On April 10, UNK volleyball will have a unique opportunity to participate in the Supernovas’ second annual “Volleyball After Dark Showcase.” The Lopers will take on in-state rival Wayne State in an exhibition match ahead of the Omaha Supernovas’ match against Grand Rapids.
Dianne Mendenhall, co-owner and president of the Omaha Supernovas, said the showcase strengthens the identity of volleyball in this state, because there is “such a united sense of purpose in the state of Nebraska.”
“The volleyball community bands together,” Mendenhall said. “That’s just how we do things because we want to do it at the highest level. We’re proud of the reputation we’ve built across the country and the world, and being able to demonstrate that by everyone coming together is the perfect opportunity.”
Although the match came together quickly over the last couple of weeks, Rick Squiers, UNK volleyball coach, said it did not take long to make a decision when Mendenhall called.
“That’s not one of those things that you have to think very long about,” Squiers said. “It was an immediate yes. We did want to confirm with our players that we didn’t have any big scheduling issues or anything like that, because it was kind of a late addition to our spring calendar. But that’s the call that you say yes to, and then you figure it out later.”
The decision was tougher to make for Wayne State since its program is in the midst of beach volleyball season, but Scott Kneifl, Wayne State volleyball coach, said the opportunity was too big to turn down.
“It’s another opportunity to showcase two of the top Division II programs in the country,” Kneifl said. “It’s in the springtime, but it’s definitely a time where a lot of the younger players can grow and being able to play in front of that many fans, that type of environment will be a lot of fun for everybody.”
One of the last times UNK faced Wayne State was during Volleyball Day in Nebraska in 2023. Players like setter Callie Squiers said it’s almost like this team’s turn to play in a big match.
“I didn’t play in that Volleyball Day in Nebraska match, but I feel like it’ll be kind of a similar environment,” Callie Squiers said. “Same kind of excitement. So, it’ll be kind of like my version of the Volleyball Day in Nebraska.”
Mendenhall also said volleyball is at the roots of Nebraska.
“From season one, the entire state has just embraced the Omaha Supernovas and the entire region,” Mendenhall said. “When you drill down to it, it goes down to the coaches and the community and all the players. That’s where it came down to, and we thought, ‘OK, we want to start showcasing these college teams.’”
UNK’s match will start at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 10, at CHI Health Center in Omaha, with the Supernovas taking on Grand Rapids afterward.
“I think it’s going to be a ton of fun, and I’m super excited to play in that environment there,” said Ellie Spang, UNK senior libero. “It’s a great opportunity for our team to be tested and pushed under a big spotlight.”
