Teary Creighton’s “Heartbreaking and Beautiful” Tribute Moves the Volleyball Community

An Emotional Journey at the NCAA Elite Eight

The recent volleyball season was a historic one for Creighton’s volleyball team, as they achieved an unbeaten 18-0 record and claimed the BIG East Championship title. However, their remarkable journey concluded at the NCAA Elite Eight, where the Blue Jays faced the Nittany Lions in a nerve-wracking match. Following the game, head coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth shared deeply emotional words about her graduating players, particularly Norah Sis and Kendra Wait.

The matchup between Creighton and the Nittany Lions was more than just a competitive sports event. It symbolized perseverance, determination, and teamwork. Despite giving their all, the Blue Jays narrowly lost 3-2, putting an end to their national championship dreams. For seniors like Norah Sis and Kendra Wait, this game marked their final appearance in Creighton’s colors, making the moment profoundly meaningful.

A Moving Post-Game Conference

The post-game press conference was a heartwarming scene for both the team and fans. Coach Booth could not hold back tears while speaking about her graduating players’ contributions. “It’s hard to put into words about these two and our senior group. My goodness, they are… just the most incredible women. They’re so selfless,” Booth said through tears.

A Meaningful Tribute Overflowing with Affection

Coach Booth expressed her deep admiration for her players. “I mean, I love them like my own daughters,” she stated, highlighting the strong bond between her and her team. Her heartfelt words resonated deeply, showcasing the unique relationship between coach and players.

Booth not only praised her players’ talents but also emphasized the importance of values and ethics in sports. “We talk about the wrong things in college sports. These guys are the right things in college sports. They’re student-athletes. They’re phenomenal humans,” she added. This underlines how dedication and ethics hold significant weight in sports, beyond achievements.

Impact on the Volleyball Community

Coach Booth’s tribute struck a chord with many. One fan wrote, “It’s heartbreaking and beautiful to watch at the same time! Booth is an incredible coach. I love this.” Such reactions reflect how the connection between coach, players, and fans creates a passionate and close-knit community.

The values exemplified by Booth and her players extend beyond this season, inspiring future generations to pursue sports with perseverance and integrity.

Challenges in College Sports

While Creighton volleyball achieved remarkable success, Coach Booth is also aware of the challenges within college sports. Recently, Coach Amy Pauly voiced concerns about unethical recruitment practices, shedding light on the intense competition and ethical dilemmas in the sports world.

Ahead of the 2025 transfer window, Pauly accused some coaches of engaging with prospective players outside official channels. This raises questions about ethics in college sports and their influence on young athletes’ development.

A Legacy of Excellence in Volleyball

Coach Kirsten Bernthal Booth’s “heartbreaking and beautiful” tribute has sparked an emotional wave throughout the volleyball community. Her words not only reflect her love for her players but also emphasize the importance of ethics in sports.

By highlighting the values of unity, selflessness, and love in sports, Booth has ignited pride among fans and inspired future players. Although this season ended without the desired championship title, Creighton’s volleyball team’s achievements will forever remain part of history.

This past season was not just a journey of success but also a lesson in values and humanity within sports. Coach Booth and her players have left a lasting legacy, not only in their records but also in the hearts of sports enthusiasts. They remind us that sports are about more than winning—it’s about people, connections, and love.