By TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications KEARNEY – Loper fans likely recognize Emily Petersen as a bubbly, blond-haired cheerleader on the sidelines during University of Nebraska at Kearney athletic events. Others may know her from Alpha Phi, the UNK sorority she’s been a member of the past two years. But Petersen wants people to see her in a whole new light, and she’s 100% committed to making that vision a reality. “I want to set different expectations for myself,” … [Read more...] about Ooh-rah! – UNK cheerleader training to be Marine Corps officer
Lopers
UNK graduate assistant lands job with Division I athletic program
By TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications KEARNEY – Last August, Hailey McNee was on the visiting sideline as the University of Nebraska at Kearney volleyball team defeated Wyoming in four sets. The exhibition match jump-started a dream season for the Lopers, whose only loss came in the NCAA Division II national championship. Ten months later, McNee is back in the Cowboy State, ready to live out another dream. The 25-year-old UNK graduate starts her new job this … [Read more...] about UNK graduate assistant lands job with Division I athletic program
Despite setbacks, Nate Pierce ‘enjoyed every moment’ of UNK career
By TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications KEARNEY – Nate Pierce had a roller-coaster career at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. “It wasn’t perfect,” the senior runner admits. “I definitely had a fair amount of setbacks.” A graduate of Lincoln North Star High School, Pierce battled injuries throughout his four years on the Loper track and cross country teams. That experience taught him humility and patience, he said. Pierce’s perseverance paid off, especially … [Read more...] about Despite setbacks, Nate Pierce ‘enjoyed every moment’ of UNK career
‘Dream come true’: Kaitie Johnson thankful for UNK softball career
By TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications KEARNEY – University of Nebraska at Kearney softball player Kaitie Johnson had high hopes for the 2020 season. The UNK roster featured a solid mix of upperclassmen and young contributors under first-year head coach Katie Ackermann. Johnson, one of four seniors on the team, expected the Lopers to qualify for the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) Tournament for the first time since joining the conference … [Read more...] about ‘Dream come true’: Kaitie Johnson thankful for UNK softball career
Athletics, academics made UNK ‘a special place’ for senior Mikayla Frei
By TYLER ELLYSON UNK Communications KEARNEY – Mikayla Frei was coming off one of her best performances as a Loper. The University of Nebraska at Kearney senior carded a 163 over 36 holes to tie for 21st place at the Southwest Minnesota State Spring Invite. UNK finished second in the seven-team event, posting the third-lowest 36-hole score (614) in school history and tying the fifth-best 18-hole performance (304). “I was really excited for this spring because I … [Read more...] about Athletics, academics made UNK ‘a special place’ for senior Mikayla Frei
