Just last year, the Nebraska volleyball sensation Merritt Beason was wrapping up her college career, gearing up for graduation, and making waves as she turned pro. Fast forward to November 2024, and she was the talk of the town once again—this time as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 Pro Volleyball Federation Draft. The Atlanta Vibe pulled out all the stops, trading away the 2nd and 9th picks to snag Beason, securing one of the most electric players in Division I. She stepped into the league’s top-seeded squad with her unmatched talent and game-changing energy, ready to shake things up.
The Vibe’s relocation didn’t just bring in a star; it launched a thrilling new season in a league boasting record crowds and national television exposure. And now? The Nebraska volleyball’s former star is taking her leadership to a whole new level. Despite still being deep in her pro career, Beason is stepping up as a head coach, proving she’s not just a force on the court but also a powerhouse on the sidelines.
Nebraska staff writer Abby Barmore had fans buzzing on March 23 when she hit up X with some major news—Merritt Beason is stepping into a whole new role while still crushing it in the pro volleyball world!
“Former Nebraska volleyball All-American Merritt Beason is the next head volleyball coach at her alumna mater, Gardendale (Ala.) High School,” Barmore shared, adding that the Atlanta Vibe star will continue playing professionally in the PVF. The news spread fast, and Rick Karle Good News was all over it, hyping up Beason’s epic homecoming: “Huge news for our friends in Gardendale, Alabama!”
Officials at Gardendale High couldn’t wait to break the news—one of the best volleyball players in the world is back to lead the Rockets! “Merritt was an All-American at the University of Nebraska—she graduated last spring with a degree in Child, Youth & Family Studies,” Karle wrote, adding that she made history as the first-ever draft pick for the Atlanta Vibe. And now?
The former Nebraska volleyball star is stepping up as head coach while still dominating in the pros. “Please congratulate Merritt on her new gig, and offer your best to Merritt’s parents Scott and Lori Beason of Gardendale.” Looks like Beason isn’t just setting records—she’s setting up the next generation of volleyball stars!
Former Nebraska volleyball All-American Merritt Beason is the next head volleyball coach at her alumna mater, Gardendale (Ala.) High School. She will continue to play professionally for the Atlanta Vibe in the PVF. pic.twitter.com/59cX4JPUjJ
— Abby Barmore (@Abby_Barmore) March 23, 2025
Merritt Beason’s time at Gardendale High? Oh, just straight-up legendary!
In 2020, she locked in a first-team all-state selection, proving she was already one step above the others. The accolades kept rolling in—she was named a 2020 AVCA Under Armour Third-Team All-American and even snagged the title of a two-time AAU Academic All-American. And if that wasn’t enough, she crushed it in the classroom too, graduating in the top 10 percent of her class with an advanced diploma.
Her high school career was basically a highlight reel. She was handpicked for the 2020 Alabama North/South All-Star Game, crowned a two-time Area Tournament MVP, and a three-time County All-Tournament Team selection. And let’s not forget—she was a two-time JVA All-National Team member and a three-time AAU Nationals All-Star. With a résumé this stacked, it’s no surprise she’s now leading the next generation while still dominating the pro scene.
And guess what? This former Nebraska Volleyball star once also revealed how she was choosing an alternate career way before volleyball.
Nebraska Volleyball star reveals choosing an alternate career!
In November, a former Nebraska Volleyball setter sat before the press, eyes shimmering with emotion as she soaked in the moment. When a reporter asked if little Merritt Beason ever imagined being here, her answer was a straight-up “no.” She took a deep breath and opened up about her beginnings, sharing how young Merritt from Alabama never dreamed of this path.
“Little Merritt hoped to go to community college right down the road… volleyball wasn’t a big thing.” Growing up in a place where the sport barely had a presence, she had no idea it could take her this far.
“I didn’t even know you could play volleyball at a young age,” she admitted, reflecting on how different things were for her compared to her Nebraska teammates.
In Alabama, it wasn’t about volleyball—it was football, cheerleading, and maybe some softball. Volleyball? That wasn’t even on the radar. “It’s just something you don’t really dream of,” she said, noting how players like Rebekah Allick grew up surrounded by the sport. Merritt even considered trying out for cheerleading instead.
“I almost tried out for cheer instead,” she laughed, clearly relieved she hadn’t. But fate had other plans, leading her into a world she never expected, a world that turned into her passion, career, and legacy.
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