Lara Marić spent part of her summer playing volleyball with the Australian Senior National team, and that experience has proved valuable for Omaha volleyball to start the fall.
Marić, the niece of former Nebraska men’s basketball standout Alekks Marić, hails from Brisbane, Australia, where she began playing volleyball around the age of 12. Back home, she participated in a national development program tour in Thailand and played for Australia’s U18 team in the U18 Asian Women’s Volleyball Championship and the Women’s U18 Southeast Asian Volleyball Championship before catching the attention of the senior coaches.
“I think it helped me as well as my confidence,” Marić told Hurrdat Sports. “Just knowing that you’re able to beat these teams and players that play for their countries for the senior level as well as just being exposed to a higher level of volleyball.”
That high exposure has taken Marić around the world. In addition to Thailand and multiple locations in Asia with the U18 team, she played in the Philippines with the senior team. She said it was fun playing with the senior squad.
“It was cool to go to the Philippines as well as playing with some of the girls I played with in under-18,” Marić said. “There were three of us that were brought up to the senior team, so it was just cool to experience that with my friends I’ve met from under-18, as well as being mentored by the older players.”
Marić learned a lot from her teammates and mentors. She said she improved her technique, attacking skills and approach.
“I’ve been working on having a shorter first step in my approach, and not crossing my hands over, so I can have a bigger window when I hit,” Marić said. “I’m just being more conscientious of the block and what’s happening in the play in each rally.”
That work has paid off. The Mavericks have a 6-3 record, and the sophomore is guiding them, averaging 3.30 kills per set on .277 hitting. She’s made a big leap from her freshman season in 2025 when she averaged 1.45 kills per set on .128 hitting.
Marić said the team’s camaraderie and relationships have aided in their strong start.
“Some of us do want to go pro after college, so I feel like that mentality, as well as getting extra reps after practice or before has helped bring our team to the next level,” Marić said.
Marić and the Mavericks will have the chance to showcase their talent once again when they welcome undefeated Kansas State to Baxter Arena on Saturday. Omaha will be celebrating Girls and Women in Sports Day to close out nonconference play.
“I’m excited to hopefully see a big crowd, and I hope a lot of young girls come and watch,” Marić said. “I feel like it’s always great to see young girls in the stands. I hope we motivate them to become great athletes someday and pursue what they want to pursue.”
Marić has enjoyed seeing the sport grow across the world. She said it means a lot to represent women in sports.
“I feel like we’re kind of the front eye to younger girls,” Marić said. “I hope we just show them that it’s possible, and that they can do whatever they want to do.”
As for Marić’s message to young girls, she wants them to know the importance of putting in the work.
“I feel like it’s really important to choose something that you love, because at the end of the day, there’s going to be long training sessions and long days,” Marić said. “I feel like doing what you love and having a passion behind it just gives you extra motivation to push every day.”
Marić will look to push herself as the season continues. Omaha begins conference play against North Dakota next Thursday, and Marić is excited to continue showcasing her game.
“I feel like just keeping a consistent hitting percentage as well as kills per set will really help the team,” Marić said. “I feel like improving on first ball sideout, like finishing the play inside out, will help our team a lot, instead of dragging on the rallies.”
Marić will look to help the Mavericks make a run at a Summit League title with big personal aspirations driving her as well.
“I would like to make the all-tournament team, and all-conference team,” Marić said. “I feel like those are really big goals for me, and it’s just keeping me motivated to be putting in the work and develop as a player.”
