure, embracing expectations, and thriving in Nebraska volleyball’s passionate environment.

Nebraska Volleyball recently welcomed Keoni Williams, who signed with the team on Nov. 12. Following the signing, the senior middle blocker opened up about her mindset as she begins her journey with the Huskers.

​Williams averaged 3.5 kills per set on .553 hitting and 1.3 blocks per set during her time at Eagle Mountain High School. She had a total of 13 kills in the four-set thriller that led her team to the state championship.​

Keoni Williams Speaks Passionately About Nebraska Volleyball

Williams committed to join Nebraska Volleyball in 2024, when John Cook was still the head coach. She was still stuck with her decision to join the Huskers even after he left, and Dani Busboom Kelly took over.

​Speaking on joining the Cornhuskers, Williams expressed pride in the “culture” at Nebraska Volleyball, noting that even under a new head coach, she didn’t doubt the Huskers’ ability to keep dominating.

​“The culture at Nebraska is so strong. So, even with John Cook leaving, I knew that Dani would pick right up, and obviously she played there and she was connected with John Cook and everything. So, I knew that there wasn’t going to be a really big change and knowing that all the players originally there also stayed was just even more validating,” she said.

​The middle blocker expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play for the Huskers, noting that the team’s supportive fanbase makes it a thrilling experience for her. She also acknowledged that despite feeling pressure to perform above expectations, she’s choosing to see the pressure as a positive thing.

​“Wearing Nebraska across your chest is definitely an honor. Honestly, I take the pressure as a privilege, and I’m just thankful overall, just to be able to have Nebraska across my chest. So, I’ll just say that was the biggest thing,” she added.

​Williams called the Husker fans a “very loving” and caring fan base and said she was looking forward to playing in front of them.​

‘It’s Crazy’ — 2026 Nebraska Volleyball Signee Gabby DiVita Speaks On Joining The Huskers

Gabby DiVita signed with Nebraska Volleyball on Nov. 12. Afterwards, she expressed excitement at the achievement and acknowledged that it had been her dream to play for the Husker Nation.

​“It was always my dream, but it’s insane that it’s actually happened. It’s crazy, it’s still surreal,” she said.

READ MORE: Top Upsets of the NCAA Volleyball Championships 2025 ft. Nebraska Volleyball

​DiVita attended Grosse Pointe South High School, where she averaged 5.8 kills per set on a .421 hitting percentage and 3.8 digs per set, with 49 service aces. With 1,144 career digs and 1,941 career kills, she broke the school record for the most career digs and kills.

 

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