With many high school seniors making those final decisions on where to attend college next year, one northeast Nebraskan has her school down and signed a national letter of intent to continue playing the sport she loves most in volleyball.
On Nov. 12 among her friends, family and fellow Wakefield students, senior Ashlyn Riewer put the pen to the paper to attend Midland University and compete on the volleyball team.
It was an emotional afternoon during her signing event with all her 'people' there.
"It was just like an 'aha', I made it," said Ashlyn Riewer. "I just feel like so good about all my hard work because I've had people that doubted me. I just felt like accomplished because it's what I've been wanting since I walked in as a freshman."
Ashlyn Riewer said last summer she connected with the Midland coach at one of her club tournaments and then later attended a camp in the summer.
"He ended up offering me that day and he gave me a month to commit," said Ashlyn Riewer. "I went home and I thought about it and I knew exactly what I wanted to do. So, I committed the next day."
Ashlyn Riewer is planning on acquiring her real estate license next September and pursue a Digital Marketing degree at Midland University.
The Wakefield volleyball team finished 3-26.
"I think it was good for us to go through that hardship together," said Ashlyn Riewer. "Really build a connection and I think it really meant a lot to us even though it didn't go the way we wanted it to go."
Per Max Preps stats in 65 sets played, Ashlyn Riewer led the Trojans with 274 digs (11 per match). She was the top target on serve receive averaging 23.9 service receive attempts a match.
Ashlyn Riewer also recorded 11 service aces.
Tori Walker (attended Homer) and Skylar Scholting (Pierce) are both freshmen on the team as Ashlyn Riewer played with them on her club teams.
"I've been talking a lot to some of them (other freshman) to see who wants to room with who," said Ashlyn Riewer. "Just kind of making that connection before the season starts."
Ashlyn Riewer is excited to play with her Wakefield basketball teammates which will be the final sport she'll compete in for Wakefield.
The Wakefield senior added she's excited to soak in her final few moments with her classmates.
"They say it goes fast and I didn't expect it to go so fast," said Ashlyn Riewer. "Just soaking up those last few moments and making memories like at prom and just having fun with my friends and getting ready for that next chapter together."
Ashlyn Riewer plans to compete in club volleyball during the spring of 2026 and assist with junior high sports.
