Lincoln, Neb. – The Nebraska State High School Activities Association (NSAA) crowned Milford High School as the Class C1 state volleyball champion for the second year in a row on Saturday. The Eagles defeated Aurora in a decisive match, completing a perfect 25‑game winning streak.
Rautenberg’s Dominant Performance
At the heart of Milford’s offense was junior outside hitter Shayla Rautenberg, a committed Nebraska recruit. Over the three‑game state tournament, Rautenberg recorded 93 kills, a performance that underscored her role as the team’s go‑to scorer.
“I think pressure honestly makes me play better,” Rautenberg said after the championship match. “You get a good pass, you get a good serve, you get a good kill, and the crowd goes crazy. It just kind of feeds me.”
Season‑Long Excellence
Rautenberg finished the 2026 season with a career‑high of more than 580 kills, leading the Eagles in kills per set, hitting percentage, total blocks and aces per set. Her consistency helped Milford dominate opponents throughout the regular season and into the state playoffs.
“I like to put the team on my back,” she added. “I think I’ve said that before, but if they can rely on me and I can take the pressure off of some people, I’d love to do it.”
International Success
In early September, Rautenberg took a brief leave from Milford to travel to Nicaragua, where she joined Team USA at the U23 Pan American Volleyball Cup. The United States captured the gold medal, and Rautenberg contributed to the victory before returning home to finish the high school season.
Community Impact
The back‑to‑back state titles have energized the Milford community, drawing pride from families, local businesses, and school supporters. The Eagles’ success highlights the importance of strong youth athletics in fostering teamwork, discipline, and community spirit.
Milford’s coach, Jeff Anderson, praised Rautenberg’s work ethic and leadership. “Shayla sets the tone every day in practice and in games. Her dedication lifts the whole team, and she embodies the values we try to teach our student‑athletes,” Anderson said.
Looking Ahead
With a senior season on the horizon, Rautenberg aims to continue her development and help Milford pursue a third consecutive state championship. College recruiters have already taken notice, and she is expected to receive several scholarship offers.
For now, Milford celebrates its latest triumph, and the town looks forward to cheering on its athletes as they represent Nebraska on and off the court.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
