Bergen Reilly’s Bold Stand: Nebraska Setter Refuses Rainbow Headband for NCAA Finals, Ignites Fierce National Debate

January 8, 2026 – Lincoln, Nebraska The college volleyball world is in turmoil following a stunning announcement from Nebraska Cornhuskers setter Bergen Reilly, who has publicly declared her refusal to wear the iconic LGBTQ+ rainbow headband during the 2026 NCAA Volleyball Finals.

The decision by one of the sport’s most celebrated players has thrust the issue of symbolic gestures, personal beliefs, and inclusion into the spotlight, dividing fans, analysts, and the broader athletic community.

In a brief but resolute statement released through the University of Nebraska’s athletic department, Reilly stated: “Sport should focus on performance on the court, not on political or social movements.

I have tremendous respect for my teammates, opponents, and everyone in this community, but I believe the purity of competition should remain separate from external symbols.”

The rainbow headband, a subtle accessory featuring Pride colors, has become a popular voluntary symbol of allyship in college volleyball over the past several seasons.

Inspired by broader initiatives like the NBA’s Pride nights and soccer’s Rainbow Laces campaign, many players and teams have adopted it during high-profile matches, particularly championship events, to signal support for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion.

While the NCAA has never mandated such gestures, encouragement from conferences, advocacy groups, and media partners has made them increasingly common. Reilly’s refusal—coming from a player of her stature—marks a rare public pushback and has amplified ongoing conversations about whether sports should serve as platforms for social statements.

Reilly, the 21-year-old junior from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is no ordinary athlete. Widely regarded as the premier setter of her generation, she has already amassed a résumé that rivals all-time greats.

In 2025 alone, she earned AVCA National Setter of the Year, Big Ten Player of the Year, and First-Team All-America honors while orchestrating Nebraska’s record-breaking offense to a .351 hitting percentage—the highest in school history.

Her leadership propelled the Huskers to a 33-1 record and an Elite Eight appearance, cementing her status as a cornerstone of one of college sports’ most storied programs.

Off the court, Reilly is known for her quiet faith, strong family ties—including her long-term relationship with basketball player Caleb Jacobsen—and a grounded demeanor that has endeared her to fans. She has rarely engaged in public activism, preferring to let her play speak for itself.

The reaction to her statement has been swift and polarized. Supporters hail it as a principled defense of athletic neutrality. “Finally, someone says it,” posted one prominent volleyball parent on social media.

“Let these kids compete without feeling pressured to wear symbols they may not fully align with.” Conservative commentators praised Reilly for resisting what they call “forced virtue signaling,” arguing that sports should remain an escape from cultural wars.

Many in the volleyball community, particularly those from faith-based or rural backgrounds similar to Reilly’s, expressed solidarity. “Bergen is standing up for personal freedom,” wrote a former Big Ten player. “Not everyone has to broadcast every cause to be a good person.”

Critics, however, view the refusal as a missed opportunity—and potentially harmful—in a sport striving for greater inclusivity. LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations like Athlete Ally released a statement expressing disappointment: “Visibility matters. Simple gestures like a rainbow headband help create welcoming environments for queer athletes, coaches, and fans who often feel marginalized.

When leaders like Bergen opt out, it can feel like a step backward.”

Progressive voices in sports media argued that remaining neutral in the face of ongoing advocacy equates to silence on important issues. “Inclusion isn’t political—it’s human,” tweeted one ESPN analyst. “In a women’s sport fighting for respect and equality, symbols of allyship strengthen the community.”

Nebraska head coach Dani Busboom Kelly addressed the controversy in a measured press conference: “Bergen is an outstanding leader who treats everyone with respect. We support her right to make personal choices, just as we support players who choose to wear symbols of inclusion.

Our team remains united in our commitment to each other and to winning championships.”

Teammates have largely stayed quiet publicly, though sources inside the program describe locker room discussions as respectful and mature. Star outside hitter Harper Murray, Reilly’s close friend and frequent beneficiary of her pinpoint sets, posted a simple heart emoji in response to the news—interpreted by many as quiet support.

The broader context adds layers to the debate. College volleyball has experienced explosive growth in recent years, with record TV ratings, sold-out arenas, and surging NIL opportunities for female athletes. Yet the sport remains predominantly white and from conservative regions, where cultural views on LGBTQ+ issues can vary widely.

Reilly’s stance highlights the challenge of balancing progressive inclusion efforts with the diverse beliefs of participants.

Analysts note parallels to past controversies, such as athletes opting out of social justice demonstrations or national anthem gestures. “This isn’t new,” said Dr. Nicole LaVoi, director of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport.

“But in women’s sports, where visibility is finally catching up to talent, these moments carry extra weight. Reilly’s decision forces us to ask: Whose comfort matters most?”

As the NCAA Finals approach in April, attention will intensify. Will other players follow Reilly’s lead? Will sponsors or broadcasters weigh in? The Big Ten Conference declined comment, stating it respects individual expression.

For Reilly, the focus remains the court. “I’m here to set my hitters up for success and bring another banner to Nebraska,” she concluded in her statement. “That’s my priority.”

In a season already brimming with anticipation—Nebraska enters 2026 ranked No. 1 with returning All-Americans Murray, Andi Jackson, and others—Reilly’s controversy adds an unexpected narrative. Whether it unites or divides, her refusal has undeniably elevated the conversation around what college sports should represent.

The rainbow headband may be small, but the questions it raises are enormous. As the Finals draw near, one thing is clear: Bergen Reilly’s voice—on and off the court—will be impossible to ignore.