Nebraska volleyball incoming freshman libero Olivia Mauch has been named the Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year, presented annually to the most outstanding high school student-athletes for their athletic excellence, academic achievement and exemplary character.
Mauch, a Bennington, Neb. native, was the starting libero for the U.S. Girls U19 Team that won gold at the FIVB U19 World Championships in Croatia in August. She had 13 digs in the championship match, a 3-2 comeback win over Turkey.
Mauch averaged 7.1 digs per set and had 49 service aces in her senior season at Bennington this fall, leading the Badgers to the Class B state semifinals each of the past two years. As a junior, Mauch averaged 8.5 digs per set and served 83 aces. She was a Lincoln Journal Star Super-State and Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska selection. Mauch played club volleyball for Premier.
Last week, fellow Husker newcomer Skyler Pierce was named the Most Valuable Player at the Under Armour Next All-America match. The outside hitter had 17 kills with a .536 hitting percentage to lead Team Fire past Team Ice in five sets.
