Strong Team Bonds Propel Nebraska Softball Toward NCAA Success
As the Nebraska softball team gears up for the NCAA Tournament starting Friday, off-the-field camaraderie is translating into on-the-field achievements.
The Huskers, ranked No. 1 and holding the No. 4 overall seed, are hosting their first home regional in 13 years, boasting an impressive 46-6 record. The team also clinched the Big Ten regular season and tournament titles.
The transformation began about three years ago, post the 2023 season, when Papillion La Vista High alum Jordy Bahl announced her transfer to Nebraska after securing two national titles at Oklahoma. Following a knee injury in the first game of the 2024 season, Bahl—now known as Jordy Frahm—made a strong comeback, leading the team just one win away from the Women’s College World Series last year.
In her senior season, Frahm has excelled, leading the Big Ten with a 1.24 earned run average (ERA) and amassing 201 strikeouts, far ahead of her peers. Her batting prowess also shines, ranking sixth in the conference with a .426 average and tying for seventh in home runs with 19. Such performances have earned her a spot as a finalist for national player of the year.
Frahm remains focused, stating, “I am all Nebraska softball until I can’t be anymore, and we’re running out of time, and that’s sad. But until I’m done with this team and this program, I don’t really want to talk or even think about what comes after that.”
Alongside Frahm, Nebraska’s experienced squad of 12 seniors reflects on the narrow miss of reaching the world series in 2025 with a loss to Tennessee. Coach Rhonda Revelle, guiding the program for 34 years, emphasized the seniors’ impact, stating, “I really don’t have the right words, but I’ll try to give them to you. They — the way they have represented this program, this community, this university, this athletic department, has been impeccable.”
Senior player Hannah Camenzind expressed her gratitude for the bond with her coaches and teammates, saying, “She’s so special to all of us, and I started crying when I was sitting back there. But, her and all the coaches have just meant a lot to this senior class and this whole team, and I’ll never be able to thank them enough for everything they’ve done for me.” Camenzind has contributed significantly, hitting .355 with seven home runs.
A key factor in this season’s success is freshman Alexis Jensen from Gretna High, who ranks second in the Big Ten with 197 strikeouts, providing Frahm with needed relief on the mound.
As the postseason begins, Nebraska eyes making history with potential “firsts.” Only the top 16 teams host regionals, and the Huskers have never hosted a super regional since the NCAA format change in 2005. Revelle reflects on past success, stating, “What I learned then, and as I’ve reflected on it throughout my career, is that momentum begets momentum, and so it doesn’t really matter what sport it is.”
The Huskers aim to keep their winning momentum. Fans can catch the regional games on ESPN’s networks, starting with a matchup against the University of South Dakota at 5:30 p.m. Central time on ESPN Plus. The tournament continues through Sunday.
