Athlete of the Week: Kayma Carpenter

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) —In the regular season opener for the Nebraska, Kayma Carpenter officially returned from injury and shined bright.

In the first minute of the match vs. Southern Indiana, Carpenter found the back of the net with ease. It was her first regular season bout since September 2024, where she suffered a broken foot, cutting her season short. She says it felt good to be back on the pitch and perform like she did.

“It was great to get in the attacking third and really put some goals away. There’s definitely still some things defensively and tactically that we have to work on, but that will come as the season goes on,” Carpenter said.

Kayma finished with two goals Thursday, en route to a 6-0 Nebraska victory.

Carpenter is now entering her junior season where she is now one of the veterans on the squad, and she’s embracing it.

“We definitely have a big group of leaders. But, getting to be the older player on the team, it’s been really great to continue the team culture of ‘you go hard all the time’,” said Carpenter. “That’s been great.”

Nebraska missed the Big Ten tournament in 2024. Carpenter is confident that can change for 2025, alluding to the team’s energy and commitment.

“I think our team gives it 110% every game. 10/10 effort,” Carpenter said. “We’re not going to be perfect every game. There’s one thing about Nebraska soccer and its the effort is there 100% of the time.

“That was great to see everyone get on the ball, and get things going.”

Nebraska tied with Missouri State Sunday, 1-1. The Huskers are now 1-0-1, and will play on the road vs. Oklahoma State Thursday night.