Friday Five: Progress in different places
Facility upgrades move forward, softball keeps producing, and basketball continues reshaping its roster. That and more as we review the week that was.
Nebraska had a mix of updates this week that matter for different reasons.
Facilities are getting attention. Softball continues to produce at a high level. Basketball is still reshaping its roster. And across the department, there was recognition for what’s been accomplished over the past year.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
Haymarket Park set for long-overdue upgrades
Nebraska is moving forward with significant facility updates for both baseball and softball.
Athletic director Troy Dannen said this week during an appearance on Sports Nightly that the baseball clubhouse at Haymarket Park will undergo a $5.5 million rebuild, while softball will receive a roughly $4 million renovation to its clubhouse.
“We haven’t touched baseball since it opened,” Dannen said. “And those two programs deserve to have facilities that are state of the art just like everybody else does.”
Haymarket Park opened in 2002 and, for a long time, was considered one of the better facilities in college baseball. But with minimal updates over the past two decades, it has fallen behind.
The project had been discussed in previous years but never materialized. Now it’s back on track, with Nebraska planning to coordinate with the city of Lincoln on next steps.
Softball continues to stack national recognition
Nebraska softball isn’t slowing down heading into May.
Four Huskers were recognized this week by Softball America as top players at their respective positions. Jordy Frahm was named the No. 1 two-way player in the country, Alexis Jensen came in at No. 4 among two-way players, Ava Kuszak was ranked No. 12 at shortstop and Hannah Camenzind landed at No. 30 among outfielders.
Frahm’s season continues to stand out. She’s hitting .423 with power, run production and consistency, while also anchoring the pitching staff with a 15-4 record and a 1.30 ERA. Her ability to impact both sides of the game has made her one of the most valuable players in the country.
Jensen has been just as important in the circle, especially as a freshman. A 19-2 record with strong strikeout numbers and efficiency speaks for itself, and she’s added production at the plate as well.
Kuszak and Camenzind round out a lineup that has been productive top to bottom. Camenzind, in particular, continues to drive in runs at a high rate while also contributing as a pitcher.
And, as Nebraska heads into the weekend, recognition is coming in exposure too. All three games in this weekend’s series at Penn State will be televised on the Big Ten Network.
Nebraska basketball loses key piece from its performance staff
Nebraska men’s basketball strength and conditioning director Kurt Joseph is leaving the program to take the same role with the New Orleans Pelicans. Joseph spent five seasons in Lincoln and played a role in the program’s physical development during one of its most successful stretches, including the recent NCAA Tournament run.
His background makes the move make sense. Before Nebraska, Joseph worked within NBA systems, including time with the Minnesota Timberwolves and their G-League affiliate, along with earlier experience with the Brooklyn Nets.
The jump back to the NBA is a step forward professionally but it’s also a loss for Nebraska.
Strength and conditioning doesn’t always get public attention, but it’s an important piece of a program’s identity. Continuity in that area matters, especially when you’re trying to build off a breakthrough season.
Now, Nebraska will have to replace that role while continuing to push forward.
Another addition as the roster takes shape
Nebraska added another frontcourt piece this week with a commitment from South Dakota State transfer Damon Wilkinson. The 6-foot-10 forward gives the Huskers size and production at a position that needed it after recent departures.
Wilkinson averaged 13.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last season while shooting nearly 59% from the field. He also closed the year strong, scoring in double figures in nearly every conference game.
That kind of consistency is what Nebraska is looking for as it rebuilds its frontcourt.
The roster is starting to come into focus. With Wilkinson’s addition, the Huskers now have one spot remaining, and the priorities seem pretty clear: balance the lineup and make sure the final pieces fit what’s already in place.
A Night at the Lied highlights what Nebraska values
Nebraska wrapped up the week by recognizing its top student-athletes at the annual “A Night at the Lied” event. Axelina Johansson and Asher Cohen were named the Most Outstanding Female and Male Student-Athletes.
Johansson’s résumé is as strong as it gets. Multiple NCAA titles, international success and continued academic achievement. She’s been one of the most accomplished athletes in program history.
Cohen’s season included a national title on still rings and continued consistency at the highest level of collegiate gymnastics.
Both represent the standard Nebraska is trying to maintain with performance, academics and leadership.
Jordy Frahm was named Female Athlete of the Year, which lines up with the season she’s having right now. Emmett Johnson earned Male Athlete of the Year after a standout football season that led to his selection in the NFL Draft.
Braden Frager and Alexis Jensen were recognized as the top rookies, highlighting the impact of younger players across multiple programs.
The event itself is a reminder of the scale of Nebraska Athletics. It’s not just one team or one sport carrying the department. There’s production across the board, and A Night at the Lied highlights it all on and off the playing field.