OMAHA, Neb. – College of Saint Mary is excited to announce that Briar Ray has signed to continue her volleyball career with the school in the 2026-27 academic year.

The daughter of Gus and Nikki Ray, she is a senior at Oakland-Craig High School and one of Nebraska's most decorated multi-sport athletes.

In volleyball, she recently was named the Nebraska Class C-2 Player of the Year after helping her school to state in all four years of high school, including three semifinal trips.

"We're looking forward to an amazing career for Briar here at CSM,'' Flames Coach Rick Pruett said. "I was so impressed with her from the moment I met her. Not only from her skills on the court, but more important, who she is as a person.''

Ray set a school record this year with 39 kills in a quarterfinal victory at state.

"She showed she can do it on a big stage,'' Pruett said.

Ray said her greatest sports moment to date was helping Oakland-Craig to the C-2 state basketball championship last year. She already has been a two-time all-stater in that sport. Ray also has participated in the state track meet.

Pruett expects Ray to be a big part of the CSM volleyball program for the next four years.

"Her personality and energy are contagious, plus the fact that she is a great volleyball player will really make her a great fit here at CSM!'' Pruett said. "She is a gamer!''

In her spare time, Ray enjoys pickleball, tubing on the lake, golfing, hiking and swimming. She said Pruett and the CSM facilities played heavily in her college decision.