When she’s not breaking ankles on the basketball court or bullying defenders in the paint, WNBA star Aliyah Boston spends her offseason championing college sports like she owns them. The Indiana Fever forward, who seems to have mastered the art of staying relevant even without a basketball in her hands, has recently taken a shine to Nebraska’s women’s volleyball team.
And let’s just say, Boston has officially earned her honorary spot in Husker Nation.
Aliyah Boston: From Star Player to Ultimate Cheerleader
Over the last few weeks, Boston has been lighting up Instagram with her enthusiastic support for college athletes, particularly those from her alma mater, South Carolina. But on Sunday, she took a quick detour to the volleyball court—digitally, at least—to cheer on the Nebraska Cornhuskers as they bulldozed their way into the NCAA Division I semifinals.
After Nebraska swept Wisconsin clean off the court with a 3-0 victory, Boston didn’t hold back her excitement. She jumped onto Instagram, where she posted a celebratory story that screamed, “Proud Fan” louder than the crowd at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Her words? Simple but effective:
“On to the final four we go!!! #ProudFan”
If Boston ever decides to hang up her sneakers, Nebraska might want to keep her around as a hype woman.
Nebraska Digs Deep to Sweep Wisconsin
For those who missed the volleyball action, Nebraska didn’t just win—they served Wisconsin a humble pie garnished with spikes and blocks.
In the opening set, the Huskers edged past the Badgers 26-24 in a nail-biter, only to slam the door shut in the next set with a commanding 25-17 victory. Wisconsin tried to claw back in the third, even leading 15-11 at one point, but Nebraska, fueled by their raucous home crowd, surged ahead to seal the sweep with a 25-21 win.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate this: Nebraska’s seventh semifinals appearance in 10 years. Seven! That’s more consistency than your morning coffee. They’re the volleyball equivalent of that one kid in class who always gets an A, and the rest of us just hate-love them for it.
Boston’s High School Glory: The Jersey Retirement Party
While Nebraska’s win was clearly the highlight of her weekend, Boston had another reason to celebrate. Worcester Academy in Massachusetts, where she cemented her basketball legend, retired her jersey in an emotional ceremony. This makes Boston the first player in the school’s history to receive such an honor.
During her acceptance speech, Boston humbly reminded everyone why she’s the GOAT:
“It’s just crazy to think that a little girl from the island, who dreamed big, who wrote down her goals and believed in God is right now standing here in front of you.”
Cue the tissues, because this moment was as heartwarming as a Hallmark movie.
For those keeping track, Boston was a Gatorade Massachusetts Player of the Year three times and a five-star recruit before she took her talents to South Carolina. The Gamecocks will forever be grateful, especially since she led them to a national championship in 2022.
What’s Next for the Huskers and Their No. 1 Cheerleader?
Nebraska now heads to Louisville for the semifinals, with hopes of reaching the championship game after last year’s heartbreak against Texas. As for Aliyah Boston, don’t be surprised if she starts a petition for Nebraska merch to include “Proud Fan” in their next collection.
While the Huskers are on the hunt for glory, Boston continues to prove that her passion for sports transcends the hardwood. Whether it’s basketball, volleyball, or perhaps even competitive knitting someday, you can count on her to bring the energy.
Stay tuned—because if Nebraska takes it all, you best believe Boston’s Instagram will be the championship parade before the parade.
