Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Rebekah Allick, a prominent figure in Husker volleyball, recently made an impactful visit to Aquinas Catholic during Catholic Schools Week. Her presence was a result of her commitment to her Catholic faith, which initially caught the attention of a student from the school.

The connection began when an Aquinas Catholic Middle School student attended a volleyball camp at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After the camp, while players signed autographs, Allick was absent as she had left early to attend Mass. This act left an impression on the student's mother who later met Allick at the UNL Bookstore and invited her to speak at Aquinas.

During her visit on January 29th, Allick shared her testimony with over 200 students and faculty members. Melissa Yindrick, campus ministry director at Aquinas, expressed gratitude for Allick's timely appearance: “It was providence that we were able to have Rebekah come during Catholic Schools Week on the day we celebrate the importance of community.”

Allick spoke about influences and relationships in life: “you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” She highlighted how friendships influenced her conversion to Catholicism during college.

Yindrick further commented on Allick’s message: “Rebekah’s message was so perfectly aligned with what we have been emphasizing with our students—from the importance of surrounding yourself with people who elevate you, to...the life-changing truth that they are seen, known, and deeply loved.”

Allick urged students to be mindful of their mental intake through social media and other sources: “What are you filling your head with on a regular basis?” She warned about music lyrics affecting listeners subconsciously.

She also touched upon social media's dual nature as both connecting and potentially harmful: “There are certain people that should be loved from a distance,” she advised.

Her talk included insights from Father Mike Schmitz: “No one drifts to heaven,” encouraging students towards intentional spiritual growth.

Allick emphasized simplicity in faith practices: “You just have to sit and receive.” She reflected on Eucharistic adoration’s transformative power.

In addressing feelings of being overlooked in competitive sports, she reassured students: “Know that you aren’t overlooked,” affirming each person’s unique creation by God.

Allick concluded by encouraging students to nurture their relationship with Christ: “You’ve got to open the door. He waits at the door... You have to let Him in.”

A video documenting Allick's visit is available online for those interested.