Being at the top of the nation, having three D1 UNL commits and achieving an undefeated record does not stop the hard work or change the mental outlook of the Gretna softball team.

Seniors Carlie Muhlbach, Alexis Jensen and Skarlett Jones have all committed to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) for 2025. They have helped with the Dragons success and will work to help the UNL team become even more successful, too.

Right from the start, Muhlbach knew she wanted to attend UNL and be part of the softball program. She also understood that the offer was not just going to be handed to her; she knew she had to work for it. Muhlbach said she was extremely grateful when the opportunity came about and she quickly committed on Sept. 3 earlier this year.

“Nebraska was always on the top of my list,” Muhlbach said. “So when I visited and saw the facility and got to talk more to the coaches, I knew it was a done deal and I knew I wanted to go there.”

Jensen also gave a similar response, but she was also attracted to the atmosphere that Nebraska carried, which convinced her to commit on Sept. 24 of last year.

“The culture they have and the willingness to include others is really nice,” Jensen said. “The coaches are also amazing.”

Jensen also said she sees this kind of energy in Gretna, too. She and her teammates all love being with the team each day and practicing together. With the same energy here, she may have a little taste of home when she begins practicing with the Cornhuskers.

“It’s amazing to be around these girls that just love being there every day and just count on each other every day,” Jensen said.

The GHS team has for some time collectively had the goal to compete at a higher level after high school. Several girls have accomplished this, but that does not mean things never got in the way of it.

“I had a really hard time with letting the failure piece go and having no fear of failure,” Muhlbach said. “I feel like I’ve grown in that area, just letting go.”