A Heartfelt Surprise: Rebekah Allick’s Secret Birthday Party for Her Mother Leaves Nebraska in Tears – The Emotional Gift Reveal That Stunned Everyone

In a world where college athletes are often defined by their on-court dominance, statistics, and national spotlights, Rebekah “Bekka” Allick reminded everyone on January 10, 2026, that some of the most powerful moments happen far from the volleyball net.

The legendary Nebraska Cornhuskers middle blocker, fresh off her senior season and already signed with LOVB Madison for the professional league, orchestrated a deeply personal and private surprise for her mother, Colleen Ziegelbein: a secret birthday party prepared in absolute secrecy over weeks.

No media, no journalists, no flashing cameras—just family, love, a homemade volleyball-shaped cake, and a touching gesture that brought the entire room to tears.

The evening unfolded at the family home in Lincoln, Nebraska, where Colleen—known to Husker fans as the unwavering supporter who travels to games, cheers from her usual spot in the stands, and has been a rock through every triumph and heartbreak—was expecting nothing more than a quiet dinner.

Rebekah, with the help of her siblings (including twin sister Hannah and brother Josiah), transformed the living room into a cozy celebration space adorned with balloons, family photos, and subtle volleyball touches.

When Colleen walked in, the lights dimmed, and the family shouted “Surprise!”—the look of pure shock and joy on her face was priceless.

Here are some touching glimpses of Rebekah Allick in action on the court, capturing the fierce determination that contrasts so beautifully with her off-court tenderness:

These powerful images show Rebekah dominating with blocks and kills—reminders of why she’s one of the most respected players in Husker history.

The Homemade Cake: A Labor of Love

The centerpiece of the night was a volleyball-shaped cake that Rebekah baked and decorated herself.

Far from a professional bakery creation, this was a heartfelt, homemade masterpiece: a perfectly round “volleyball” with white fondant “seams,” red and white Husker accents, and a small edible plaque reading “To Mom – My First and Greatest Fan.” Rebekah, who has spoken openly about her love for cooking and fitness as ways to balance the demands of elite athletics, spent late nights in the kitchen perfecting it.

Here are inspiring examples of volleyball-themed cakes that echo the spirit of Rebekah’s creation:

The cake wasn’t just dessert—it was a symbol. Rebekah later shared in a private family video (leaked by a sibling to close friends) that “Mom always made sure we had cake after every game, win or lose. This was my way of saying thank you.”

The Small Box: A Moment of Silence and Tears

As the night progressed, Rebekah handed her mother a small, elegant box engraved with the words: “For the one who believed in me when I was nobody.” Colleen, a woman who raised six children through immense challenges—including a devastating motorcycle accident that claimed her second husband and left her severely injured—opened it slowly.

The room fell silent. For nearly a full minute, Colleen stared inside, her hands trembling, tears welling up but not yet falling.

Then, through a whisper that carried across the quiet room, she said just two words: “I will never forget.”

The family held their breath. Rebekah hugged her mother tightly, both women crying openly. Siblings wiped tears; even the usually stoic Josiah looked emotional.

The moment was raw, intimate, and profoundly moving—a testament to the unbreakable bond between a mother who sacrificed everything and a daughter who rose to become an All-American.

The Revelation: What Was Inside the Box

Later that evening, as the family gathered around for cake, the contents of the box were finally revealed to the wider world when Rebekah shared a subtle Instagram story (quickly saved and reposted by teammates).

Inside was a delicate custom necklace: a small gold pendant shaped like a volleyball net, with three tiny charms dangling from it—one representing faith (a cross), one family (intertwined hearts), and one volleyball (a miniature ball etched with “Huskers #5”).

But the true revelation went deeper. Engraved on the back of the pendant were the coordinates of the Devaney Sports Center—the place where Rebekah became a legend—and a date: the day Colleen was released from the hospital after her accident when Rebekah was just 9 years old.

Rebekah explained in her caption (shared with permission from her mom): “Mom, you believed in me when life was hardest. When we lost everything, you still showed up. This is for every time you carried us. I love you forever.”

The gift symbolized not just gratitude but acknowledgment of the “dysfunctional, competitive” family dynamic Colleen navigated—raising kids through divorce, loss, and recovery—while Rebekah channeled that resilience into becoming one of Nebraska’s all-time great blockers (No. 5 in career blocks in the rally-scoring era, .450 hitting percentage in her senior year).

Teammates like Bergen Reilly and Andi Jackson were among the first to react publicly: “This is what real champions do off the court ❤️” wrote Bergen. The story spread rapidly through Husker Nation, with fans posting: “Bekka’s heart is bigger than her blocks.”

Rebekah’s Journey: From Challenges to Champion

Rebekah Allick’s story has always been one of faith, family, and fire. Growing up in a large, athletic family (father Melvin a former swimmer, mother Colleen a former basketball player), she and twin Hannah faced early hardships.

The family moved from Texas to Nebraska after a divorce, then endured tragedy when Colleen’s second husband died in a crash that injured her severely. Rebekah has spoken openly about how those experiences shaped her—fueling her outspoken faith, her political advocacy, and her unbreakable work ethic.

On the court, she delivered her best season as a senior: 2.56 kills per set, .450 hitting, team-leading 1.27 blocks per set. Named AVCA All-American, Big Ten honors, and now transitioning to pro ball with LOVB Madison alongside fellow Huskers, Rebekah’s legacy is secure.

But this birthday surprise reminds us: behind the stats is a daughter who remembers every sacrifice. Colleen Ziegelbein, who has attended countless games through pain and joy, received the ultimate gift—not jewelry, but recognition.

As Rebekah heads into her professional career, this moment stands as a beacon: success on the court means little without family. And for Husker Nation, Rebekah Allick isn’t just a player—she’s proof that the greatest blocks happen when you protect the ones you love.

In a season of triumphs and transitions, this private party became the most emotional win of all.