Bruins add six signees to 2026 volleyball class

• Led her team in blocks and kills during her senior season at Lawrence High School under head coach Deborah Newkirk.
• Led her team in blocks during both her freshman and junior campaigns.
• Named to the Sunflower League first team as a junior and earned honorable mention honors as a senior.
• Competed in track and field, participating in the 100-meter dash, 4x100 relay, and long jump.
• Academic standout, named to the Honor Roll for 14 quarters and the University of Kansas Honor Roll for six quarters.
• Sister of former Bruin All-American middle blocker Savanna Berger
• Daughter of Staci and Colin Berger.

Austin-Berger on why she chose Bellevue: "I chose Bellevue's academic program because during my sophomore year of high school, my grade took a field trip to Bellevue to show us what they had to offer. During the tour, they extensively explained their business program, and by the end, I put Bellevue in the group of schools to consider for college. Bellevue's athletics are what really made me 100% about the school. My sister started playing there last year, and after seeing the coaching style and community of the program, I knew Bellevue was the school for me."

Coach Siedlik: "Anabel is athletic, smart, and a solid block just like her sister, Savanna. This recruit was not far to find, but thankful that she chose us. Anabel has the characteristics of a true middle, and we are looking forward to working with her on her power."

• Earned varsity letters in her freshman, sophomore, and senior seasons at Lincoln North Star High School under coaches Kristi Nelson-Hitz and Jeremiah Kroll.
• Helped lead her team to a Nebraska Class A state runner-up finish.
• City champion in tennis during her freshman year.
• Played club volleyball for VCN 18 Black under coach Whitney Roth.
• Qualified for AAU Nationals in 2022 (Chicago) and 2023 (Orlando).
• Daughter of Jody and Troy Bowen.

Bowen on why she chose Bellevue: "I picked Bellevue because it felt like home. Since the first time I stepped foot in the gym, I knew it was the place. I know Bellevue has an amazing academic field and especially has a great Biology program, which is super helpful. From my experience at the recruiting camp, meeting the girls had felt like an instant bond, especially the incoming recruits. I am beyond excited to experience my college volleyball experience with them."

Coach Siedlik: "A versatile front row player that is ready for the challenge. Motivated and ready to be pushed, Raleigh perked our interest in our recruit camp. Her height on the outside helps, and her experience in the middle blocking is a dangerous combination for a pin player. Looking forward to seeing what she does at this speed and level with our returning players that will be looking for more competition."

• Led her Papillion-LaVista South High School squad, under head coach Katie Tarman, to the 2025 Nebraska Class A state championship.
• Finished fifth on her school's all-time single-season assists chart during the 2025 season.
• Named third-team all-Metro Conference and all-state honorable mention.
• Served as team captain and received the True Titan Award and earned Best Teammate recognition.
• Three-year letterwinner in volleyball and two-year letterwinner in basketball, earning Lifter of the Year honors in basketball.
• Academic all-state selection, seven-time Honor Roll recipient, and academic letterwinner.
• Played club volleyball for Premier 18 Gold under coach Sarah Hughbanks, qualifying for Open Division Nationals from her 11s through 18s years.
• Daughter of Kim and Brandon Eymann. Mother played volleyball at the University of Nebraska, and father played baseball at the University of Nebraska. 

Eymann on why she chose Bellevue: "I chose Bellevue University because of its strong academic programs and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships within the classroom. The small class sizes and dedicated faculty create an environment where I can thrive both academically and personally. Additionally, I'm drawn to the Bruin Volleyball team's culture of success, teamwork, and commitment to growth, and I'm excited to contribute to the team while pursuing my academic goals."

Coach Siedlik: "One of the most decorated players in this class, Ella is a leader. She has a calming voice to her peers, but a demand that others want to follow. She is consistent with her work ethic, which has been a characteristic here with our long line of successful setters. Ella's serve will also be counted on heavily. The setter position will be another competitive one with Ella on board."

• Served as team captain during her senior season at Denver South High School under coach Katie Ryan.
• Three-time all-state honorable mention selection.
• Named to the all-city team three times.
• Recorded 500 kills during her prep career.
• Played club volleyball for Rocky Elite under coach Kati Guerrero.
• Daughter of Briana Lucero.

Lucero on why she chose Bellevue: "I chose [Bellevue] for my volleyball career because the coaching staff was amazing and for the academics (teaching program)!"

Coach Siedlik: "A late addition to the recruit camp, Heavyn was a big surprise. A mobile 6-4 middle that we may be experimenting with as a right side as well. Heavyn brings energy, love, and glue. We could not pass up a player like this, where height comes with personality that blends with every player in our program."

• Three-time varsity letterwinner at Ames High School under head coach Meg Williams.
• Nominated for Ames Tribune Female Athlete of the Week.
• Cited as "The Most Efficient Player At the Net For Ames High" by the Ames Tribune.
• Played club volleyball for Iowa Heart Volleyball Club under coach Kinsie Zinnel.
• Qualified for the 2023 and 2024 AAU Junior Nationals.
• Daughter of Micah and John Stagg.

Stagg on why she chose Bellevue: "I chose Bellevue University for my academic career because it has a great psychology program and will provide me plenty of flexibility. ... The Bellevue Bruins Volleyball team was also a huge factor in my decision. The first time I met my coaches, I could tell that they cared so much about the sport and had my best interest at heart. When I went to campus and met the team, I was also able to see that they all have great relationships that I have always wanted with my teammates. ... I am confident that Bellevue will take me where I need to go in my academic and volleyball career."

Coach Siedlik: "We saw Morgan at a showcase in Omaha. She performed at a high level all day, every set, at many positions. She will be a mystery where she will fit in the front row because she does them all so well. We like that she is marketable with her aggressiveness. Her ceiling hasn't been touched, so we are excited to see where she can rise here and in the classroom."

• Prepped at Norris High School under head coach Christina Boesiger.
• Member of back-to-back Nebraska Class B state championship teams in 2024 and 2025.
• Named all-state honorable mention and EMC all-conference honorable mention.
• Awarded the "Commitment to Excellence" medal by her coaches after missing her sophomore season due to injury.
• Earned EMC academic all-conference honors.
• Played club volleyball for VCN 18 Elite under coach Renee Saunders.
• Qualified for 2025 Junior Nationals in Dallas and 2024 AAU Nationals in Orlando.
• Daughter of Heather and Benjamin Talbott.

Talbott on why she chose Bellevue: "The reason I chose Bellevue University was originally for the volleyball program. However, when I went on a visit, I learned so much lot about the academics, and the way that the professors truly care about you and your future. ... One of the main reasons I chose Bellevue was because of the coaches. I feel like they put so much thought and care into you and what you want to accomplish."

Coach Siedlik: "A great recruiting story with this player. She turned us down to explore, we were turned down by our next choice, went back to Carlie then, only to find out that she was very interested to reconsider. Love that sometimes timing is everything. Carlie comes from another state powerhouse. A ball control master and will add amazing depth to our defense group that has voids to fill due to graduation."