“Thank You, Reilly”: Kerri Walsh Jennings’ Emotional Tribute to Bergen Reilly Leaves Volleyball World in Tears – And a Surprise Gift That Made History

January 9, 2026 – Lincoln, Nebraska The volleyball world is still wiping away tears after an unforgettable moment of mentorship, gratitude, and sisterhood that unfolded between two generations of legends.

Kerri Walsh Jennings—the iconic beach volleyball queen with three Olympic gold medals and a career defined by resilience and grace—publicly thanked Nebraska Cornhuskers setter Bergen Reilly for her heartfelt words of admiration, calling the young star her “little sister” in the sport.

What followed was more than a simple shout-out: a private invitation for a heartfelt meeting, deep conversations about sacrifices, and a special family gift from the Walsh Jennings clan that sent Nebraska fans into emotional overdrive.

The story began with a viral clip from Reilly’s post-match interview after Nebraska’s dominant sweep in their season opener. When asked about her inspirations growing up, the normally composed junior broke down in tears: “Kerri Walsh Jennings…

she’s been my big sister in volleyball since I was a kid watching the Olympics. Her fight, her heart—everything she overcame—taught me how to lead, how to never give up a ball. Thank you, Kerri, for showing us what’s possible.”

The raw emotion in Reilly’s voice—tears streaming as she spoke of Walsh Jennings’ battles with injuries, motherhood, and Olympic comebacks—touched millions. Within hours, the clip amassed over 20 million views, with fans dubbing it “the most wholesome moment in volleyball.”

Walsh Jennings, now 47 and a mother of three, was watching from her California home. Moved beyond words, she posted a video response on social media that left the volleyball community speechless: “Bergen Reilly… thank you, Reilly. Your words mean more than any gold medal.

You’ve grown into the leader I always hoped the next generation would be. You’re not just my ‘little sister’—you’re carrying the torch brighter than ever. I’m so proud of you.”

But Kerri didn’t stop there. In the same video, she extended a personal invitation: “Come visit me anytime. Let’s talk volleyball, life, sacrifices—the real stuff. And I have something special from my family for you.”

The meeting happened swiftly and privately two days later at a quiet beachside location in California, arranged during Nebraska’s brief travel break. Photos leaked by a fan showed the two embracing on the sand—Walsh Jennings in casual beach attire, Reilly in Huskers gear—laughing and sharing stories for hours.

They discussed everything: Walsh Jennings’ journey balancing elite competition with pregnancy and motherhood, her partnership with Misty May-Treanor, and the mental toll of chasing greatness. Reilly opened up about her own pressures as Nebraska’s orchestrator, the weight of expectations, and her deep-rooted faith and family values.

Then came the gift that drove fans wild. Walsh Jennings presented Reilly with a custom-engraved Olympic gold medal replica from her 2012 London triumph—the one where she played through injury to secure her third gold.

But it wasn’t just any replica: inscribed on the back were the words “To Bergen – Keep Setting the World on Fire. From Your Big Sister, Kerri.” Alongside it, a handwritten letter from Walsh Jennings’ children, thanking Reilly for inspiring them to play volleyball.

Reilly, caught on camera leaving the meeting, broke down in tears in front of waiting reporters. Wiping her face while laughing through sobs, she managed: “I’m trying to focus on the tournament… but today is already the most special day of my career.”

The moment went viral instantly. Nebraska fans flooded social media with #ThankYouReilly and #KerriAndBergen, sharing tearful reactions: “This is why we love volleyball—the sisterhood!” One viral post read: “Kerri passing the torch to Bergen… I’m not crying, you’re crying.”

Reilly’s teammates joined the emotion. Harper Murray posted a photo of the group chat exploding with heart emojis: “Our setter met her idol and got the ultimate gift. So proud, Berg!” Coach Dani Busboom Kelly: “Moments like this remind us why we coach. Bergen deserves every bit of this love.”

Walsh Jennings later elaborated in an interview: “Bergen represents everything beautiful about our sport—precision, heart, leadership. She’s not chasing fame; she’s building legacies. That gift? It’s a reminder that what we do echoes forever.”

For Reilly, whose rise from Sioux Falls obscurity to NCAA stardom has been marked by humility and teamwork, the gesture solidified her place in volleyball lore. “Kerri taught me that greatness isn’t just wins—it’s lifting others,” she reflected. “Today, she lifted me higher than any trophy could.”

In a sport increasingly defined by rivalries and records, this exchange between indoor and beach icons bridged generations. Kerri Walsh Jennings, the beach pioneer who redefined motherhood in athletics, and Bergen Reilly, the indoor maestro guiding Nebraska toward another title—together, they reminded everyone of volleyball’s true power: connection.

As the season intensifies, Reilly returns to the court carrying not just sets, but a piece of Olympic history. And fans everywhere agree: this sisterhood is the real gold.

The volleyball world hasn’t stopped smiling—or tearing up—since.