Nebraska volleyball star, outside forward Harper Murray, couldn’t have had a better first season for the five-time national champion. She became a national star by winning the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award, earning All-Big Ten First Team honors and being named an AVCA All-America Third Team member.

Despite missing out on Texas in the national championship game, Murray had one of the best freshman campaigns in program history. Unfortunately, a turbulent offseason followed for the Michigan native, with multiple run-ins with the law. She was suspended for the Nebraska Spring Match in April, but will not be suspended for the upcoming season.

Murray appeared in a press conference for the first time since the national championship ended last December. When asked how she felt about the support from her teammates during her offseason, Murray looked in the direction of a Nebraska spokesperson before shaking her head. Teammate and co-captain Merritt Beason stepped in to provide an answer.

“One thing that our team focuses on is understanding each other, and at times Harper might need a little bit more. At times Harper might need to be alone, things like that,” Beason said. “We’re all different and we’re all unique in our own way. For us, it’s just continued to build those relationships this whole summer. Not just them, for all of us. Continuing to figure out what each person needs at each moment.

“I think we’ve helped Harper a lot with all the things she’s been dealing with, but that’s just the culture of Nebraska volleyball. It’s not just her. We continue to build those relationships and ultimately grow that deeper understanding of each of them so that those relationships are reflected on the court.”

As for her progress on the court, Murray will be looking to build on her impressive freshman season. Nebraska Coach John Cook reached into the transfer portal to sign former Big Ten Player of the Year Taylor Landfair from Minnesota to replace the departing Ally Batenhorst, who transferred to fellow Big Ten school USC.

With Landfair, Murray, senior Lindsay Krause and star Skyler Pierce all vying for dual starting spots, the competition in the gym has intensified, even after a season that saw the Huskers reach the national title game.

“I think we’ve got to work on the little things and stay disciplined because that’s something coach (Cook) always tells us,” Murray said. “Also, off the field, just building relationships like Merritt said.”

Saturday’s upcoming Red-White scrimmage will provide a preview of the state of the hitter’s room and whether Murray’s troubled offseason will impact her performance on the court. First service is scheduled for 6 p.m. CDT at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, with Nebraska Public Media providing television coverage.

MORE: Husker Doc Talk: Uniforms, NIL and Dylan Raiola

MORE: Nebraska Football Rival Coach Reportedly Suspended For Recruiting Violations

MORE: Nebraska Football to End Alternate Uniforms

MORE: Huskers WR Jaylen Lloyd Is Poised to Become a ‘Big-Play Guy’ for Nebraska Football

MORE: Nine Huskers Named to Senior Bowl Watchlist

Stay up to date on all things Huskers by bookmarking Nebraska Cornhuskers on SInext HuskerMax on Xand visiting HuskerMax.com daily.