Nebraska softball sensation Jordyn Bahl, known for her stellar performances and two national championships, is making headlines for more than just her athletic prowess. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) star has boldly defended her involvement in a pro-life ad campaign amid criticism from some corners.

Bahl, 22, recently appeared in a series of commercials as part of the Protect Women and Children initiative. The ads encourage Nebraskans to support a pro-life measure, Initiative Measure 434, while opposing a competing pro-choice measure, Initiative Measure 439. The pro-life initiative seeks to amend the state constitution to ban abortions in the second and third trimesters, except in cases of medical emergencies or pregnancies resulting from sexual assault or incest.

“This was too important for me to remain silent on,” Bahl declared in an Instagram post to her more than 100,000 followers. “If Initiative 439 is passed, Nebraska women will be at risk. That’s why I voted FOR 434 and against 439. Keep our women and children SAFE.”

The ad campaign also features five other standout athletes from UNL: softball players Malia Thomas, Hannah Camenzind, Lauren Camenzind, Abbie Squier, and volleyball player Rebekah Allick—their decision to participate stirred reactions online, with critics questioning their motives.

Responding to allegations that the athletes were paid to participate, Bahl set the record straight. “Imagine people seeing a commercial done with 6 young women supporting a pro-life movement and immediately jumping to the conclusion that we were paid to take part. Nope! None of us received a penny!” she asserted on X. “We just aren’t afraid to take a stand and protect life.”

The University of Nebraska, while distancing itself from the campaign, emphasized students’ right to free speech. “The University of Nebraska is not affiliated with the campaign activities of the candidates running for election to the Board of Regents,” a university statement read. “Students at the University of Nebraska are private citizens and are able to exercise their First Amendment rights. The opinions expressed by students are their own and are not those of the University of Nebraska or Husker Athletics.”