Laney Choboy’s story is emblematic of the dual reality student-athletes face in the modern world—celebrated on the court, yet vulnerable online
Her response to identity theft shows maturity, awareness, and leadership beyond her years.
As she and her teammates gear up for a promising fall season, one can only hope that platforms like Facebook take swift action against impersonators and that fans continue to support athletes like Choboy—not just in cheers, but in vigilance.
Nebraska Volleyball has a strong history of producing champions, and with players like Laney Choboy at its core, the program’s future is just as bright off the court as it is on it.
In her social media post announcing her son’s birth, Kelly’s tone was joyful and optimistic—qualities that have long defined her presence in the volleyball world. That same joy is reflected in how she coaches, how she leads, and how she lives.
Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that success in sports isn’t measured solely in wins and championships, but also in the lives touched, the values instilled, and the balance achieved.
For Nebraska fans, it’s clear: the program is in good hands—hands that are just as capable of holding a volleyball clipboard as they are of cradling a newborn.
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Laney Choboy Faces Identity Theft Crisis on Social Media
Nebraska Volleyball standout Laney Choboy is the latest high-profile collegiate athlete to fall victim to a growing issue in the digital age—identity theft on social media.1
The freshman libero, known for her defensive prowess and sharp instincts on the court, now finds herself battling not an opponent across the net, but a faceless imposter online.
Choboy took to Instagram recently to inform her fans and supporters about a fraudulent Facebook account impersonating her. This fake profile, alarmingly, has amassed over 25,000 followers and is reportedly scamming people by soliciting money.
In a candid Instagram story, Choboy clarified that she no longer has a Facebook account and urged her community to unfollow and report the impersonator.
“Hey guys!!!!! I just wanted to bring to the attention that someone has been impersonating me on Facebook for a really long time!! It’s not me, I do not have Facebook anymore…” Choboy wrote.
Her message has resonated throughout the college sports community, sparking discussions on online security and athlete vulnerability.
i love @Alexis14Rod https://t.co/TlwJNxTa0E
— laney choboy (@LaneyChoboy) August 31, 2024
Rising Star on the Volleyball Court
Laney Choboy’s name isn’t just making waves due to this unfortunate scam. She has earned recognition for her achievements as a talented libero for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
After a stellar high school and club career, Choboy brought her elite skill set to Lincoln, quickly establishing herself as a key contributor to one of the nation’s premier volleyball programs.
Choboy was a member of the U.S. U-19 Girls National Team that won gold at the 2022 Pan American Cup. Her remarkable performance earned her the prestigious “Best Receiver” award—an accolade that cemented her status as one of the top defensive players in her age group.
Her court awareness, agility, and fearless diving plays have earned the admiration of teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
Laney Choboy: Spring Game Success for the Huskers
Nebraska Volleyball concluded its spring exhibition season with impressive victories over Kansas State and South Dakota State.2
These matches offered fans a glimpse of what’s to come in the fall and allowed players like Choboy to refine their skills and build on-court chemistry.
Against South Dakota State, Choboy delivered a solid defensive performance, tallying nine digs and showing why she’s trusted in the back row. Her quick reactions and leadership as a libero helped control the pace of the game and maintain consistent serve-receive formations.
Another standout performer was her teammate Campbell Flynn, who stepped into the setter role and impressed with 44 assists, eight digs, four kills, and four blocks. Together, the duo showcased the depth and versatility that Nebraska will rely on in the upcoming season.
The Dangers of Athlete Impersonation Online
The rise of social media has brought college athletes closer to their fans than ever before.
However, it has also introduced significant risks. Choboy’s experience with identity theft is not unique but serves as a cautionary tale for athletes at all levels.
Fake profiles pretending to be public figures often lure fans into scams—whether through false merchandise sales, fake giveaways, or direct requests for money. These impersonations can damage reputations, exploit trusting fans, and lead to emotional distress for the real individuals.
For Choboy, the fact that her imposter had attracted 25,000 followers adds to the urgency of the situation. Social media companies have policies against impersonation, but enforcement often comes too late or requires significant effort from the victim.
Athletes Taking Control of Their Digital Identity
In recent years, many collegiate athletes have become more proactive in managing their digital presence, especially with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities.
As athletes become more marketable and their public profiles grow, safeguarding their identities has become paramount.
Choboy’s quick and transparent communication about the fake Facebook account was crucial. By speaking directly to her followers on Instagram, she was able to alert thousands of people to the scam and encourage them to unfollow the fraudulent page.
It also highlights the importance of verification. Athletes and public figures are increasingly turning to verified social media accounts to distinguish their authentic platforms from imitations. While Facebook’s verification process can be cumbersome, it plays a critical role in trust-building.
Laney Choboy: Support from the Nebraska Community
The University of Nebraska and its passionate volleyball fanbase have rallied behind Choboy.3
Social media users have reshared her story, reported the fake account, and praised her for her transparency.
Teammates and fans have also taken the opportunity to warn others and spread awareness about similar scams.
This incident has created a sense of solidarity in the Nebraska athletics community, emphasizing the importance of protecting and supporting student-athletes both on and off the court.
A Bright Future Despite the Distraction
Despite the off-court challenges, Laney Choboy remains focused on her volleyball career. Her performance this spring indicates that she will be a significant contributor during the regular season.
Nebraska’s volleyball program, known for producing All-Americans and national contenders, has found a rising star in Choboy.
Her grit, composure, and skill set position her well for a standout sophomore campaign. As the Huskers prepare for their regular season opener against Pittsburgh in August, all eyes will be on how Choboy continues to evolve as both a player and a leader.
The Bigger Picture: Cybersecurity in Collegiate Sports
Choboy’s ordeal sheds light on a growing concern in collegiate athletics: cybersecurity and online impersonation.
With NIL deals now making athletes brand ambassadors, influencers, and entrepreneurs, the need for digital safety education has never been more urgent.
Universities, athletic departments, and compliance teams must step in to educate athletes on best practices for securing their accounts, identifying fake profiles, and reporting impersonation quickly.
Many schools have begun offering workshops and digital identity protection services to help prevent such incidents.
For fans, it’s a reminder to stay vigilant. Always verify accounts, look for official verification badges, and report suspicious activity to platform moderators. Supporting athletes means respecting their identity and ensuring their online spaces are safe and authentic.
Lessons Learned and Community Action
This situation may have started as a frustrating experience for Laney Choboy, but it has evolved into a learning moment for many.
She handled the issue with maturity, using her platform responsibly to educate and protect her followers.
The Nebraska volleyball community has once again demonstrated resilience, not only in athletic success but in supporting one of their own during a challenging time.
It’s a powerful reminder that the team’s strength lies not just in talent but in character and unity.
Choboy’s ability to rise above the situation and remain focused on her goals speaks volumes about her leadership and mental toughness. Whether diving for digs or protecting her online identity, she continues to be a role model for young athletes everywhere.
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Dani Busboom Kelly Welcomes Laney Choboy
As Nebraska Volleyball transitions into a new era under the leadership of Dani Busboom Kelly, the program finds itself not only navigating coaching changes but also celebrating significant personal milestones.
Coach Kelly, who recently took the reins of one of the most storied programs in collegiate volleyball, has embraced an exciting new chapter in her personal life—welcoming a new member to her growing family.
With the conclusion of the spring season, Nebraska Volleyball shifted into off-season mode, giving players and staff a much-needed break.
For Coach Dani Busboom Kelly, however, the pause in collegiate competition marked the beginning of something far more personal and deeply rewarding. In a heartwarming Instagram post, Coach Kelly shared the joyful news of her newborn son:
“Jett arrived this week and is doing great! Boone is very proud to be a big brother and we are all looking forward to the adventures as a family of 4! @lanekelly92”
The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from fans, players, and fellow coaches alike.
For Busboom Kelly and her husband, Lane Kelly, the birth of Jett marks a new chapter not only as parents but also as a family deeply intertwined with the traditions and values of Nebraska Athletics.
Balancing Motherhood and Coaching at the Highest Level
The world of collegiate sports is demanding, requiring precision, dedication, and time management—traits Coach Kelly has consistently demonstrated throughout her career.
Now, with the addition of a second child, she embarks on one of the most complex challenges yet: balancing her responsibilities as the head coach of a nationally ranked volleyball program and being a mother of two.
Kelly has already shown a remarkable ability to navigate both roles. Her success during the spring season demonstrated her focus and drive, while her public embrace of family life reflects a grounded perspective often lauded in high-profile sports leaders.
In many ways, her journey exemplifies the modern coach—someone who leads with both strategic insight and emotional intelligence.
Laney Choboy: Spring Season Success Sets the Tone
Although her first full season as head coach is still ahead, Kelly wasted no time making her mark during spring play.
The Huskers looked disciplined, energetic, and adaptable—traits that speak to her coaching acumen and rapport with the team. The foundation laid during the spring gives reason for optimism heading into the fall season.
Under Kelly’s guidance, Nebraska continues to develop young talent while reinforcing the defensive prowess and tactical sophistication the program is known for.
Her leadership has been especially impactful in fostering a team culture rooted in accountability, growth, and resilience.
A Family-Centered Coaching Philosophy
As she steps into motherhood for the second time, Dani Busboom Kelly’s approach to coaching reflects the values of family, care, and empathy.
She often speaks about the importance of relationships, not just between coach and player, but among teammates.
This perspective is influenced in part by her own experiences as a parent and spouse.
Coach Kelly’s family-oriented mindset also extends to her staff. She promotes work-life balance, encourages open communication, and empowers her assistants—creating a supportive environment that mirrors the principles she upholds at home.
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The Power of Representation in College Sports
Kelly’s journey as a woman balancing a prominent coaching role and motherhood carries significant weight in the world of college sports.
For young athletes, especially female student-athletes, seeing a head coach successfully manage a family while excelling professionally is both inspiring and empowering.
Representation matters, and Kelly’s visible presence in both the sports and parenting arenas helps redefine what leadership looks like. It challenges outdated notions and broadens the narrative about what coaches—and women—can achieve.
Fall Season and Future Goals
- With Baby Jett now part of the family and a successful spring season in the books, all eyes turn to the upcoming fall campaign.
- Expectations for the Huskers remain high, as always, and the team is eager to build on the momentum established under Coach Kelly’s leadership.
- The roster features a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, and with Kelly at the helm, the team is poised to blend experience with fresh talent.
- If the spring season is any indication, the Huskers will enter the fall with both confidence and cohesion.
- As the Nebraska Volleyball program continues its evolution, Dani Busboom Kelly symbolizes both continuity and change.
- Her story—from standout player to national champion coach and now a mother of two—is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the enduring spirit of Nebraska Athletics.
- She steps into a role once held by a legendary figure, yet carves her own path with grace, strength, and vision.
- With a strong support system at home and a talented team on the court, Coach Kelly is well-positioned to guide the Huskers into a bright and competitive future.
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