Story by NU Athletic Communication

The Nebraska volleyball team, under new head coach Dani Busboom Kelly, begins its 2025 season with the annual Red-White Scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 2:30 p.m. at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. The Huskers will celebrate their 2024 Big Ten Championship just prior to the start of the scrimmage.&nbsp;

• The match will be televised on Nebraska Public Media and streamed online at B1G+ (subscription required).

• Huskers Radio Network with John Baylor and Lauren (Cook) West will broadcast all the action on their volleyball affiliate stations, on Huskers.com and on the Huskers App.&nbsp;

• For Saturday’s match format, at least four sets will be played and intermission between sets will be five minutes.&nbsp;

• Prior to Saturday’s scrimmage, the Huskers will have a Volleyball Fan Day from 9-11 a.m. on the Devaney Center concourse. The Huskers will sign autographs for two hours before turning their attention to preparing for the scrimmage.&nbsp;

• This year’s Volleyball Fan Day requires a mobile ticket for admission. Free tickets to Fan Day are sold out.&nbsp;

• Fans will use only the North concourse doors to enter the building. The North doors will open right at 9 a.m. Free parking will be available in Lots 58 and 60. All fans will be asked to exit the Devaney Center and clear their vehicles from the parking lots in between Fan Day and the Red-White Scrimmage. &nbsp;

• For Fan Day, one item per person may be signed. Posters for the season will be available as well. In an effort to get all fans through the line, no pictures will be permitted with the coaches or players. Concessions will be open for fans to purchase drinks or candy, and the Huskers Store on the concourse will be open as well.

• No cash transactions will be allowed at the Devaney Center. Only cards will be accepted at the ticket office, concession stands and team stores. Apple Pay and Google Pay will not be accepted at the ticket office.&nbsp;

• For the Red-White Scrimmage, parking is available for purchase in advance online at huskers.com/tickets. &nbsp;

• Nebraska finished the 2024 season 33-3 overall and advanced to the NCAA Semifinals for the second year in a row and seventh time in the last 10 years.

• Nebraska won its 36th all-time conference title and fifth Big Ten title with a 19-1 record in Big Ten play last season. The Huskers went back-to-back as Big Ten champions for the second time, also accomplishing that feat in 2016 and 2017.&nbsp;

• The Huskers’ 29 regular-season wins last year tied the 1983 school record for most wins in a regular season in the NCAA era.&nbsp;

• The Huskers’ 33 wins last season were tied for the most victories by a Husker team since the 2000 national championship team went 34-0.&nbsp;

• The Huskers ranked 11th nationally with a team hitting percentage of .284 in 2024.

• The Huskers ranked sixth nationally and first in the Big Ten in opponent hitting percentage at .143 last season. NU led the nation in opponent hitting percentage in 2022 and 2023.&nbsp;

• Nebraska enters the season with 1,499 all-time victories and will be looking to become the first Division I volleyball program to reach 1,500 all-time wins when the regular season begins.&nbsp;

• Junior outside hitter Harper Murray was an AVCA Second Team All-American last year, leading the Huskers in kills with 3.40 per set and a team-high 39 service aces. Murray is a two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection and two-time AVCA All-American.&nbsp;

• Junior setter Bergen Reilly is the first player in Big Ten history to win Big Ten Setter of the Year as both a freshman and sophomore, and she is coming off her second straight AVCA All-America Second Team honor. Reilly averaged 11.08 assists per set in 2024 while leading the Huskers to a .284 hitting percentage, their best since 2016.&nbsp;

• Junior middle blocker Andi Jackson had a breakout year in 2024, earning AVCA All-America First Team and All-Big Ten First Team. Jackson averaged 2.62 kills per set with a .439 hitting percentage, which ranked sixth in the nation. She also put up 1.18 blocks per set.&nbsp;

• Senior middle blocker Rebekah Allick recorded 1.82 kills per set in 2024 with a career-best .357 hitting percentage. She had a team-high 1.43 blocks per set, which ranked third among Big Ten players and 14th nationally. Allick ranks sixth in school history with 415 career blocks entering the 2025 season.&nbsp;

• Senior outside hitter Taylor Landfair returns after starting 20 matches in 2024, averaging 2.49 kills per set.&nbsp;

• Maisie Boesiger, Laney Choboy and Olivia Mauch all return in the back row for the Big Red. Mauch, a sophomore, had 196 digs and 21 aces in her first year as a Husker last season. Choboy, a junior, had 185 digs and 36 set assists. Boesiger, entering her senior season, played in nine matches as a serving sub in 2024.&nbsp;

• Skyler Pierce will look to make an impact at outside hitter after redshirting in her first year at NU. Pierce had an accomplished prep career at Olathe Northwest in Kansas and was the MVP of the Under Armour All-America Game in 2024.

• Eight of the 17 players on the 2025 roster are newcomers.

• Senior opposite hitter Allie Sczech is the lone transfer the Huskers brought in for 2025. Sczech was a two-time All-Big 12 Second Team performer at Baylor, averaging 2.44 kills per set with a .273 hitting percentage in 2024. Sczech posted a career-high 21 kills and hit .463 in Baylor’s NCAA Tournament second round defeat to Dayton last year. She totaled 754 kills in three seasons at Baylor.&nbsp;

• Sophomore opposite hitter Virginia Adriano joined the Big Red in June. Adriano hails from Turin, Italy and was granted three years of NCAA eligibility after previously playing for Bergamo in Serie A1, Italy’s top professional league. Adriano averaged 2.39 kills per set with a .385 hitting percentage as Bergamo finished eighth in the league in 2025. Adriano represented the Italy U23 National Team, winning a gold medal at the European Championships in 2024. She also won a U19 title with Italy at the European Championships in 2022 and was part of the Italy team that finished second at the U21 World Championship in 2023.&nbsp;

• In addition to Sczech and Adriano, six freshmen have joined the fold. Campbell Flynn (6-3, Setter), Ryan Hunter (6-2, Opposite Hitter), Keri Leimbach (5-4, Libero) and Teraya Sigler (6-3, Outside Hitter) all enrolled at Nebraska in January. Kenna Cogill (6-4, Middle Blocker) and Manaia Ogbechie (6-3, Middle Blocker) joined the Huskers in June.

BUSBOOM KELLY DEBUTS AS NEW HEAD COACH &nbsp; &nbsp;

• Nebraska native Dani Busboom Kelly was named the fourth head coach in program history on Jan. 29, 2025 by Nebraska Director of Athletics Troy Dannen. Busboom Kelly succeeds her former coach and mentor, John Cook, who announced his retirement following the 2024 season after 25 seasons as Nebraska’s head volleyball coach.&nbsp;

• A Husker national champion player and assistant coach, Busboom Kelly spent eight years (2017-24) building Louisville into a national power. The Cardinals reached two NCAA Championship matches, three NCAA Semifinals, five regional finals and won four ACC titles.&nbsp;

• Busboom Kelly compiled a 203-44 (.822) record in her eight seasons at Louisville, including a 120-15 (.889) mark from 2021-24, which was the second-best winning percentage in the country during that span. In 2024, the Cardinals reached the NCAA Championship match for the second time in three seasons.&nbsp;

• Busboom Kelly was the starting libero on Nebraska’s 2006 national championship team, and she was an assistant coach when the Huskers won the 2015 national championship in Omaha. She took the helm at Louisville late in 2016 after being named AVCA National Assistant Coach of the Year in her final season as a Husker assistant, and she guided the Cardinals to heights the program had never experienced. &nbsp;

• Nebraska has won 45 home matches in a row dating back to Dec. 1, 2022, which is the longest active streak in the nation.&nbsp;

• The Huskers’ home win streak is its longest since moving into the Devaney Center in 2013.&nbsp;

• Nebraska’s longest all-time home win streak was 88 matches from 2004-09.&nbsp;

• The Huskers went 22-0 at home in 2024, a school record for home wins in a season.&nbsp;

• Nebraska has won 26 consecutive NCAA Tournament matches played in the Devaney Center, a school record.&nbsp;

REGENTS APPROVE NAMING OF JOHN COOK ARENA

• The home of Nebraska Volleyball will now officially bear the name of one of the legendary coaches in the history of the sport, as the University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved the naming of John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

• Cook retired in January following a remarkable 25-year run as the Huskers’ head coach. He guided the Huskers to four national championships, 12 NCAA Semifinal appearances and 14 conference championships. Cook achieved a career record of 883-176 (.834), the fifth-best winning percentage all-time for a Division I volleyball coach. His record of 722-103 at Nebraska was the best winning percentage (.875) for any DI program from 2000-24.

• In addition to the naming of John Cook Arena at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, the project also includes a bronze statue honoring Cook on the north side of the Devaney Sports Center. Nationally recognized sculpture artist and Nebraska native George Lundeen has been commissioned to produce the life-size tribute to Cook and his career.

• The court inside John Cook Arena will continue to hold the name of Terry Pettit Court to recognize Cook’s predecessor and fellow Hall of Famer. Additionally, the full athletics complex will continue to be named the Bob Devaney Sports Center in honor of Nebraska Hall of Fame football coach and long-time athletic director Bob Devaney.

• The new John Cook Arena signage and the bronze statue will be unveiled later this year.

• Nebraska will begin the season in the 2025 AVCA First Serve at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln on Aug. 22-24. It will mark the first time Nebraska has played volleyball in the 15,500-seat arena. &nbsp;

• The 2025 AVCA First Serve will feature 10 of the nation’s top teams. Two matches will be played each day on Aug. 22, Aug. 23 and Aug. 24 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. To cap off the event, two matches will be played on Monday, Aug. 25 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D.&nbsp;

• Nebraska will face Pittsburgh on Friday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m. and Stanford on Sunday, Aug. 24 at 2:30 p.m.

• Other matchups at Pinnacle Bank Arena will include Florida vs. Stanford on Aug. 22, Creighton vs. Penn State and Kansas vs. Vanderbilt on Aug. 23, and Florida vs. Pittsburgh on Aug. 24.&nbsp;

• On Aug. 25 in Sioux Falls, Minnesota will face Texas A&amp;M, and Kansas will play Penn State.

HUSKERS TO PLAY IN NASHVILLE EVENT IN 2025

• Nebraska will participate in the Broadway Block Party, hosted by the Nashville Sports Council and ESPN Events, this season at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. The event will feature three matches between Big Ten and SEC teams.&nbsp;

• The Huskers will take on Kentucky at 11 a.m. (CT) on Sunday, Aug. 31 on ABC. Purdue and Tennessee will play 30 minutes following the conclusion of that match on ESPN2. Illinois and Vanderbilt will square off to end the tripleheader on SEC Network.&nbsp;

• The non-conference matchup against Kentucky will be the fourth straight year the teams have met early in the season. In 2024, Nebraska beat Kentucky 3-1 at the AVCA First Serve in Louisville, Ky.&nbsp;

• Nebraska volleyball will try something new in 2025 as this year’s current Husker squad takes on a team of alumni in a scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m.

• The Alumni squad will be headlined by Jordan Larson, who was a three-time All-American at NU during her career (2005-08), winning a national championship in 2006. She is a four-time Olympic medalist, helping Team USA to a gold medal in 2021. Her four Olympic medals are tied for the most all-time by a women’s volleyball player.

• Along with Larson, other former Huskers who are committed to playing in the Alumni Match include two-time All-American and national champion setter Kelly Hunter, three-time All-American and national champion middle blocker Lauren Stivrins, national champion and All-American libero Kenzie Maloney, national champion and All-American outside hitter Annika Albrecht, two-time All-American outside hitter Gina Mancuso, as well as former Huskers Callie Schwarzenbach, Lindsay Krause, Leyla Blackwell and Ally Batenhorst.&nbsp;

• Skutt Catholic Head Coach Renee Saunders will serve as coach for the Alumni team. A member of the 1995 Nebraska national championship team, Saunders is the only Nebraskan to claim both the state’s volleyball high school athlete and coach of the year awards. Saunders coached the SkyHawks to a state-record nine straight state championships from 2015-2023. Saunders is a two-time NFHS Nebraska Coach of the Year and was the AVCA National Coach of the Year in 2020.&nbsp;

HUSKERS BEGIN SEASON AT NO. 1 IN AVCA POLL&nbsp;

• The Nebraska volleyball team was ranked No. 1 in the preseason AVCA Coaches Poll released on Aug. 6.&nbsp;

• The Huskers collected 1,490 points in the poll and came in ahead of No. 2 Penn State (1,459), No. 3 Pittsburgh (1,338), No. 4 Louisville (1,240) and No. 5 Texas (1,223). Nebraska got 40 first-place votes, while Penn State had 21.&nbsp;

• It marks Nebraska’s 109th week all-time at No. 1 in the AVCA Coaches Poll, the most of any program in the nation. The last time the Huskers were ranked No. 1 to start a season was prior to the 2022 season. Nebraska was last ranked No. 1 in the AVCA Poll on Nov. 27, 2023.&nbsp;

• Nebraska will be tested right out of the gate with matches against No. 3 Pittsburgh (Aug. 22) and No. 6 Stanford (Aug. 24) at the AVCA First Serve at Pinnacle Bank Arena.&nbsp;

• NU has 12 regular-season matches scheduled against preseason top-25 teams, including six against top-10 teams.&nbsp;

• Nebraska volleyball will air on television 24 times this season. The Huskers will make 19 national TV appearances on Big Ten Network, FOX, FS1, NBC, ABC and ESPN. &nbsp;

• Additionally, Nebraska Public Media has been granted the rights to televise the Red-White Scrimmage (Aug. 9), the Alumni Match (Aug. 16), and three regular-season home matches: Grand Canyon (Sept. 13), Maryland (Sept. 27) and Northwestern (Oct. 24).&nbsp;

• All matches that are televised on Nebraska Public Media are also streamed on B1G+. All home matches and Big Ten road matches not selected for TV will be streamed on B1G+.&nbsp;

• NU’s match at Lipscomb will be available on ESPN+.&nbsp;

• Four student-athletes from the Nebraska volleyball team were named to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team after a vote by the league’s 18 head coaches. &nbsp;

• Juniors Andi Jackson, Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly were three of just five unanimous selections to the Preseason All-Big Ten Team. They were joined on the 20-player team by senior Rebekah Allick.&nbsp;

• The coaches picked Nebraska as the top team in the preseason poll. The Huskers won their fifth Big Ten title in 2024 with a 19-1 conference record to share the crown with Penn State. Nebraska finished the season at 33-3 and reached the NCAA Semifinals. Penn State, Wisconsin, Minnesota and UCLA rounded out the top five.

• Jackson, a junior middle blocker, had a breakout year in 2024, earning AVCA All-America First Team and unanimous All-Big Ten First Team honors. Jackson averaged 2.62 kills per set with a .439 hitting percentage, which ranked sixth in the nation and fourth in school history. She also put up 1.18 blocks per set.&nbsp;

• Murray, a junior outside hitter, was an AVCA Second Team All-American last year after earning third-team honors as a freshman. Murray led the Huskers in 2024 with 3.40 kills per set and a team-high 39 service aces. She is a two-time All-Big Ten First Team selection. Murray was selected to the NCAA Championship All-Tournament Team last season and was the NCAA Lincoln Regional Most Outstanding Player.&nbsp;

• Reilly, a junior setter, is the first player in Big Ten history to win Big Ten Setter of the Year as both a freshman and sophomore, and she is coming off her second straight AVCA All-America Second Team honor. Reilly averaged 11.08 assists per set in 2024 while leading the Huskers to a .284 hitting percentage, their best since 2016. &nbsp;

• Allick, a senior middle blocker, recorded 1.82 kills per set in 2024 with a career-best .357 hitting percentage. She had a team-high 1.43 blocks per set, which ranked third among Big Ten players and 14th nationally. Allick ranks sixth in school history with 415 career blocks entering the 2025 season. She was an All-Big Ten Second Team selection in 2022 and 2023.&nbsp;

JACKSON, MURRAY, REILLY ON AVCA WATCH LIST

• Andi Jackson, Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly were named to the AVCA Player of the Year Watch List in July. The three Husker juniors are among 30 players who are part of the Player of the Year Watch List.&nbsp;

• The Player of the Year Watch List was compiled by the AVCA Division I Women’s Volleyball Awards Committee. They will also be the group working on the additional phases of the Player of the Year process. Midseason additions to the list will come in October, and the semifinalists will be named in November. Finalists will be announced on Dec. 15, and the Player of the Year Award will be presented in Kansas City at the AVCA Awards Banquet on Friday, Dec. 19.&nbsp;

• Freshman Campbell Flynn was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year on Jan. 10.

• Flynn, a 6-3 setter from Oakland, Mich., was a two-time Gatorade Michigan Volleyball Player of the Year. She recorded 730 assists and 180 digs in her senior season for Mercy High School, leading the Marlins to a 31-3 record and the Division I regional semifinals in 2024. Flynn also compiled 131 kills, 52 blocks and 36 service aces while posting a .394 hitting percentage at net.&nbsp;

• Flynn was a member of the U.S. U21 Women’s National Team that won the gold medal at the NORCECA Championships in 2024 and was ranked as the nation’s No. 4 overall recruit and top setter recruit in the Class of 2025 by PrepDig.com. Flynn concluded her prep volleyball career, which included a state championship in 2023, with 1,973 assists and 737 kills. She also competed in the Under Armour All-America Game. Off the court, Flynn maintained a 3.94 GPA in the classroom.&nbsp;

• Flynn is the sixth Husker all-time to be named the Gatorade National Player of the Year. The others are Harper Murray (2022-23), Ally Batenhorst (2020-21), Lexi Sun (2016-17), Mikaela Foecke (2014-15) and Gina Mancuso (2008-09).&nbsp;

FLYNN, SIGLER EARN GATORADE PLAYER OF THE YEAR&nbsp;

• In addition to being named Gatorade National Player of the Year, Campbell Flynn was named the Gatorade Michigan Volleyball Player of the Year for the second straight year, while fellow Husker newcomer Teraya Sigler was named the Gatorade Arizona Volleyball Player of the Year for the second straight time.&nbsp;

• Sigler, a 6-2 outside hitter from Scottsdale, Ariz., led Horizon High School to a 25-5 record and a fourth straight Conference 5A state championship in 2024. Sigler amassed 619 kills and 354 digs, including 33 kills and 20 digs in the state championship match. She also had 65 service aces and 28 blocks while posting a .398 hitting percentage.&nbsp;

• Ranked as the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2025 by PrepDig.com, Sigler was a member of the U.S. U21 Women’s National Team that won the gold medal at the NORCECA Championships in 2024. She concluded her prep volleyball career with 1,951 kills and 1,128 digs and competed in the Under Armour All-America Game.

 Fan Day, Red-White scrimmage Preview

Story by Omaha Supernovas Communication

OMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qr54Bd_h5dvspM9G4nPWq4Tnsh18oVoHhmMGidtC4ZspH5EygelauSAW0KY8gXbeLReEur5t2ftdHIf7g1RuJpFEhwPO_H-_-eyqATdfDDUPEC3x4yRxLdQx3E8apuUyQtg_WrJfhu4XIq2MfE8GBfbMC4ytdubE76vBfpbFy8dRsT066xjUaTItNIa3wlLS&amp;c=rk2f5-qBOs8EkRGRKduU5HFNGdj884lD0_MGrHlOz7EyxIDfMZrVeQ==&amp;ch=EQYjoOXvVfGl6N9aPDpc1qSqOHZtSVlK8T1XcKjhVSNm6ceFXMOA2g==">Omaha Supernovas</a>, the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, added a blockbuster haul on the first day of Major League Volleyball free agency, signing former Nebraska volleyball All-American&nbsp;Merritt Beason, 2025 Setter of the Year&nbsp;Sydney Hilley&nbsp;and U.S. Olympian libero&nbsp;Morgan Hentz.&nbsp;

Beason returns to the state after being selected No. 1 overall in last year’s league draft. She averaged 2.69 kills and 2.08 digs per set in her rookie season with Atlanta, highlighted by a 17-kill, 10-dig performance against the Supernovas in the 2025 season opener, which marked one of her best outings of the year. The Alabama native spent two seasons in Lincoln with the Huskers, earning AVCA first-team All-America honors in 2023 while helping Nebraska to consecutive NCAA national semifinal appearances.&nbsp;

Hilley returns to Omaha after spending one season with the Indy Ignite, sparking a reunion that saw her earn Playoff MVP honors for the Supernovas when they won the inaugural Pro Volleyball Championship at the CHI Health Center in 2024. The Wisconsin graduate and five-time All-American led the league last season with 11.30 assists per set while guiding the Ignite to the league championship match in Las Vegas.&nbsp;

Hentz rounds out the star-studded trio, joining the Supernovas after two seasons with Atlanta after winning back-to-back Libero of the Year awards. Hentz, an Olympian for the U.S. Women’s National Team, has led the league in digs per set each of the past two seasons while earning consecutive first-team all-league honors. She holds the league’s single season records for total digs (508) and digs per set (4.50).&nbsp;

Fans can follow every Omaha signing through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qr54Bd_h5dvspM9G4nPWq4Tnsh18oVoHhmMGidtC4ZspH5EygelauS9B2UlKRm76TARHSHnHvh7jV0NEu474GUMz0eVHrty6Lg4gy1C_FCpAWd2-80ufNXOBIVpBIngMxmLqJQ9N8eRUJ6O5dEOQiXh7QKSOg0FzAcPO71s0Mgs8c8yN-OoEbu_c_WuTlOrJ&amp;c=rk2f5-qBOs8EkRGRKduU5HFNGdj884lD0_MGrHlOz7EyxIDfMZrVeQ==&amp;ch=EQYjoOXvVfGl6N9aPDpc1qSqOHZtSVlK8T1XcKjhVSNm6ceFXMOA2g==">Supernovas Free Agent Tracker.</a>&nbsp;

Get ready for Major League Volleyball in 2026 as the Supernovas return to the&nbsp;CHI Health Center!&nbsp;

Ticket information for the 2026 season, including renewals and new season tickets, will be announced in the coming days. Fans looking to take their experience to the next level for the 2026 season can fill out the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qr54Bd_h5dvspM9G4nPWq4Tnsh18oVoHhmMGidtC4ZspH5EygelauRKuxr0oHmmKMk0lPjt3RF2teOqte4wuGnNFWjT0AtI5Q6gPV-HKIrsodHU053qY39vziNXoSNkkoWxIzUQJXz30y1y72PZKG8512G1EVjaPSC8aOpnc2TAoa44Esb1jPHDjvgfxECtj&amp;c=rk2f5-qBOs8EkRGRKduU5HFNGdj884lD0_MGrHlOz7EyxIDfMZrVeQ==&amp;ch=EQYjoOXvVfGl6N9aPDpc1qSqOHZtSVlK8T1XcKjhVSNm6ceFXMOA2g==">Supernovas season ticket interest form</a>&nbsp;to be on a priority list to&nbsp;purchase season tickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To receive Supernovas updates, news and ticket information, download the official Supernovas App by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qr54Bd_h5dvspM9G4nPWq4Tnsh18oVoHhmMGidtC4ZspH5Eygelaud5rXLjWlZrHCKY-I_bLW2_c0ZXGkvNxnBwfhHKLTSUY9o3AcJtWG71woTSU7Dqsb5Xr2hUdVKLfueNE3Cx_6pziINi3c-2tLBnwPoNzDKZlPdXpE2IPcGdRnyrBDdbfFA==&amp;c=rk2f5-qBOs8EkRGRKduU5HFNGdj884lD0_MGrHlOz7EyxIDfMZrVeQ==&amp;ch=EQYjoOXvVfGl6N9aPDpc1qSqOHZtSVlK8T1XcKjhVSNm6ceFXMOA2g==">link</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Story by Omaha Supernovas CommunicationOMAHA, Neb.&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qr54Bd_h5dvspM9G4nPWq4Tnsh18oVoHhmMGidtC4ZspH5EygelauSAW0KY8gXbeLReEur5t2ftdHIf7g1RuJpFEhwPO_H-_-eyqATdfDDUPEC3x4yRxLdQx3E8apuUyQtg_WrJfhu4XIq2MfE8GBfbMC4ytdubE76vBfpbFy8dRsT066xjUaTItNIa3wlLS&amp;c=rk2f5-qBOs8EkRGRKduU5HFNGdj884lD0_MGrHlOz7EyxIDfMZrVeQ==&amp;ch=EQYjoOXvVfGl6N9aPDpc1qSqOHZtSVlK8T1XcKjhVSNm6ceFXMOA2g==">Omaha Supernovas</a>, the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, added a blockbuster haul on the first day of Major League Volleyball free agency, signing former Nebraska volleyball All-American&nbsp;Merritt Beason, 2025 Setter of the Year&nbsp;Sydney Hilley&nbsp;and U.S. Olympian libero&nbsp;Morgan Hentz.&nbsp;Beason returns to the state after being selected No. 1 overall in last year’s league draft. She averaged 2.69 kills and 2.08 digs per set in her rookie season with Atlanta, highlighted by a 17-kill, 10-dig performance against the Supernovas in the 2025 season opener, which marked one of her best outings of the year. The Alabama native spent two seasons in Lincoln with the Huskers, earning AVCA first-team All-America honors in 2023 while helping Nebraska to consecutive NCAA national semifinal appearances.&nbsp;Hilley returns to Omaha after spending one season with the Indy Ignite, sparking a reunion that saw her earn Playoff MVP honors for the Supernovas when they won the inaugural Pro Volleyball Championship at the CHI Health Center in 2024. The Wisconsin graduate and five-time All-American led the league last season with 11.30 assists per set while guiding the Ignite to the league championship match in Las Vegas.&nbsp;Hentz rounds out the star-studded trio, joining the Supernovas after two seasons with Atlanta after winning back-to-back Libero of the Year awards. Hentz, an Olympian for the U.S. Women’s National Team, has led the league in digs per set each of the past two seasons while earning consecutive first-team all-league honors. She holds the league’s single season records for total digs (508) and digs per set (4.50).&nbsp;Fans can follow every Omaha signing through the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qr54Bd_h5dvspM9G4nPWq4Tnsh18oVoHhmMGidtC4ZspH5EygelauS9B2UlKRm76TARHSHnHvh7jV0NEu474GUMz0eVHrty6Lg4gy1C_FCpAWd2-80ufNXOBIVpBIngMxmLqJQ9N8eRUJ6O5dEOQiXh7QKSOg0FzAcPO71s0Mgs8c8yN-OoEbu_c_WuTlOrJ&amp;c=rk2f5-qBOs8EkRGRKduU5HFNGdj884lD0_MGrHlOz7EyxIDfMZrVeQ==&amp;ch=EQYjoOXvVfGl6N9aPDpc1qSqOHZtSVlK8T1XcKjhVSNm6ceFXMOA2g==">Supernovas Free Agent Tracker.</a>&nbsp;Get ready for Major League Volleyball in 2026 as the Supernovas return to the&nbsp;CHI Health Center!&nbsp;Ticket information for the 2026 season, including renewals and new season tickets, will be announced in the coming days. Fans looking to take their experience to the next level for the 2026 season can fill out the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qr54Bd_h5dvspM9G4nPWq4Tnsh18oVoHhmMGidtC4ZspH5EygelauRKuxr0oHmmKMk0lPjt3RF2teOqte4wuGnNFWjT0AtI5Q6gPV-HKIrsodHU053qY39vziNXoSNkkoWxIzUQJXz30y1y72PZKG8512G1EVjaPSC8aOpnc2TAoa44Esb1jPHDjvgfxECtj&amp;c=rk2f5-qBOs8EkRGRKduU5HFNGdj884lD0_MGrHlOz7EyxIDfMZrVeQ==&amp;ch=EQYjoOXvVfGl6N9aPDpc1qSqOHZtSVlK8T1XcKjhVSNm6ceFXMOA2g==">Supernovas season ticket interest form</a>&nbsp;to be on a priority list to&nbsp;purchase season tickets.&nbsp;&nbsp;To receive Supernovas updates, news and ticket information, download the official Supernovas App by clicking this&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001qr54Bd_h5dvspM9G4nPWq4Tnsh18oVoHhmMGidtC4ZspH5Eygelaud5rXLjWlZrHCKY-I_bLW2_c0ZXGkvNxnBwfhHKLTSUY9o3AcJtWG71woTSU7Dqsb5Xr2hUdVKLfueNE3Cx_6pziINi3c-2tLBnwPoNzDKZlPdXpE2IPcGdRnyrBDdbfFA==&amp;c=rk2f5-qBOs8EkRGRKduU5HFNGdj884lD0_MGrHlOz7EyxIDfMZrVeQ==&amp;ch=EQYjoOXvVfGl6N9aPDpc1qSqOHZtSVlK8T1XcKjhVSNm6ceFXMOA2g==">link</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Husker star returns as Supernovas sign Beason, Hilley, and Hentz in blockbuster Free Agency opener

The North Platte Community College women’s volleyball team is gearing up for its first season at the NJCAA Division I level, and head coach Alexa McCall couldn’t be more excited about the challenge ahead.

“This is my favorite time of year,” McCall said during Media Day. “Now it’s go time, we’re just excited to get everyone on the floor and start developing those relationships.”

The Knights return six players from a 14-21 squad that came up just short of a Region IX title last season, including sophomore Zoe Maher. For Maher, the heartbreak of falling to Central Community College in the championship has fueled the offseason.

“It was a tough loss,” Maher said. “But it taught us what we needed to do better for this year.”

The move to D1 comes with a familiar schedule, as NPCC already faced several top-tier programs last season. McCall says that experience combined with a strong incoming freshman class and better roster health has her team prepared to take the next step.

“Injuries caught up to us late last year,” McCall said. “We’ve adjusted the schedule to ease into competition a bit more and keep our players fresh.”

Maher, stepping more into a leadership role, says she's emphasized confidence and communication to the freshmen, two keys she believes will set the tone early.

“Everyone has something to contribute,” Maher said. “We just need to play like it.”

<div><iframe width='720' height='405' scrolling='no' frameborder='0' style='border: none;' src='https://www.wevideo.com/embed/#3857176777' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>The North Platte Community College women’s volleyball team is gearing up for its first season at the NJCAA Division I level, and head coach Alexa McCall couldn’t be more excited about the challenge ahead.“This is my favorite time of year,” McCall said during Media Day. “Now it’s go time, we’re just excited to get everyone on the floor and start developing those relationships.”The Knights return six players from a 14-21 squad that came up just short of a Region IX title last season, including sophomore Zoe Maher. For Maher, the heartbreak of falling to Central Community College in the championship has fueled the offseason.<div><iframe width='720' height='405' scrolling='no' frameborder='0' style='border: none;' src='https://www.wevideo.com/embed/#3857176722' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>“It was a tough loss,” Maher said. “But it taught us what we needed to do better for this year.”The move to D1 comes with a familiar schedule, as NPCC already faced several top-tier programs last season. McCall says that experience combined with a strong incoming freshman class and better roster health has her team prepared to take the next step.“Injuries caught up to us late last year,” McCall said. “We’ve adjusted the schedule to ease into competition a bit more and keep our players fresh.”Maher, stepping more into a leadership role, says she's emphasized confidence and communication to the freshmen, two keys she believes will set the tone early.“Everyone has something to contribute,” Maher said. “We just need to play like it.”

Sights and Sounds from North Platte Community College Women's Volleyball Media Day

ROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference on Wednesday announced the dates and host sites for 2025-26 Olympic sports championships and tournaments. A complete schedule is below.

The fall season kicks off on October 31 in East Lansing, Michigan, where Michigan State will host the 2025 cross country championships and, on November 6-9, Indiana hosts the Big Ten Field Hockey Tournament. Women’s soccer will crown its tournament champion on November 9 at Energizer Park, home of MLS side St. Louis CITY SC, while the men will do the same on November 16 on the campus of the tournament’s top seed.

The winter championships begin with Minnesota hosting women’s swimming and diving February 18-21, and Wisconsin welcoming the conference’s men’s swimming and diving squads from February 25-28. Indoor track and field, in which Big Ten schools claimed both the 2025 men’s and women’s NCAA championships, returns to the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion in Indianapolis on February 27-28.

The 2026 Big Ten Wrestling Championships will take place at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pennsylvania, home of the four-time defending NCAA champion Nittany Lions. The Big Ten Ice Hockey Tournament will shift to a two-week, single-elimination format beginning in March 2026, with all games played on campus, and the championship hosted by the highest remaining seed during the weekend of March 20-21.

The University of Nebraska will host both the women’s and men’s gymnastics championships, with the women heading to Lincoln on March&nbsp; 20-21, and the men a week later on April 3-4. The Big Ten Women’s Lacrosse Tournament returns to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for the first time since 2018 on April 22-26, and the men’s tournament title will be handed out in Piscataway, New Jersey, on May 2 as Rutgers hosts for the first time since 2019.

Defending champion Ohio State will host the women’s tennis tournament in Columbus on April 23-26. On that same weekend, the 2026 men’s tennis tournament will take place in Ojai, California, which made its Big Ten debut in the spring hosting the women’s tournament.

The Big Ten Golf Championships head west for the first time, with the women’s championships taking place April 24-26 at Oakmont Country Club in Glendale, California, and the men teeing it up at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in North Plains, Oregon, on May 1-3.

The University of Maryland will host the Big Ten Softball Tournament for the first time from May 6-9. The 2026 outdoor track &amp; field championships will take place May 15-17 in Lincoln, Nebraska, while the 2026 rowing championships unfold that same weekend at the Indianapolis Rowing Center.

For the seventh straight year, the final Big Ten tournament title of the season will be handed out in Omaha, Nebraska, where the Big Ten Baseball Tournament presented by IFS.ai will be played at Charles Schwab Field Omaha from May 19-24.

Additional information about the 2025-26 Big Ten Championships will be distributed as it becomes available. To ensure you are among the first to receive updates on tickets and other details, please <a href="https://bigten.us22.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5bb23b8dc43662595503e50af&amp;id=d4f0335beb&amp;e=e7a56bedb9">signup here</a> or visit <a href="https://bigten.us22.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5bb23b8dc43662595503e50af&amp;id=f5e3be6f59&amp;e=e7a56bedb9">BigTen.org/Tickets</a>.

First Round/Quarterfinals at Purdue&nbsp;

Semis/Final at Energizer Park (St. Louis, Mo.)&nbsp;

Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion&nbsp;

Semis at #1 and Highest Remaining Seed&nbsp;

Pumpkin Ridge CC (North Plains, Ore.)&nbsp;

Indianapolis Rowing Center (Indianapolis, Ind.)&nbsp;

Kearney, Neb. - Five former student-athletes and a former staff member will be inducted into the Nebraska-Kearney Athletic Hall of Fame during ceremonies on Homecoming weekend this Oct. 10-11. 

The 2025 Hall of Fame members are tennis player Kristen (Messbarger) Day (UNMC '10), track and field team member Dr. Leah (Lewis) Stade ('02), basketball player Janelle Miratsky ('99), wrestler Brandon Pfizenmaier ('03), football player Luke Van Matre ('85), and Dr. Daniel Slawski.&nbsp;

The Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, in the Gala Room in the Regional Engagement Center with a social hour. A dinner follows at 6:15 p.m. with the induction ceremony afterwards. To purchase a ticket for the Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet, visit <a href="http://unkalumni.org/homecoming">unkalumni.org/homecoming</a> by Oct. 1. Tickets are $40 per person ($45 starting Sept. 27), $15 for children aged 12 &amp; under.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Oct. 12, the class will be recognized at the Homecoming parade and at half time of the football game vs. Missouri Western State (2 p.m.).&nbsp;

A Kearney native, Day is among the top players in Loper women's tennis history. Her play helped the program reach new heights as UNK qualified for the NCAA Tournament between 2008-10. The Lopers won three Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) tourney titles during her career and advanced to the NCAA "Sweet 16" in 2009 and 2010.

Graduating with a B.S. degree in Nursing from UNMC, she overcame some injuries to win a then school-record 130 matches. Day was a three-time All-RMAC selection in singles, the 2007 RMAC and Central Region Freshman of the Year and the 2010 RMAC Player of the Year and the 2010 Central Region Senior Player of the Year. Day currently is a CRNA with CHI Health St. Francis.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dr. Stade, a Kearney native, was a three-time All-American in the triple jump between 2000-02. She finished sixth, eighth and seventh at the NCAA Indoor Championships and is one of just nine Loper women to be at least a three-time All-American at the Division II level.

One of six UNK women to have won at least five RMAC individual titles, she currently holds the school record in the indoor triple (40-2) and ranks second in the outdoor triple (40-1.50). Dr. Stade also ranks in the Top 10 in both the indoor and outdoor long jumps and was a member of three teams that were RMAC runners up. Finally, in 2002, UNK won the RMAC outdoor title, the first team crown in program history.

Dr. Stade currently is an assistant professor at UNMC in the Occupational Therapy program. She serves as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and is the chairperson for the Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee.

Miratsky, from Schuyler, is one of just three UNK women's basketball players in the Division II era (since 1990) to be a four-time all-conference selection. Currently holding school-record for career blocks (235) and career field goal percentage (54.1), she was part of teams that won 97 games and reached three NCAA Tournaments.

The forward currently ranks 13th on the career scoring list (1,343) and is in the career Top 10 in both rebounds and double doubles. She was a key member of the 1996-97 squad that won a school-record 28 games and reached the program's first NCAA "Sweet 16". Finally, Miratsky later served the program as a graduate assistant coach. She currently is an educational assistant in Lake Oswego, Oreg.&nbsp;

Pfizenmaier is one of 15 three-time All-Americans in UNK wrestling history as he placed fifth, third and second at 149-pounds at the NCAA Championships. The Green, Kan., native and is one of 25 Lopers to be a national runner up; at the time of graduation, he was only the sixth runner up at the D2 level.

Story by Big 10 CommunicationsROSEMONT, Ill. – The Big Ten Conference on Wednesday announced the dates and host sites for 2025-26 Olympic sports championships and tournaments. A complete schedule is below.The fall season kicks off on October 31 in East Lansing, Michigan, where Michigan State will host the 2025 cross country championships and, on November 6-9, Indiana hosts the Big Ten Field Hockey Tournament. Women’s soccer will crown its tournament champion on November 9 at Energizer Park, home of MLS side St. Louis CITY SC, while the men will do the same on November 16 on the campus of the tournament’s top seed.The winter championships begin with Minnesota hosting women’s swimming and diving February 18-21, and Wisconsin welcoming the conference’s men’s swimming and diving squads from February 25-28. Indoor track and field, in which Big Ten schools claimed both the 2025 men’s and women’s NCAA championships, returns to the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion in Indianapolis on February 27-28.The 2026 Big Ten Wrestling Championships will take place at the Bryce Jordan Center in State College, Pennsylvania, home of the four-time defending NCAA champion Nittany Lions. The Big Ten Ice Hockey Tournament will shift to a two-week, single-elimination format beginning in March 2026, with all games played on campus, and the championship hosted by the highest remaining seed during the weekend of March 20-21.The University of Nebraska will host both the women’s and men’s gymnastics championships, with the women heading to Lincoln on March&nbsp; 20-21, and the men a week later on April 3-4. The Big Ten Women’s Lacrosse Tournament returns to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for the first time since 2018 on April 22-26, and the men’s tournament title will be handed out in Piscataway, New Jersey, on May 2 as Rutgers hosts for the first time since 2019.Defending champion Ohio State will host the women’s tennis tournament in Columbus on April 23-26. On that same weekend, the 2026 men’s tennis tournament will take place in Ojai, California, which made its Big Ten debut in the spring hosting the women’s tournament.The Big Ten Golf Championships head west for the first time, with the women’s championships taking place April 24-26 at Oakmont Country Club in Glendale, California, and the men teeing it up at Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club in North Plains, Oregon, on May 1-3.The University of Maryland will host the Big Ten Softball Tournament for the first time from May 6-9. The 2026 outdoor track &amp; field championships will take place May 15-17 in Lincoln, Nebraska, while the 2026 rowing championships unfold that same weekend at the Indianapolis Rowing Center.For the seventh straight year, the final Big Ten tournament title of the season will be handed out in Omaha, Nebraska, where the Big Ten Baseball Tournament presented by IFS.ai will be played at Charles Schwab Field Omaha from May 19-24.Additional information about the 2025-26 Big Ten Championships will be distributed as it becomes available. To ensure you are among the first to receive updates on tickets and other details, please <a href="https://bigten.us22.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5bb23b8dc43662595503e50af&amp;id=d4f0335beb&amp;e=e7a56bedb9">signup here</a> or visit <a href="https://bigten.us22.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5bb23b8dc43662595503e50af&amp;id=f5e3be6f59&amp;e=e7a56bedb9">BigTen.org/Tickets</a>.**SPORT&nbsp;**DATES&nbsp;**HOST&nbsp;Cross Country&nbsp;Oct. 31&nbsp;Michigan State&nbsp;Field Hockey&nbsp;Nov. 6-9&nbsp;Indiana&nbsp;Women’s Soccer&nbsp;Oct. 30-Nov. 2&nbsp;Nov. 6-9&nbsp;First Round/Quarterfinals at Purdue&nbsp;Semis/Final at Energizer Park (St. Louis, Mo.)&nbsp;Men’s Soccer&nbsp;Nov. 12-16&nbsp;Semis/Final at #1 Seed&nbsp;Women’s Swimming &amp; Diving&nbsp;Feb. 18-21&nbsp;Minnesota&nbsp;Men’s Swimming &amp; Diving&nbsp;Feb. 25-28&nbsp;Wisconsin&nbsp;Indoor Track &amp; Field&nbsp;Feb. 27-28&nbsp;Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion&nbsp;(Indianapolis, Ind.)&nbsp;Wrestling&nbsp;March 7-8&nbsp;Penn State&nbsp;Ice Hockey&nbsp;March 11&nbsp;March 14&nbsp;March 20/21&nbsp;Quarterfinals at #2, #3, #4 Seeds&nbsp;Semis at #1 and Highest Remaining Seed&nbsp;Final at Highest Remaining Seed&nbsp;Women’s Gymnastics&nbsp;March 20-21&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Men’s Gymnastics&nbsp;April 3-4&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Women’s Lacrosse&nbsp;April 22-26&nbsp;Michigan&nbsp;Women’s Tennis&nbsp;April 23-26&nbsp;Ohio State&nbsp;Men’s Tennis&nbsp;April 23-26&nbsp;Libbey Park (Ojai, Calif.)&nbsp;Women’s Golf&nbsp;April 24-26&nbsp;Oakmont CC (Glendale, Calif.)&nbsp;Men’s Lacrosse&nbsp;April 25&nbsp;April 30-May 2&nbsp;Round 1 at #3, #4 Seeds&nbsp;Rutgers&nbsp;Men’s Golf&nbsp;May 1-3&nbsp;Pumpkin Ridge CC (North Plains, Ore.)&nbsp;Softball&nbsp;May 6-9&nbsp;Maryland&nbsp;Outdoor Track &amp; Field&nbsp;May 15-17&nbsp;Nebraska&nbsp;Rowing&nbsp;May 16-17&nbsp;Indianapolis Rowing Center (Indianapolis, Ind.)&nbsp;Baseball (presented by IFS.ai)&nbsp;May 19-24&nbsp;Charles Schwab Field Omaha (Omaha, Neb.)Kearney, Neb. - Five former student-athletes and a former staff member will be inducted into the Nebraska-Kearney Athletic Hall of Fame during ceremonies on Homecoming weekend this Oct. 10-11. <figure>
 <img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXc53Lwq0g-fefxl36CjeIM9Hdxdwuc349-Txqwxvr1-BrVzt_KIRNjCEKMV6HV7FRdVBoDpv8oudWOsUQEYMbx3K1_PvpmRvLden1dluE5v_eDkp8b1CgPyym4dvY6JDtMqBDf_Aw?key=HwY_QQaJQVlPtJov-M7ZiA" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The 2025 Hall of Fame members are tennis player Kristen (Messbarger) Day (UNMC '10), track and field team member Dr. Leah (Lewis) Stade ('02), basketball player Janelle Miratsky ('99), wrestler Brandon Pfizenmaier ('03), football player Luke Van Matre ('85), and Dr. Daniel Slawski.&nbsp;The Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, in the Gala Room in the Regional Engagement Center with a social hour. A dinner follows at 6:15 p.m. with the induction ceremony afterwards. To purchase a ticket for the Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet, visit <a href="http://unkalumni.org/homecoming">unkalumni.org/homecoming</a> by Oct. 1. Tickets are $40 per person ($45 starting Sept. 27), $15 for children aged 12 &amp; under.&nbsp;On Saturday, Oct. 12, the class will be recognized at the Homecoming parade and at half time of the football game vs. Missouri Western State (2 p.m.).&nbsp;A Kearney native, Day is among the top players in Loper women's tennis history. Her play helped the program reach new heights as UNK qualified for the NCAA Tournament between 2008-10. The Lopers won three Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) tourney titles during her career and advanced to the NCAA "Sweet 16" in 2009 and 2010.Graduating with a B.S. degree in Nursing from UNMC, she overcame some injuries to win a then school-record 130 matches. Day was a three-time All-RMAC selection in singles, the 2007 RMAC and Central Region Freshman of the Year and the 2010 RMAC Player of the Year and the 2010 Central Region Senior Player of the Year. Day currently is a CRNA with CHI Health St. Francis.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dr. Stade, a Kearney native, was a three-time All-American in the triple jump between 2000-02. She finished sixth, eighth and seventh at the NCAA Indoor Championships and is one of just nine Loper women to be at least a three-time All-American at the Division II level.One of six UNK women to have won at least five RMAC individual titles, she currently holds the school record in the indoor triple (40-2) and ranks second in the outdoor triple (40-1.50). Dr. Stade also ranks in the Top 10 in both the indoor and outdoor long jumps and was a member of three teams that were RMAC runners up. Finally, in 2002, UNK won the RMAC outdoor title, the first team crown in program history.Dr. Stade currently is an assistant professor at UNMC in the Occupational Therapy program. She serves as the Academic Fieldwork Coordinator and is the chairperson for the Occupational Therapy Admissions Committee.Miratsky, from Schuyler, is one of just three UNK women's basketball players in the Division II era (since 1990) to be a four-time all-conference selection. Currently holding school-record for career blocks (235) and career field goal percentage (54.1), she was part of teams that won 97 games and reached three NCAA Tournaments.<figure>
 <img src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfar0F4RXt38_iqEjsjEe8mHsoFB6u1mJn1W7Uc7tsI2bNs9jsRo9P9PSwgaaNJl8OLZdSME2WBSmOVQ6D8MvYeygADMARcbS97XgK3_ta4jSQ0Z4_DgfgHIc8t4H6dGzgy92bM?key=HwY_QQaJQVlPtJov-M7ZiA" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The forward currently ranks 13th on the career scoring list (1,343) and is in the career Top 10 in both rebounds and double doubles. She was a key member of the 1996-97 squad that won a school-record 28 games and reached the program's first NCAA "Sweet 16". Finally, Miratsky later served the program as a graduate assistant coach. She currently is an educational assistant in Lake Oswego, Oreg.&nbsp;Pfizenmaier is one of 15 three-time All-Americans in UNK wrestling history as he placed fifth, third and second at 149-pounds at the NCAA Championships. The Green, Kan., native and is one of 25 Lopers to be a national runner up; at the time of graduation, he was only the sixth runner up at the D2 level.​A member of the 2002-03 National Runner Up squad, he had 99 career wins and won two RMAC/West Region individual titles. Finally, Pfizenmaier was part of three RMAC Championship teams and helped the Lopers beat rival Nebraska-Omaha to win the 2003 National Duals in Columbus, Ohio.He currently serves as a Construction Technology teacher at his alma mater of Clay Center High School.Van Matre is one of the top running backs in school history as he still holds the record for most rushing yards in a game (307). He achieved that at Washburn in 1982 with the milestone featuring a 94-yard scoring scamper.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Gibbon native was tabbed All-Central States Intercollegiate Conference (CSIC), All-Region and All-American as a senior in 1982. Currently ranked ninth on the career rushing list (2,355), Van Matre is one of only 13 Lopers to post a 1,000-rushing yard season. That effort (1,126/1982) came in just 10 games.​Twice leading the Lopers in rushing, he also was a starting punt and kick returner, helped Kearne State win three CSIC titles and was on the 1980 squad that won the program's first-ever NAIA playoff game. Finally, he was a pole vaulter on the track team.Dr. Slawski was a founding partner and president of New West Sports Medicine &amp; Orthopedic Surgery in Kearney. He had a two-decade association with Loper Athletics, serving as Head Team Physician for all sports and Medical Director of the Athletic Training program/Human performance lab.Also a UNK adjunct assistant professor, he was an Athletic Trainer supervisor for over 50 Central Nebraska and Northern Kansas High Schools. Dr. Slawski has published scientific journal articles and been a frequent speaker at local, national and international medical societies and won numerous accolades such as the Kearney Hub Freedom Award for Humanitarian Service and UNK's Ron &amp; Carol Cope Cornerstone of Excellence Award.A former Air Force Major, Dr. Slawski retired in 2019 after being a part-time sports medicine specialist at the Missouri Orthopedic Institute at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He now devotes his time as President of Guardian Hills, which he and his wife, Jo, co-founded the previous year. They have been married for over 40 years and have three adult sons, three daughters-in-law and three grandsons.&nbsp;

Big Ten announces 2025-26 Olympic Sports Championships hosts

Story by NU Athletic Communciation

Nebraska football defensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff/john-butler">John Butler</a>&nbsp;met with members of the media following the team’s practice on Tuesday.

He discussed tackling and the physicality of the defense.&nbsp;

“From a physicality standpoint, that’s just something that we have to keep working at every day,” he said. “I think we’ve had, maybe this is our second true, full-padded practice. We’ve had a couple practices in uppers – I’ve said this before but football is such a unique game that you can practice all offseason, lift, train weights, but the contact aspect of this game and how it’s being limited by NCAA rules and even when you’re in the NFL, you can only have so many contact days. You have to maximize those. We’re working a lot of thud and strong thud tackles now. Eventually, we’ll get to some live on the ground stuff. You have to have that balance of maximizing the physicality of your whole team and our defense, but at the same time, keeping everybody healthy. It’s a work in progress.”

He spoke on how many players he wants to rotate into games.&nbsp;

“I think as many good players as you have,” he said. “The defensive line rotates – we try to rotate as many people as we can. I don’t think there’s a set number, but I think you’d like to be three deep at corner and two deep at each safety position. Kind of have a rotational aspect of your d-line. I don’t have a number in my head as far as a whole number, but you’ve obviously got to have backups and then backups to those backups. In today’s practice, we repped a lot of those younger players, trying to get them up to speed and get them up to the standard. Depth is huge, but as far as a number, I can’t really give you that.”

Butler talked about the front line and the players replacing Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher.

“I think our d-line is heading in the right direction," he said. “Terry (Bradden) is doing a great job of getting those guys ready. Obviously, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that Nash and Ty are one type of player and the guys we have are their own style and they have their own strengths. That’s our job as coaches, is to maximize their value based on their skill set within our scheme. We’re young there, but I’m encouraged by how those guys are developing. They made some impact plays out there today, both in the run game and in the pass game. This is a process and development program, so everybody is going to keep getting better every single day, the d-line specifically. We all know, to be good on defense, you have to have a good d-line, so that’s what we’re going to keep working toward.”

Fans can purchase single-game or 3-game mini plan tickets at&nbsp;<a href="http://huskers.com/tickets">huskers.com/tickets</a>. The 3-game mini plan includes the USC game, a choice between the Michigan State, Northwestern and Iowa matchups and a choice between the games against Akron and Houston Christian.&nbsp;

NU will open its season against the Cincinnati Bearcats on Thursday, August 28 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The game, which starts at 8 p.m. (CT), will be televised on ESPN and can be heard across the Huskers Radio Network. The Huskers’ first home game is set for Saturday, Sept. 6 against the Akron Zips. That contest will kick off at 6:30 p.m. (CT) and can be seen on the Big Ten Network and heard across the Huskers Radio Network.&nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic Communciation<div><iframe width='720' height='405' scrolling='no' frameborder='0' style='border: none;' src='https://www.wevideo.com/embed/#3856556330' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Nebraska football defensive coordinator&nbsp;<a href="https://huskers.com/staff/john-butler">John Butler</a>&nbsp;met with members of the media following the team’s practice on Tuesday.He discussed tackling and the physicality of the defense.&nbsp;“From a physicality standpoint, that’s just something that we have to keep working at every day,” he said. “I think we’ve had, maybe this is our second true, full-padded practice. We’ve had a couple practices in uppers – I’ve said this before but football is such a unique game that you can practice all offseason, lift, train weights, but the contact aspect of this game and how it’s being limited by NCAA rules and even when you’re in the NFL, you can only have so many contact days. You have to maximize those. We’re working a lot of thud and strong thud tackles now. Eventually, we’ll get to some live on the ground stuff. You have to have that balance of maximizing the physicality of your whole team and our defense, but at the same time, keeping everybody healthy. It’s a work in progress.”He spoke on how many players he wants to rotate into games.&nbsp;“I think as many good players as you have,” he said. “The defensive line rotates – we try to rotate as many people as we can. I don’t think there’s a set number, but I think you’d like to be three deep at corner and two deep at each safety position. Kind of have a rotational aspect of your d-line. I don’t have a number in my head as far as a whole number, but you’ve obviously got to have backups and then backups to those backups. In today’s practice, we repped a lot of those younger players, trying to get them up to speed and get them up to the standard. Depth is huge, but as far as a number, I can’t really give you that.”<div><iframe width='720' height='405' scrolling='no' frameborder='0' style='border: none;' src='https://www.wevideo.com/embed/#3856556434' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Butler talked about the front line and the players replacing Ty Robinson and Nash Hutmacher.“I think our d-line is heading in the right direction," he said. “Terry (Bradden) is doing a great job of getting those guys ready. Obviously, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that Nash and Ty are one type of player and the guys we have are their own style and they have their own strengths. That’s our job as coaches, is to maximize their value based on their skill set within our scheme. We’re young there, but I’m encouraged by how those guys are developing. They made some impact plays out there today, both in the run game and in the pass game. This is a process and development program, so everybody is going to keep getting better every single day, the d-line specifically. We all know, to be good on defense, you have to have a good d-line, so that’s what we’re going to keep working toward.”Fans can purchase single-game or 3-game mini plan tickets at&nbsp;<a href="http://huskers.com/tickets">huskers.com/tickets</a>. The 3-game mini plan includes the USC game, a choice between the Michigan State, Northwestern and Iowa matchups and a choice between the games against Akron and Houston Christian.&nbsp;NU will open its season against the Cincinnati Bearcats on Thursday, August 28 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The game, which starts at 8 p.m. (CT), will be televised on ESPN and can be heard across the Huskers Radio Network. The Huskers’ first home game is set for Saturday, Sept. 6 against the Akron Zips. That contest will kick off at 6:30 p.m. (CT) and can be seen on the Big Ten Network and heard across the Huskers Radio Network.&nbsp;

Butler discusses Physicality, Defensive Line

Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson was on the initial list of candidates for the 2025 Doak Walker Award announced Tuesday. The award is presented to the nation’s most outstanding college running back.

Johnson comes off a sophomore season where he played in all 13 games, including five starts, and led the Huskers with 908 all-purpose years. His 39 catches were the most by a Husker running back since 2007.  

He flourished following the hiring of Dana Holgorsen as offensive coordinator in November, averaging 78.5 rushing yards per game over NU’s final four contests while also averaging 5.8 receptions in that span.  Johnson rushed for a career-high 113 yards against Wisconsin while catching six passes for a career-high 85 yards in the bowl-clinching win over the Badgers. Three of his four highest rushing totals of the year came in NU’s last three games, as he rushed for 71 yards on nearly four yards per per carry against a Hawkeye defense which was fourth nationally against the run and had 75 yards on 15 carries in NU’s bowl win over Boston College.

The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name 10 semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will also be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives. The recipient of the 2025 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 12, 2024.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationNebraska running back Emmett Johnson was on the initial list of candidates for the 2025 Doak Walker Award announced Tuesday. The award is presented to the nation’s most outstanding college running back.Johnson comes off a sophomore season where he played in all 13 games, including five starts, and led the Huskers with 908 all-purpose years. His 39 catches were the most by a Husker running back since 2007. He flourished following the hiring of Dana Holgorsen as offensive coordinator in November, averaging 78.5 rushing yards per game over NU’s final four contests while also averaging 5.8 receptions in that span. Johnson rushed for a career-high 113 yards against Wisconsin while catching six passes for a career-high 85 yards in the bowl-clinching win over the Badgers. Three of his four highest rushing totals of the year came in NU’s last three games, as he rushed for 71 yards on nearly four yards per per carry against a Hawkeye defense which was fourth nationally against the run and had 75 yards on 15 carries in NU’s bowl win over Boston College.The PwC SMU Athletic Forum Board of Directors will name 10 semifinalists in November, and three finalists, as voted on by the Doak Walker Award National Selection Committee, will also be announced in November. The committee will cast a second vote in December to determine the recipient. The National Selection Committee consists of past recipients, former NFL All-Pro and college All-America running backs, media members and selected special representatives. The recipient of the 2025 Doak Walker Award will be announced live on The Home Depot College Football Awards on December 12, 2024.

Johnson named to Doak Walker Award watch list

The Nebraska soccer team tied the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, 0-0, in an exhibition match in Brookings, S.D., on Tuesday night.&nbsp;

Ellie Felt recorded four shots, two on goal, while Ava Makovicka logged two shots, both of which were on goal. Graduate student Reagan Raabe added three shots and Ella Rudney had two.&nbsp;

Goalkeeper Cece Villa notched two saves in the second half to keep the Jackrabbits scoreless.&nbsp;

NU will continue exhibition play on Friday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. against the Colorado State Rams at Barbara Hibner Stadium.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Story by NU Athletic CommuncationThe Nebraska soccer team tied the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, 0-0, in an exhibition match in Brookings, S.D., on Tuesday night.&nbsp;Ellie Felt recorded four shots, two on goal, while Ava Makovicka logged two shots, both of which were on goal. Graduate student Reagan Raabe added three shots and Ella Rudney had two.&nbsp;Goalkeeper Cece Villa notched two saves in the second half to keep the Jackrabbits scoreless.&nbsp;NU will continue exhibition play on Friday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. against the Colorado State Rams at Barbara Hibner Stadium.&nbsp; &nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754484108928.png" alt="Husker Soccer Box Score" />
 <figcaption>Husker Soccer Box Score</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754484084623.png" alt="Husker Soccer Box Score" />
 <figcaption>Husker Soccer Box Score</figcaption>
 </figure>

Huskers tie Jackrabbits in Exhibition Opener

OMAHA, Neb. —&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ptrCy1-yobRr0iigUy0XPLMrCOpwn9URuYxnKeZKF8rGYJEoRay-EHsPaI3jqa4Ihf3lmN5ZRDreZSb3RXlqhw96y0lOnfdBRrpjTc13txPP3GD3IB5LBoUK71h4cbE-Xf_fnsz6k0dnO7NWtPrMmnbGH9gA4EbYGW3P_XCDP7M5UcXPyARFntliZaqEz57m&amp;c=v0WNSFuG1niDinen5FptTiQNk8GWFtnE2EaFizry6_SMYTk5iDIExw==&amp;ch=UVrt_TNL8T5R0FHRT4ZZf8y5CT8SvfJYATxft734uMt0EdgvJD4q_g==">Omaha Supernovas</a>, the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, are excited to announce their inclusion in the unification of Pro Volleyball Federation and&nbsp;Major League Volleyball; a move to create a single, united league poised to elevate professional women’s volleyball in the United States. The unified league will be consolidated under the&nbsp;MLV branding.&nbsp;&nbsp;

MLV will continue to use the proven and highly successful franchise model to foster team competitiveness, deepen fan engagement, and fuel long-term brand growth – hallmarks that have propelled the Supernovas to record-breaking attendance, premier sponsorships, and championship-caliber performance on the court.&nbsp;

Continuing to play at the&nbsp;CHI Health Center&nbsp;in 2026 and beyond, this landmark consolidation will see the Supernovas compete as one of eight franchises when MLV launches in January 2026. Teams in Atlanta, Columbus, Dallas, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Orlando, and San Diego will begin play in 2026 with additional franchises in Washington D.C. and Northern California starting play in 2027.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The franchise’s next evolution will be spearheaded by&nbsp;Ben Priest, appointed&nbsp;Co-Owner &amp; Governor&nbsp;of the Omaha Supernovas, alongside Omaha Serial Entrepreneur&nbsp;Daniel White&nbsp;and Global Superstar&nbsp;Jason Derulo, as Majority Ownership and Co-Founders. Priest is one of the earliest and most influential U.S.-based executives to drive the cultural and strategic growth of Formula 1 in North America.&nbsp;

Joining them in this bold push is&nbsp;Dharpan Randhawa, named&nbsp;Co-Owner &amp; Commercial Advisor, who will architect the franchise’s commercial strategy. A globally respected sports executive and equity partner, Randhawa will work closely with existing Co-Owner and Operating Partner of the Supernovas,&nbsp;Kirk Thompson.&nbsp;

“This is a defining moment for the Supernovas and professional volleyball in the United States,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Team President Diane Mendenhall. "Unified by the vision to elevate our sport to a major-league level, MLV reflects our commitment to delivering a world-class product on the court, creating unforgettable in-venue fan experiences, and building a stage where every young fan can dream of playing one day. MLV isn’t just here to elevate, but to lay the foundation for making professional volleyball a lasting part of the American sports culture and landscape.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Supernovas are global trailblazers in the growth of professional volleyball, coming off a historic 2025 season in which the franchise led the world in average attendance with 10,925 per match across 14 contests at the CHI Health Center – a 13% increase from 2024’s world-leading 9,656 average. Omaha drew a total attendance of 152,949 to mark a staggering 32% year-over-year increase.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The second-year franchise broke its own U.S. pro volleyball attendance record five times in 2025, including a new benchmark of 13,486 fans for the Supernovas’ five-set victory over the rival Atlanta Vibe for the season opener on January 10. Omaha had more than 10,000 at nine matches in 2025, including five attendance marks that topped 12,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ticket information for the 2026 season, including renewals and new season tickets, will be announced in the coming days. Fans looking to take their experience to the next level for next season can fill out our&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ptrCy1-yobRr0iigUy0XPLMrCOpwn9URuYxnKeZKF8rGYJEoRay-EAFcOb_cWhSgRnHEU9ssLkfg7Vr1wHV89-g7cybfrA9V1iW31DPJHDom--L5jQbgRlN9aAnIg9vvOvqLrmaWnAni6eQqPp56f6nVflKV1kCwqsv-2_XkaZq-ED0gSJxTYiEcs334ZL8G&amp;c=v0WNSFuG1niDinen5FptTiQNk8GWFtnE2EaFizry6_SMYTk5iDIExw==&amp;ch=UVrt_TNL8T5R0FHRT4ZZf8y5CT8SvfJYATxft734uMt0EdgvJD4q_g==">season ticket interest form</a>&nbsp;to be on a priority list to purchase season tickets.

Story by Omaha Supernovas CommunicationOMAHA, Neb. —&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ptrCy1-yobRr0iigUy0XPLMrCOpwn9URuYxnKeZKF8rGYJEoRay-EHsPaI3jqa4Ihf3lmN5ZRDreZSb3RXlqhw96y0lOnfdBRrpjTc13txPP3GD3IB5LBoUK71h4cbE-Xf_fnsz6k0dnO7NWtPrMmnbGH9gA4EbYGW3P_XCDP7M5UcXPyARFntliZaqEz57m&amp;c=v0WNSFuG1niDinen5FptTiQNk8GWFtnE2EaFizry6_SMYTk5iDIExw==&amp;ch=UVrt_TNL8T5R0FHRT4ZZf8y5CT8SvfJYATxft734uMt0EdgvJD4q_g==">Omaha Supernovas</a>, the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, are excited to announce their inclusion in the unification of Pro Volleyball Federation and&nbsp;Major League Volleyball; a move to create a single, united league poised to elevate professional women’s volleyball in the United States. The unified league will be consolidated under the&nbsp;MLV branding.&nbsp;&nbsp;MLV will continue to use the proven and highly successful franchise model to foster team competitiveness, deepen fan engagement, and fuel long-term brand growth – hallmarks that have propelled the Supernovas to record-breaking attendance, premier sponsorships, and championship-caliber performance on the court.&nbsp;Continuing to play at the&nbsp;CHI Health Center&nbsp;in 2026 and beyond, this landmark consolidation will see the Supernovas compete as one of eight franchises when MLV launches in January 2026. Teams in Atlanta, Columbus, Dallas, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Orlando, and San Diego will begin play in 2026 with additional franchises in Washington D.C. and Northern California starting play in 2027.&nbsp;&nbsp;The franchise’s next evolution will be spearheaded by&nbsp;Ben Priest, appointed&nbsp;Co-Owner &amp; Governor&nbsp;of the Omaha Supernovas, alongside Omaha Serial Entrepreneur&nbsp;Daniel White&nbsp;and Global Superstar&nbsp;Jason Derulo, as Majority Ownership and Co-Founders. Priest is one of the earliest and most influential U.S.-based executives to drive the cultural and strategic growth of Formula 1 in North America.&nbsp;Joining them in this bold push is&nbsp;Dharpan Randhawa, named&nbsp;Co-Owner &amp; Commercial Advisor, who will architect the franchise’s commercial strategy. A globally respected sports executive and equity partner, Randhawa will work closely with existing Co-Owner and Operating Partner of the Supernovas,&nbsp;Kirk Thompson.&nbsp;“This is a defining moment for the Supernovas and professional volleyball in the United States,”&nbsp;said&nbsp;Team President Diane Mendenhall. "Unified by the vision to elevate our sport to a major-league level, MLV reflects our commitment to delivering a world-class product on the court, creating unforgettable in-venue fan experiences, and building a stage where every young fan can dream of playing one day. MLV isn’t just here to elevate, but to lay the foundation for making professional volleyball a lasting part of the American sports culture and landscape.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The Supernovas are global trailblazers in the growth of professional volleyball, coming off a historic 2025 season in which the franchise led the world in average attendance with 10,925 per match across 14 contests at the CHI Health Center – a 13% increase from 2024’s world-leading 9,656 average. Omaha drew a total attendance of 152,949 to mark a staggering 32% year-over-year increase.&nbsp;&nbsp;The second-year franchise broke its own U.S. pro volleyball attendance record five times in 2025, including a new benchmark of 13,486 fans for the Supernovas’ five-set victory over the rival Atlanta Vibe for the season opener on January 10. Omaha had more than 10,000 at nine matches in 2025, including five attendance marks that topped 12,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ticket information for the 2026 season, including renewals and new season tickets, will be announced in the coming days. Fans looking to take their experience to the next level for next season can fill out our&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001ptrCy1-yobRr0iigUy0XPLMrCOpwn9URuYxnKeZKF8rGYJEoRay-EAFcOb_cWhSgRnHEU9ssLkfg7Vr1wHV89-g7cybfrA9V1iW31DPJHDom--L5jQbgRlN9aAnIg9vvOvqLrmaWnAni6eQqPp56f6nVflKV1kCwqsv-2_XkaZq-ED0gSJxTYiEcs334ZL8G&amp;c=v0WNSFuG1niDinen5FptTiQNk8GWFtnE2EaFizry6_SMYTk5iDIExw==&amp;ch=UVrt_TNL8T5R0FHRT4ZZf8y5CT8SvfJYATxft734uMt0EdgvJD4q_g==">season ticket interest form</a>&nbsp;to be on a priority list to purchase season tickets.

Omaha Supernovas lead new era as part of Major League Volleyball 2026

Story by NU Athletic Communications

Nebraska senior Drew Christo signed an undrafted free agent contract and reported to the spring training complex of the Atlanta Braves organization.

Christo is the third NU pitcher from this year’s team to continue with a Major League Baseball organization after Mason McConnaughey and Luke Broderick were selected in the MLB Draft earlier this summer.

A product of Elkhorn, Neb., Christo went 3-2 with a save and a 5.61 ERA in a team-high 31 appearances, which is tied for sixth-most in a season by an NU pitcher in program history. The right-hander totaled 51 strikeouts in 51.1 innings and held opponents to a .260 batting average in 2025.

Christo totaled seven wins, two saves and a 4.98 ERA in his four seasons with the Huskers. He recorded 128 punchouts in 133.2 innings while making 64 appearances on the mound, including 13 starts.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska senior Drew Christo signed an undrafted free agent contract and reported to the spring training complex of the Atlanta Braves organization.Christo is the third NU pitcher from this year’s team to continue with a Major League Baseball organization after Mason McConnaughey and Luke Broderick were selected in the MLB Draft earlier this summer.A product of Elkhorn, Neb., Christo went 3-2 with a save and a 5.61 ERA in a team-high 31 appearances, which is tied for sixth-most in a season by an NU pitcher in program history. The right-hander totaled 51 strikeouts in 51.1 innings and held opponents to a .260 batting average in 2025.Christo totaled seven wins, two saves and a 4.98 ERA in his four seasons with the Huskers. He recorded 128 punchouts in 133.2 innings while making 64 appearances on the mound, including 13 starts.

Christo inks Free Agent deal with Braves

In a landmark move for the sport, Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) and Major League Volleyball have announced plans for a single, united league poised to elevate professional women’s volleyball in the United States. The unified league will be branded as&nbsp;MLV.

The unification and modernization of the business model brings in new team owners, league governance, ownership standards and an innovative approach to off-court player opportunities and fan engagement.

MLV will be the longest running professional women’s volleyball league and the only one operating with independently owned teams in-market, alongside a league structure built to resemble those at the pinnacle of sports. It will build on its first two successful seasons, which saw outstanding digital engagement, with more than 80 million social impressions, nearly one million total engagements and over 250,000 social followers. In addition, attendance has reached more than 750,000 over the first two campaigns, with 45 nationally-televised matches – including an inaugural All-Star Match that drew a peak viewership of 445,000 on CBS network television.

Scheduled to begin play in January 2026, MLV is an evolution of PVF and the upcoming campaign will be recorded as the league’s third season. This new structure and brand have been established to provide a centralized, elite platform for the sport - delivering world class competition, scalable infrastructure, national media exposure and commercial sustainability. It represents a definitive step forward for women’s pro volleyball, with the goal of elevating the sport to its rightful place among America’s major leagues.

MLV will feature the following team lineup for 2026 - Atlanta, Columbus, Dallas, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Omaha, Orlando and San Diego. In 2027, the league is currently slated to expand with two more franchises with the addition of teams in Washington DC and Northern California, who will use ’26 to introduce fans to the league in advance of their inaugural seasons. The Northern California team is majority owned by entrepreneur Vivek Ranadivé and DC is owned by the controlling partners of D.C. United.

The 2026 season will commence later this week, with the opening of the free agency signing period on Thursday, August 7 at 5 p.m. ET. At that time, teams will begin to construct their rosters in the hopes of capturing the MLV Championship. The league has several exciting subsequent announcements planned in the future, including season schedules, team ownership, special events and more.

BofA Securities acted as exclusive financial advisor to Pro Volleyball Federation.

Dan DeVos, CEO/Owner, Grand Rapids Rise:&nbsp;“This is a major step in the evolution of pro women’s volleyball here in the United States. Our love and dedication for this sport has been our foundation, and this next phase will be represented by a unified, professionally governed league with the scale and operational strength to match the ambitions of the sport. We’re delighted for what’s to come.”

Jen Spicher, Pro Volleyball Federation CEO:&nbsp;“To see the sport continue to grow with the consolidation of these teams and their leaders elevates the excitement level to new heights. Our belief in the team-ownership model that we played under for the first two seasons is stronger than ever and will showcase the sport at a greater level throughout the nation.”

Vivek Ranadivé, Owner, Northern California MLV Team:&nbsp;“I’m incredibly excited to bring MLV to Northern California. Women’s volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with fan interest and viewership at an all-time high. We have a unique opportunity to build something special, elevate these phenomenal athletes, and create unforgettable fan experiences.”

Benjamin Priest, Governing Co-Owner of Omaha Supernovas:&nbsp;“Bringing together a group of powerful visionaries and business leaders is no simple task - and for pro women’s volleyball this is a great example of collective bigger picture thinking. Beyond excited for what is to come.”

Major League Volleyball, entering its third season, is the first formal professional volleyball league for women in the United States. Designed to elevate the sport through world class competition, commercial innovation, and cultural relevance, MLV brings together elite athletes, visionary leadership and global ambition. With alignment to USA Volleyball and a commitment to Olympic development, MLV serves as the premier pathway from professional play to the world stage.

By Panhandle Post<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754404681670.jpeg" alt="courtesy Major League Volleyball" />
 <figcaption>courtesy Major League Volleyball</figcaption>
 </figure>In a landmark move for the sport, Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) and Major League Volleyball have announced plans for a single, united league poised to elevate professional women’s volleyball in the United States. The unified league will be branded as&nbsp;MLV.The unification and modernization of the business model brings in new team owners, league governance, ownership standards and an innovative approach to off-court player opportunities and fan engagement.MLV will be the longest running professional women’s volleyball league and the only one operating with independently owned teams in-market, alongside a league structure built to resemble those at the pinnacle of sports. It will build on its first two successful seasons, which saw outstanding digital engagement, with more than 80 million social impressions, nearly one million total engagements and over 250,000 social followers. In addition, attendance has reached more than 750,000 over the first two campaigns, with 45 nationally-televised matches – including an inaugural All-Star Match that drew a peak viewership of 445,000 on CBS network television.Scheduled to begin play in January 2026, MLV is an evolution of PVF and the upcoming campaign will be recorded as the league’s third season. This new structure and brand have been established to provide a centralized, elite platform for the sport - delivering world class competition, scalable infrastructure, national media exposure and commercial sustainability. It represents a definitive step forward for women’s pro volleyball, with the goal of elevating the sport to its rightful place among America’s major leagues.MLV will feature the following team lineup for 2026 - Atlanta, Columbus, Dallas, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Omaha, Orlando and San Diego. In 2027, the league is currently slated to expand with two more franchises with the addition of teams in Washington DC and Northern California, who will use ’26 to introduce fans to the league in advance of their inaugural seasons. The Northern California team is majority owned by entrepreneur Vivek Ranadivé and DC is owned by the controlling partners of D.C. United.The 2026 season will commence later this week, with the opening of the free agency signing period on Thursday, August 7 at 5 p.m. ET. At that time, teams will begin to construct their rosters in the hopes of capturing the MLV Championship. The league has several exciting subsequent announcements planned in the future, including season schedules, team ownership, special events and more.BofA Securities acted as exclusive financial advisor to Pro Volleyball Federation.Dan DeVos, CEO/Owner, Grand Rapids Rise:&nbsp;“This is a major step in the evolution of pro women’s volleyball here in the United States. Our love and dedication for this sport has been our foundation, and this next phase will be represented by a unified, professionally governed league with the scale and operational strength to match the ambitions of the sport. We’re delighted for what’s to come.”Jen Spicher, Pro Volleyball Federation CEO:&nbsp;“To see the sport continue to grow with the consolidation of these teams and their leaders elevates the excitement level to new heights. Our belief in the team-ownership model that we played under for the first two seasons is stronger than ever and will showcase the sport at a greater level throughout the nation.”Vivek Ranadivé, Owner, Northern California MLV Team:&nbsp;“I’m incredibly excited to bring MLV to Northern California. Women’s volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, with fan interest and viewership at an all-time high. We have a unique opportunity to build something special, elevate these phenomenal athletes, and create unforgettable fan experiences.”Benjamin Priest, Governing Co-Owner of Omaha Supernovas:&nbsp;“Bringing together a group of powerful visionaries and business leaders is no simple task - and for pro women’s volleyball this is a great example of collective bigger picture thinking. Beyond excited for what is to come.”About Major League VolleyballMajor League Volleyball, entering its third season, is the first formal professional volleyball league for women in the United States. Designed to elevate the sport through world class competition, commercial innovation, and cultural relevance, MLV brings together elite athletes, visionary leadership and global ambition. With alignment to USA Volleyball and a commitment to Olympic development, MLV serves as the premier pathway from professional play to the world stage.

Leagues Announce Historic Plan: The New MLV

Nebraska Baseball Head Coach Will Bolt announced the hiring of Kyle Nicholson as Director of Player Development on Monday.

Nicholson joins the Huskers after spending the 2025 campaign as the pitching coach at Mercyhurst and three seasons as the pitching coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2022-24.

In three seasons at IUP, Nicholson helped the Crimson Hawks to their best season in program history in 2024. The Crimson Hawks went 41-18 and finished one win shy of the national championship series at the DII College World Series while setting a program record for wins and concluding the season with a No. 4 national ranking.

Nicholson’s pitching staff played a key role in a big turnaround for the Crimson Hawks in his first season at IUP in 2022, helping the program to a 25-win improvement from 2021.

Prior to a three-year stint at IUP, Nicholson spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Bethel Park High School in 2020 and 2021. Under Nicholson’s guidance, Bethel Park finished 2021 with a 1.62 ERA in 176 innings and won the PIAA 5A state championship.

Nicholson was a graduate assistant on the Texas A&amp;M coaching staff for two seasons in 2011-12. The Aggies captured the Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles en route to a College World Series appearance in 2011, followed by an NCAA Regional appearance in 2012.

Nicholson played four seasons at Texas A&amp;M, making 83 appearances on the mound for the Aggies in 2004-07. An All-American and National Pitcher of the Year finalist in 2007, Nicholson went 11-3 with four saves and a 2.25 ERA as a senior.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsNebraska Baseball Head Coach Will Bolt announced the hiring of Kyle Nicholson as Director of Player Development on Monday.Nicholson joins the Huskers after spending the 2025 campaign as the pitching coach at Mercyhurst and three seasons as the pitching coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2022-24.In three seasons at IUP, Nicholson helped the Crimson Hawks to their best season in program history in 2024. The Crimson Hawks went 41-18 and finished one win shy of the national championship series at the DII College World Series while setting a program record for wins and concluding the season with a No. 4 national ranking.Nicholson’s pitching staff played a key role in a big turnaround for the Crimson Hawks in his first season at IUP in 2022, helping the program to a 25-win improvement from 2021.Prior to a three-year stint at IUP, Nicholson spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Bethel Park High School in 2020 and 2021. Under Nicholson’s guidance, Bethel Park finished 2021 with a 1.62 ERA in 176 innings and won the PIAA 5A state championship.Nicholson was a graduate assistant on the Texas A&amp;M coaching staff for two seasons in 2011-12. The Aggies captured the Big 12 regular-season and tournament titles en route to a College World Series appearance in 2011, followed by an NCAA Regional appearance in 2012.Nicholson played four seasons at Texas A&amp;M, making 83 appearances on the mound for the Aggies in 2004-07. An All-American and National Pitcher of the Year finalist in 2007, Nicholson went 11-3 with four saves and a 2.25 ERA as a senior.He was drafted in the seventh round of the 2007 MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants and earned the MiLB.com Short-Season Starting Pitcher of the Year and MiLB Most Spectacular Pitcher Award for the 2008 season.A native of College Station, Texas, Nicholson earned his bachelor's degree in agricultural leadership and development from Texas A&amp;M in 2007. He and his wife, Megan, have two sons, Braedon and Eli, and two daughters, Averie and Lyla.