Bergen Reilly’s Heartbreaking Late-Night Announcement: Stepping Away from Volleyball to Face a Family Crisis

In the quiet hours of a cold January night in Lincoln, Nebraska, the volleyball world stopped scrolling and started holding its breath.

Bergen Reilly, the 20-year-old star setter who just months ago was crowned AVCA Setter of the Year, Big Ten Player of the Year, and one of the brightest talents in college volleyball history, went live from her home—not the Bob Devaney Sports Center, not a press room, but her own living room.

With tear-streaked cheeks, a trembling voice, and her boyfriend Cale Jacobsen holding her tightly, she delivered a message no Husker fan ever wanted to hear.

“We are very sorry to have to inform the fans, Caleb and I have to share this news… I will be taking a break from playing to care for my family during this difficult time.”

The words hung heavy in the air. Within minutes, #BergenWeLoveYou and #PrayForBergen exploded across social media, trending nationwide as thousands of heartbroken fans flooded her comments with support, prayers, and tears.

The young woman who orchestrated Nebraska’s near-perfect 33-1 season in 2025, setting school records and earning finalist nods for national Player of the Year honors, was now choosing family over the court. And the volleyball community felt every ounce of that pain.

A Star at the Peak of Her Powers

Just weeks earlier, Bergen Reilly was untouchable. The Sioux Falls, South Dakota native had transformed from a highly-touted freshman recruit (No.

4 overall, top setter in the 2023 class) into a three-time Big Ten Setter of the Year—the first in conference history to achieve the feat—and Nebraska’s second-ever Big Ten Player of the Year (following Kelsey Robinson in 2013).

She led the Huskers to a school-record .351 team hitting percentage, averaging 10.47 assists per set while contributing digs, blocks, and even timely kills.

Her poise under pressure was legendary. Teammates called her “calm, cool, and collected,” a setter who rarely made the wrong decision. Head coach Dani Busboom Kelly praised her high volleyball IQ, and opponents admitted she was the best in the Big Ten.

Even after Nebraska’s heartbreaking 3-2 loss to Texas A&M in the NCAA Regional Final—ending a 33-game winning streak—Reilly powered through illness to keep fighting, earning AVCA First-Team All-American honors days later.

Off the court, her life seemed picture-perfect. In a long-term relationship with Cale Jacobsen, a guard on Nebraska’s men’s basketball team, the couple frequently shared sweet moments: matching outfits for anniversaries, cheering each other’s games, and celebrating milestones together. Fans adored their wholesome dynamic—a true Husker power couple.

But behind the accolades and the smiles, something was brewing.

The Night Everything Changed

The live stream began around midnight on January 9, 2026. No makeup, no lights, no script—just Bergen in a simple hoodie, sitting on her couch with Cale’s arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders. Her eyes were red, her voice cracked as she spoke.

The background showed familiar touches: Nebraska memorabilia, a few framed photos, and the quiet intimacy of a home suddenly thrust into the public eye.

She didn’t go into details about the crisis—respecting her family’s privacy—but the emotion was unmistakable. This wasn’t burnout or injury. This was something deeper, something personal that demanded her full attention. “Volleyball has been my life, my passion, my everything,” she said through tears.

“But right now, my family needs me more than the court ever could. I have to be there for them… and I hope everyone understands.”

Cale stayed silent but present, his hand gently rubbing her back—a small but powerful gesture of support that moved millions watching.

The broadcast lasted nearly an hour, with Bergen answering a few soft questions from fans in the comments, thanking them for the love, and promising she’d return “when the time is right.”

Fans, Teammates, and Rivals Rally Around Her

The response was immediate and overwhelming. Former teammates like Merritt Beason, who once playfully competed with Cale for “top Bergen fan” status, posted heartfelt messages: “Take all the time you need, Berg.

We’re family forever.” Harper Murray, Rebekah Allick, and Andi Jackson—her 2025 co-captains and All-Americans—shared stories and photos, reminding everyone of the unbreakable bond built on and off the court.

Even rivals chimed in. Wisconsin’s Kelly Sheffield, who once called her “the best player in the conference,” tweeted: “Respect. Family first always. Come back stronger, Bergen.” The AVCA and Big Ten offices released statements expressing support and well-wishes.

Social media became a sea of red: fans posting candles, prayers, and edits of Bergen’s highlights set to emotional ballads. “She gave us everything—now we give her space and love,” one viral post read.

Nebraska Athletics, while staying respectful of privacy, confirmed the program fully supports her decision and that her scholarship and spot on the team remain secure.

What This Means for Nebraska Volleyball—and Bergen’s Future

For the Huskers, losing Bergen—even temporarily—is seismic. As the engine of their offense, her vision and leadership were irreplaceable. The 2026 season, already anticipated as a title-contender push after the near-miss in 2025, now faces a major question mark. But the program’s culture, built on resilience and family, will endure.

Coach Busboom Kelly has already signaled that the team will rally around Bergen’s absence, leaning on depth and the same mentality that made them 33-1.

For Bergen herself, this break represents a profound shift. At just 20, she’s already achieved what many dream of: national awards, conference dominance, USA Volleyball experience, and a legacy at one of the sport’s premier programs. Yet she’s choosing humanity over heroics.

It’s a reminder that even superstars have families, vulnerabilities, and moments when the game must wait.

Speculation about the crisis remains private—no leaks, no rumors confirmed. Some whisper health concerns, others personal loss. Whatever it is, Bergen’s grace in sharing the news (and the pain behind it) has only deepened fans’ admiration.

A Message of Hope Amid the Tears

As the live stream ended, Bergen managed a small, tearful smile. “Thank you for everything,” she whispered. “I love you all. I’ll be back… I promise.”

In that moment, she wasn’t just a setter, an All-American, or a Husker legend. She was a daughter, a girlfriend, a young woman prioritizing what matters most.

The volleyball world waits—patiently, lovingly—for her return. Until then, Lincoln’s lights burn a little dimmer, but the heart of Nebraska volleyball beats stronger than ever.

Because when Bergen Reilly steps back onto the court, she won’t just be coming back as a player. She’ll be coming back as proof that strength isn’t always in winning games—it’s in knowing when to step away for the people you love.