Story by Omaha Supernovas Communications
OMAHA, Neb. – The Omaha Supernovas, Nebraska’s professional volleyball team in the newly-established Professional Volleyball Federation, has announced the signing of former Creighton and Palm Beach Atlantic star Jazz Schmidt.
Born in Nebraska, Schmidt was a dual-position standout across her six-year college career as she split time at both setter and as a right-side attacker. Schmidt spent her first five seasons at Division II Palm Beach Atlantic where she became one of the most prolific hitters in program history. Her versatility excelled during her 2019 sophomore season where she finished second on the team in kills (315), assists (566) and digs (291) while finishing third in blocks (52) and service aces (30).
After playing in just three matches during the shortened 2020-2021 season, Schmidt was named an AVCA All-American after her senior campaign with the Sailfish. Schmidt was also named the Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year after finishing with 10 triple-doubles which led all of Division II. Schmidt led PBA with 766 assists while being second on the team with 344 kills on a .382 hitting percentage with 33 aces and 297 digs.
“Jazz is an exciting addition to our roster for many reasons,” Supernovas Head Coach Shelton Collier said. “First, she is a talented and skilled player who will contribute as both a setter and as a hitter. Secondly, it’s awesome for us to have a Nebraska native who played at Creighton with our team.
Schmidt brought her dual-position talent to Omaha as she transferred to Creighton for her Super Senior season in 2022. Bluejay Head Coach Kirsten Booth deployed Schmidt as a utility player using her as both an attacker and setter. With the unexpected absence of starting setter Kendra Wait, Schmidt was thrust into the starting role for the opening round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament against Auburn. Schmidt posted a double-double securing 44 assists, 11 digs and one ace.
Following her playing career that included 1,022 career kills, Schmidt spent a couple of months on the Creighton coaching staff before being hired as an assistant volleyball coach for Lauren Tekavec at Division II Wingate University. Tekavec is the successor of NCAA coaching legend Shelton Collier, who is the current head coach for the Supernovas.
“I am so thankful for the opportunity to be back in Omaha with the new Pro Volleyball Federation. Being born in Nebraska, I’ve grown up attached to the sport of volleyball because of all the state has to offer for young girls,” Schmidt said. “Playing at Creighton last year strengthened my love for Omaha and my belief in what the entire state is doing for volleyball on a national stage. I’m confident that the Supernovas are going to do something special with the support this state has, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Additionally, Schmidt had a brief tenure with Nebraska. She competed with the Huskers Beach Volleyball team in the spring of 2018 going 5-13. At a young age, Schmidt also had a role as one of Nebraska Volleyball’s ball girls that helped during matches.
The Supernovas will begin their first-ever training camp in early January to finalize a 14-person roster for the inaugural season of the Pro Volleyball Federation beginning on January 24, 2024.
REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL competition will officially begin in the United States with the Omaha Supernovas hosting the Atlanta Vibe in the first match in league history at the CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha on January 24, at 7:00 p.m. CT. Nebraska supports volleyball better than anyone, as evidenced by the more than 92,000 fans that turned out this season for a collegiate match at the Nebraska’s Memorial Stadium in August, setting a new world record for the highest attended women’s sporting event.
The Supernovas are one of seven U.S. teams for the 2024 inaugural season: Omaha Supernovas, Atlanta Vibe, Orlando Valkyries, Columbus Fury, Grand Rapids Rise, San Diego Mojo and Vegas Thrill. Two expansion teams, Dallas Pro Volleyball and Kansas City Pro Volleyball, have been announced for 2025. In Season One, the Pro Volleyball Federation will be showcased in three different U.S. time zones. Matches will take place on 67 different dates between January and May 2024, occurring on every day of the week.
The Supernovas will play 12 home matches and 12 away matches, for a total of 24 matches in the 16-week regular season. The full schedule is available on the team’s website, Supernovas.com. After the regular season, the Supernovas are aiming to be one of the top four squads in the standings that will compete for the Pro Volleyball Federation Championship in May. The location of the championship will be determined and announced at a later date.
The current Supernovas world-class roster includes Olympians, U.S. National Team veterans, NCAA National Champions and All-Americans, to include Anna Church, Bethania de la Cruz, Tori Dixon, Danielle Hart, Sydney Hilley, Gina Mancuso-Prososki, Allison Mayfield, Brooke Nuneviller, Yossiana Pressley, Nia Reed, Jess Schaben-Lansman, Jazz Schmidt, Natalia Valentín-Anderson, Hristina Vuchkova, Lindsey Vander Weide and Kendall White.
Season Tickets are available at the team’s website and on the team’s app, available for download on smartphones and tablets.
ABOUT OMAHA SUPERNOVAS
The Omaha Supernovas aims to be the premier home of professional volleyball throughout the world. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo and entrepreneurs Danny White and Chris Erickson, Co-Founders of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska.
ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION
Pro Volleyball Federation is REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation will begin play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our entire focus is on ensuring that our level and quality of play, our treatment of players, the quality of our event presentations, and our day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.