Ally Batenhorst Reveals the Exhausting Behind-the-Scenes Training With Her New PVF Team: “Working Hard”
Ally Batenhorst is ready to embark on the next chapter of her life. After showcasing her impressive skills with the USC Trojans, Batenhorst is now stepping into the world of professional volleyball. As one of the standout picks in the 2024 PVF Draft, she was selected by the Omaha Supernovas in the second round. However, beyond being a rising star in women’s professional volleyball, Batenhorst also brings a unique dimension to her story.
A Rising Star in Volleyball
The 22-year-old Outside Hitter has become a social media sensation, leveraging her passion for content creation to captivate a massive audience. With nearly 230,000 followers and over 25 million likes on TikTok, she has quickly emerged as one of the most popular college volleyball players online. As she gears up for a grueling season, Batenhorst has been sharing glimpses of her life off the court, including lighthearted moments with her new PVF teammates.
Behind the Scenes: “Working Hard”
On December 29, Batenhorst gave fans a sneak peek into her training routine by posting a TikTok video. Sitting on a mat, she captured her teammates in various states of relaxation—some lounging on the floor—following an intense practice session. With her signature humor, Batenhorst sarcastically labeled the session as “working hard.” She captioned the post, “dw we’re very excited after working hard,” adding in the video’s closed captions, “pov: this is our second practice of the day.”
A Remarkable College Career
Before making waves in professional volleyball, Batenhorst delivered an outstanding season with the USC Trojans. During her time there, she earned the BIG10 Player of the Week title—an extraordinary feat, as no other Trojan player has achieved this recognition. Her stellar performance helped solidify her reputation as one of the top talents in the sport.
Her selection as the 15th overall pick by the Omaha Supernovas marks a significant milestone in her career. It also symbolizes a homecoming, as it brings Batenhorst back to Nebraska, a place she holds dear. “I’m so excited and ready to be back in Omaha, back in Nebraska,” she said. “My entire family is from there, and I have so many memories from that place.” This deep connection influenced her decision to join NU in 2021 over offers from powerhouse teams like Wisconsin, Texas, and Stanford.
Shining Off the Court: A Viral Christmas Challenge
Even as she trains with the Supernovas, Batenhorst’s infectious energy has already left a lasting impression. During a team bonding session, she stole the spotlight in a fun, Christmas-themed candle-blowing challenge. The activity quickly went viral, showcasing her competitive spirit and charisma.
In the challenge, Batenhorst and teammates like Kayla Caffey and Kaitlyn Hord competed to extinguish as many candles as possible while shouting “Merry Christmas!” True to her determined nature, Batenhorst managed to blow out an impressive 11 candles in her first attempt, despite one stubborn candle relighting itself.
Although Batenhorst didn’t officially top the leaderboard, her playful enthusiasm won the hearts of her teammates and fans alike. Meanwhile, middle blocker Kaitlyn Hord found herself hilariously struggling to blow out even one candle, as seen in a viral Instagram clip from Caffey. The lighthearted competition not only brought the team closer together but also solidified Batenhorst’s role as a unifying force within the squad.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the Omaha Supernovas prepare for the 2025 season, Batenhorst’s energy and talent are already proving invaluable. Her ability to connect with teammates and her drive to excel both on and off the court signal a promising new chapter for the team—and for her career.
With strong chemistry building among the players, the Supernovas seem poised for success. For Batenhorst, it’s not just about returning to a familiar place; it’s about embracing the opportunity to grow as an athlete and as a teammate. If her stellar debut and viral moments are any indication, Batenhorst and her new team are ready to light up the scoreboard—and the volleyball world.
