Harper Murray is a star collegiate volleyball player for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers and a three-time AVCA All-American. She gained national attention as the 2022 Gatorade National Player of the Year and plays as an outside hitter wearing jersey number 27 in honor of her late father, Vada Murray, a former Michigan football player.
Quick Wiki/Bio about Harper Murray
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Harper Murray |
| Gender | Female |
| Date of birth | February 24, 2005 |
| Age | 20 years old (as of 2026) |
| Place of birth | Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA |
| Current residence | Lincoln, Nebraska, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (African American and White) |
| Zodiac sign | Pisces |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (188 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 142 lbs (66 kg) |
| Hair colour | Dark brown |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Marital status | In a relationship |
| Boyfriend | Heinrich Haarberg |
| Children | None |
| Alma mater | Skyline High School, University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
| Profession | Collegiate volleyball player, student-athlete |
| Position | Outside hitter |
| Jersey number | 27 |
| Net worth | Estimated $200,000 – $500,000 |
Who is Harper Murray?
Harper Murray is a dominant outside hitter who has become one of the most recognizable faces in collegiate women’s volleyball.
Playing for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, she earned three consecutive AVCA All-American honors from 2023 to 2025, climbing from Third Team to First Team selections.
Born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Murray was ranked the No. 1 recruit in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com when she graduated early from Skyline High School to join Nebraska in January 2023.
The 6-foot-2 athlete wears number 27 to honor her late father, Vada Murray, who played defensive back for Michigan football and passed away from lung cancer when Harper was just six years old.
She has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and regularly volunteers at Mourning Hope, a grief support center in Lincoln.
How old is Harper Murray? Age and birthday
Harper Murray is 20 years old as of February 2026. She was born on February 24, 2005, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States.
Her zodiac sign is Pisces, known for being compassionate, artistic, and emotionally intuitive.
Murray celebrated her most recent birthday with teammates and family, including her boyfriend Heinrich Haarberg.
How tall is Harper Murray? Harper Murray’s height, weight, and body measurements
Harper Murray stands around 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall and weighs about 142 pounds (66 kg).
Her height gives her a natural advantage as an outside hitter, allowing her to deliver powerful kills and effective blocks at the net.
She has a vertical jump spike reach of approximately 315 cm and a block reach of 307 cm.
Her athletic build and wingspan make her a six-rotation player, meaning she excels in both offensive attacks and defensive digs.
Murray has spoken openly about body confidence in sports, sharing her journey of embracing her athletic physique through her college career.
Harper Murray’s early life and family background
Harper was born to Sarah Murray and the late Vada Murray in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Her father, Vada, was a defensive back for the University of Michigan football team from 1988 to 1990, playing under legendary coach Bo Schembechler. Vada wore jersey number 27, which Harper now honors by wearing the same number in volleyball.
Tragedy struck the Murray family when Vada passed away in 2011 after a three-year battle with lung cancer. Harper was only six years old at the time.
Her mother, Sarah Murray, works as a financial advisor with credentials including ChFC, CDFA, and BFA certifications. Sarah took Harper to therapy to help her process the profound loss and cope with anxiety about death.
Harper grew up with two siblings. Her older sister, Kendall Murray, born June 10, 2002, played volleyball at the University of Michigan and also wears number 27.
Her older brother, Deric Murray, played college basketball at Aquinas College and Madonna University before becoming a fitness coach, personal trainer, and sports performance professional in Ann Arbor.
The three Murray siblings share a close bond, often posting about each other on social media. Growing up, Harper attended Michigan football and basketball games with her family, creating memories at venues like the Crisler Center and Michigan Stadium.
Career
High school achievements
Harper Murray attended Skyline High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she became one of the most decorated high school volleyball players in state history.
During her senior year in 2022, she amassed a staggering 726 kills, 409 digs, 86 service aces, and 40 blocks while hitting .405. She led the Eagles to a 38-9 record and the Division I regional semifinals.
Her junior year was equally impressive, with 652 kills and a .430 hitting percentage as Skyline finished as state runner-up in the Division I finals. Over her entire prep career, Murray compiled 2,488 kills and 1,460 digs.
In January 2023, Murray was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year, one of the most prestigious awards in high school athletics.
She also received Michigan’s Miss Volleyball award and earned First Team All-American honors from both MaxPreps and the American Volleyball Coaches Association. She graduated early to join Nebraska’s spring semester in January 2023.
Club volleyball success
Murray played club volleyball for Legacy Volleyball Club in Michigan, where she won the AAU U17 National Championship in 2021.
Her club success attracted attention from top collegiate programs across the country, with PrepVolleyball.com ranking her as the No. 1 overall recruit in the nation.
USA National Team experience
At the international level, Harper represented the United States on youth national teams. In 2022, she competed with the U.S. Girls U19 Team at the Pan American Cup in Tulsa, Oklahoma, helping Team USA capture the gold medal.
She was named “Best Spiker” at the tournament after recording 13 kills and two blocks in the championship match against Brazil.
A year earlier, Murray played for the U.S. Girls U18 Team at the 2021 FIVB World Championships, where the Americans earned a bronze medal. These international experiences prepared her for the intensity of collegiate competition.
Nebraska Cornhuskers career
Freshman season (2023): Murray made an immediate impact at Nebraska, earning Big Ten Freshman of the Year and AVCA All-America Third Team honors.
She averaged 3.23 kills per set with a .237 hitting percentage, the highest kills per set average by a Husker freshman since Kadie Rolfzen in 2013. She recorded 23 double-digit kill matches and eight double-doubles.
Her season highlight came in a 3-2 win at Purdue on September 29, when she posted a season-high 21 kills with 10 digs.
She also delivered a clutch performance against No. 1 Wisconsin, scoring the final four points in set five to secure a 3-2 victory.
Murray was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week three times and won the Ameritas Players Challenge MVP award.
Sophomore season (2024): Murray elevated her game as a sophomore, earning AVCA All-America Second Team and All-Big Ten First Team selections.
She led Nebraska with 3.40 kills per set on .257 hitting, adding 2.43 digs per set and a team-high 39 service aces. She finished with nine double-doubles.
Her postseason performance was remarkable. She recorded 22 kills with 16 digs in the NCAA Regional Semifinal against Dayton, then added 10 kills in the regional final against Wisconsin, earning NCAA Lincoln Regional Most Outstanding Player honors.
In the national semifinal against Penn State, she posted 20 kills, 15 digs, three aces, and six blocks, earning a spot on the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team.
Junior season (2025): As a junior, Murray reached career-best numbers while earning AVCA All-America First Team recognition for the first time.
She led the Huskers with 3.54 kills per set on a career-high .295 hitting percentage, adding 2.16 digs per set, 0.60 blocks per set, and a team-high 34 aces. Her 4.21 points per set led the team.
She was named Big Ten Player of the Week on October 13 after 16 kills on 25 error-free swings (.640 hitting) at Purdue.
Her season-high 25 kills came against No. 6 Texas A&M in the NCAA Regional Final, earning her a spot on the NCAA Lincoln Regional All-Tournament Team.
By the end of her junior season, Murray had accumulated 1,181 career kills, ranking 19th all-time in Nebraska history and 10th in the rally-scoring era. Her 109 career aces rank sixth all-time at Nebraska in the rally-scoring era.
Awards and honors
- AVCA All-America First Team (2025)
- AVCA All-America Second Team (2024)
- AVCA All-America Third Team (2023)
- All-Big Ten First Team (2023, 2024, 2025)
- Big Ten Freshman of the Year (2023)
- AVCA Region Freshman of the Year (2023)
- NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team (2024)
- NCAA Lincoln Regional Most Outstanding Player (2024)
- Gatorade National Player of the Year (2022)
- Michigan Miss Volleyball (2022)
- U19 Pan American Cup Best Spiker (2022)
- U19 Pan American Cup Gold Medalist (2022)
- U18 World Championship Bronze Medalist (2021)
Beach volleyball
Murray has also competed in beach volleyball for Nebraska. In 2024, she posted an 18-9 overall record partnering with Laney Choboy and Merritt Beason, tying for the highest individual single-season win total in school history. In 2023, she went 12-8 with partner Merritt Beason in her first beach volleyball season.
What is Harper Murray’s net worth and salary?
As of 2026, Harper Murray’s net worth is estimated at around $200,000 to $500,000. She has built this wealth through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, social media partnerships, and brand endorsements.
As a collegiate athlete, Murray does not receive a traditional salary but earns income through NIL opportunities made possible by NCAA rule changes in 2021.
NIL deals and partnerships
In August 2025, Murray signed a multi-year NIL deal with Adidas, making her one of the featured volleyball athletes for the global sports brand.
The financial terms were not publicly disclosed, but such deals typically include cash payments, product endorsements, and performance bonuses.
Her other confirmed NIL partnerships include:
- Advanced Skin and Body Aesthetics (May 2024)
- Dove (March 2024)
- Premier Window Tinting Ink (February 2024)
- 1890 Nebraska (December 2023)
Murray has a strong social media presence with around 348,000 followers on Instagram and over 830,000 followers on TikTok as of early 2026, making her an attractive partner for brands targeting young sports enthusiasts. Her combined social media reach of nearly one million followers significantly boosts her NIL valuation.
She is represented by Wasserman for speaking engagements and brand partnerships, with business inquiries directed to harper@teamwass.com.
Is Harper Murray dating? Boyfriend and relationship status
Harper Murray is in a relationship with Heinrich Haarberg, a former Nebraska Cornhuskers football quarterback and tight end.
The couple has been together since around 2024 and frequently shares photos together on social media. Haarberg, who stands 6 feet 5 inches tall, played five years for Nebraska football before his final season in 2025.
The two Nebraska student-athletes support each other at their respective games and competitions. Murray regularly attends football games to cheer for Haarberg, while he returns the favor by attending volleyball matches at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.
In January 2026, Murray posted an emotional message supporting Haarberg as he played his final game for the Huskers.
Their relationship has attracted considerable attention from Nebraska fans, with many referring to them as one of the university’s most beloved athletic couples.
The pair is often seen together around Lincoln and shares glimpses of their relationship on Instagram and TikTok.
As of February 2026, Murray and Haarberg remain together, though they have maintained privacy about future plans. Neither has publicly discussed engagement or marriage plans.
Harper Murray’s social media presence
Harper Murray maintains an active presence on social media platforms where she connects with fans and shares her volleyball journey.
As of February 2026, she has around 348,000 followers on Instagram (@harpermurrayy) and over 830,000 followers on TikTok (@harperrmurrayy), giving her a combined reach of nearly one million followers.
On Instagram, Murray posts a mix of volleyball highlights, training sessions, behind-the-scenes moments with teammates, photos with her boyfriend Heinrich Haarberg, and family memories.
Her content showcases both her athletic achievements and personal life, including throwback photos honoring her late father.
Her TikTok account has gained massive traction with over 57 million likes on her videos. She creates content ranging from volleyball tutorials and game-day preparations to lighthearted videos with teammates and personal vlogs.
One of her viral videos showed her pleading with fans about ticket availability for Nebraska volleyball matches.
Murray uses her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and shares motivational content about overcoming adversity. She also promotes her NIL partners and gives fans exclusive access to her life as a student-athlete.
Her authentic and relatable content has made her one of the most followed collegiate volleyball players on social media.
Mental health advocacy and personal challenges
Murray has been open about her mental health struggles, particularly following two legal incidents in early 2024.
In February 2024, she was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Lincoln, Nebraska, with a blood alcohol content of 0.169. She also faced a shoplifting charge after an incident at a local store.
In June 2024, Murray entered a pretrial diversion program for the shoplifting charge. In July 2024, she reached a plea deal on the DUI charge and was sentenced to nine months’ probation, ordered to pay a $500 fine, and had her driver’s license revoked for 60 days.
She was suspended for Nebraska’s season-opening match against No. 3 Louisville but returned to the team for subsequent games.
Murray has spoken candidly about these experiences, telling ESPN that she struggled with depression and anxiety following her grandfather’s death in February 2024. She sought therapy and treatment for her mental health, describing it as an “ongoing journey.”
Since her legal troubles, Murray has become an advocate for mental health awareness, sharing her story to help others who may be struggling.
She volunteers at Mourning Hope, a grief support center in Lincoln where she connects with people experiencing loss similar to what she endured after losing her father at age six.
Her vulnerability and willingness to discuss mental health publicly have earned her respect from teammates, coaches, and fans.
Nebraska head coach John Cook has praised Murray’s growth and resilience throughout the challenging period.
Academic pursuits
Harper Murray is majoring in Business and Law at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She enrolled as a freshman in January 2023 after graduating early from Skyline High School.
In a 2025 TikTok video, Murray mentioned she had switched her major from Business and Law to Sports Media, though this has not been officially confirmed by the university.
Murray has earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2024 and 2025 for both indoor and beach volleyball. She has been named to the Nebraska Scholar-Athlete Honor Roll multiple times (Fall 2024, Spring 2023, 2024, and 2025) and has been selected to the Tom Osborne Citizenship Team three consecutive years (2023, 2024, 2025), recognizing her community service and character.
Balancing academics with a demanding athletic schedule has been challenging, but Murray has expressed gratitude for the support system at Nebraska that helps student-athletes succeed in the classroom and on the court.
Fast facts about Harper Murray
- Harper Murray wears jersey number 27 to honor her late father, Vada Murray, who wore the same number while playing defensive back for Michigan football under Bo Schembechler from 1988-1990.
- She graduated early from Skyline High School in December 2022 to enroll at Nebraska in January 2023, giving her a head start on her collegiate career.
- Murray has a “27” tattoo on her finger as a permanent tribute to her father, who died of lung cancer in 2011 when she was six years old.
- Her sister Kendall Murray also wears number 27 as a volleyball player, creating a family tradition that honors their father’s legacy.
- Harper was ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit in the nation by PrepVolleyball.com, the highest ranking a Michigan high school player had ever received.
- She helped Team USA win gold at the 2022 U19 Pan American Cup and was named “Best Spiker” of the tournament with 13 kills in the championship match.
- Murray is one of only 10 players in Nebraska volleyball history to record 1,000 or more career kills in their first three seasons.
- She recorded the most kills by a Nebraska freshman (21) since Madi Kubik in 2019 during a match at Purdue in September 2023.
- Harper grew up attending Michigan football games at the Big House and developed a love for competitive sports from watching her father’s former team.
- She has partnered with Mourning Hope, a Lincoln-based grief support organization, where she volunteers and shares her story of losing her father to help others dealing with similar loss.
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Wrapping up
Harper Murray has established herself as one of the premier outside hitters in collegiate volleyball while overcoming personal tragedy and public challenges.
The 20-year-old Nebraska junior honors her late father’s memory with every match she plays, wearing his number 27 with pride.
With three consecutive All-American honors, over 1,100 career kills, and a growing platform for mental health advocacy, Murray continues to build a legacy that extends beyond the volleyball court.
As she enters her final year of eligibility in 2026, fans and scouts will be watching to see if she can lead Nebraska to a national championship while potentially preparing for a professional volleyball career.
References
- University of Nebraska Athletics. “Harper Murray – Volleyball 2025”.
- ESPN. “Nebraska volleyball star Harper Murray focuses on healing”.
- Gatorade Player of the Year. “National Volleyball – Harper Murray 2022”.
- Famous Birthdays. “Harper Murray – Age, Bio, Family”.
- USA Volleyball. “Harper Murray Athlete Profile”.
- Women Volleybox. “Harper Murray – volleyball player”.
- Wasserman. “Harper Murray Speaker Information”.
- Journal Star. “The Murray family’s story of loss, grief and memories”.
- The Michigan Daily. “Double vision: The Murray sisters’ rivalry of love”.
- Nebraska Public Media. “Dad’s Number, Daughter’s Game”.
- 1011 Now. “Nebraska volleyball’s Harper Murray signs NIL deal with adidas”.
- Opendorse. “Harper Murray, Outside hitter, Nebraska Cornhuskers – NIL Profile”.
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