Nebraska softball surprises Coach Revelle with Tanya Tucker

Ahead of Nebraska’s Women’s College World Series opener against Arkansas on Thursday, Coach Rhonda Revelle got a jaw-dropping surprise at a team dinner hosted Wednesday night—when music icon Tanya Tucker appeared via video call and sang “Delta Dawn” after Reve

When Nebraska’s team dinner finally shifted from singing to shock, Rhonda Revelle didn’t even have time to prepare her face.

Wednesday night. the Huskers kicked off their first Women’s College World Series appearance since 2013 with a lively dinner hosted by Coach Rhonda Revelle ahead of Thursday’s opening clash against the Arkansas Razorbacks. The moment felt like pure celebration at the start—until Tanya Tucker. the voice behind the iconic 1972 hit and tied to Nebraska’s winning anthem. walked in on a big screen.

Tucker joined the festivities via video call. and a behind-the-scenes look from NU softball’s official Twitter account captured the build-up. At first, the group at dinner sang along to “Delta Dawn,” a personal favorite of Revelle’s. It’s a song the team has already leaned on for momentum. too—Nebraska also sang it together after knocking off Oklahoma State in the super regionals.

Then the evening’s main surprise arrived. After Nebraska players and coaches added their own touch to “Delta Dawn,” it was time for something bigger. A close-up showed Revelle’s reaction as the virtual moment landed: her jaw dropped as she realized who was calling.

Once the pleasantries were exchanged and Tucker talked about how special the team is to her. Revelle went straight to the thing that matters most in that room. She asked Tucker if she’d be willing to sing “Delta Dawn. ” including a lede-in with the verse from “Amazing Grace.” Tucker did as she was asked. and the joy on Revelle’s face was unmistakable.

“Delta Dawn” isn’t just a fun detour for this Nebraska group—it has long been Revelle’s personal anthem, and this year’s players have carried it as their own. The fact that they sing it so often points to a tight-knit team culture they’ll need as they enter uncharted territory.

That uncharted territory includes a Thursday matchup with a program that’s never been to the WCWS and doesn’t know enough to be humbled by the trip to Oklahoma City—an unfamiliar kind of energy Nebraska will have to manage from the first pitch.

But there’s another layer under the excitement. Several Huskers are stepping into a reunion against the school they came from.

Lauren Camenzind. now in her second year with Nebraska after transferring from Arkansas. will take on the Razorbacks for the first time. She said Wednesday that there might be extra sentiment when she takes the field compared to other games in her college career. but she would put it behind her once the first pitch is thrown.

Camenzind is one of three former Arkansas players on Nebraska’s roster—joined by her twin, Hannah, and outfielder Kacie Hoffmann. All three have shared that it’s odd to face their old school, while still believing it won’t let affect them when Thursday night arrives.

Nebraska’s goal is immediate and sharp: start in the winner’s bracket of the WCWS. Rhonda Revelle believes having someone like Tanya Tucker in the mix is more than a memorable night—it’s a spark the team can carry into the most important stage of the season.

And for Revelle, the surprise wasn’t just a celebrity moment. It was a confirmation that this team’s identity—built on song, togetherness, and a little bit of magic—shows up right when the spotlight turns on.

Nebraska softball Rhonda Revelle Tanya Tucker Delta Dawn Women’s College World Series Arkansas Razorbacks WCWS Lauren Camenzind Hannah Camenzind Kacie Hoffmann