Global Entertainment Superstar Jason Derulo Increases His Stake In Pro Volleyball Federation, Makes A Major Equity Investment Into The League 

omahasupernova on September 27, 2023

~~ Derulo will continue his role as a partner in the League’s Omaha Supernovas ~~  

COLUMBUS, OH / FRISCO, TX – Pop and R&B icon Jason Derulo announced Wednesday that he has increased his participation in Pro Volleyball Federation, making a major equity investment into the League. Derulo’s new role as a League investor comes alongside his position as a member of the ownership group of Pro Volleyball Federation’s Omaha Supernovas. 

Derulo, a current judge on The Voice Australia 2023, has sold more than 250 million singles worldwide and is the only solo artist to top the Billboard Pop Songs chart across the 2000s, 2010s, and the 2020s. Also known as the King of TikTok based on his more than 58 million followers and more than 1.3 billion likes on the platform, Derulo is also a regular performer on America’s Got Talent, including this week’s Season 18 finale, and recently released his book Sing Your Name Out Loud: 15 Rules for Living Your Dream. 

“I knew when I joined Danny White and Chris Erickson as a partner in the Omaha Supernovas that I would have a blast just being a part of it,” Derulo said. “This has been a great experience for me, and I continue to be impressed by the growth, the vision, and the combined experience and expertise of everyone involved at both the team and the League levels. Over the past few months I quickly grew to become a huge fan of what Pro Volleyball Federation is doing and accomplishing, and now I am investing my time and resources to help make this the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. I am committed to that, and I am proud to take an active role in continuing to build Pro Volleyball Federation.” 

Pro Volleyball Federation is the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. The League begins play in February 2024 with seven teams each playing a 24-match regular season schedule. The season will culminate with a Final Four-type championship weekend in mid-May where it will crown the inaugural season champion. 

In addition to the seven teams for 2024, Pro Volleyball Federation has already sold three additional teams that will begin play in 2025.  

Derulo joins the likes of NFL quarterback Joe Burrow and his parents Jimmy and Robin Burrow, and 5-time Olympian Kerri Walsh Jennings as high-profile equity investors in Pro Volleyball Federation, joining team owners throughout the League and others who have made significant investments. More than $150 million has now been committed to Pro Volleyball Federation by its equity holders and team owners. 

To date, League teams have signed many of the very best American volleyball players, in addition to outstanding players from overseas. Thus far Pro Volleyball Federation teams have signed 81 players who have a combined 357 years of professional volleyball experience (average of 4.4 years per player). Of those 81 players, eight are international players (teams are allowed up to two international players on their roster during the season) and 10 are American athletes currently with the U.S. National Team. Additionally, 35 of the players signed have been part of an Olympic/National Team during their volleyball careers, 49 are American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Americans, and 72 were All-Conference players collegiately. 

“This league has accomplished so much in just a short period of time and is now at the brink of something great,” Derulo added. “We’re doing it the right way. Our only focus is on the professional game, and we are bringing the highest level of women’s pro volleyball to this country. This truly is REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL, and Pro Volleyball Federation is the future of women’s pro volleyball on this continent. As we like to say, our time is now!” 

Commented Dave Whinham, co-founder of Pro Volleyball Federation: “We are so proud to have Jason join Pro Volleyball Federation as an equity investor. Like so many of our Founding Partners, Jason is not in this just to have somewhere to invest his money – this is something he truly believes in and he is actively working to help build and advance the mission of our League. Jason has proven that when he puts his efforts behind something, great results happen, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Jason in a much larger scope.” 

Volleyball at the collegiate level in the United States continues its explosive growth trend, continuing to set attendance and viewership records. In August, the University of Nebraska set a world record for a women’s sports event when 92,003 people attended a sold out match at Memorial Stadium. Additionally, ESPN and the Big Ten Network have also reported viewership records in recent weeks. 

Pro Volleyball Federation has numerous exciting announcements forthcoming, including announcements related to additional markets and ownership groups, the inaugural season league schedule, national broadcast partners, and other strategic partnerships. For more information visit provolleyball.com or email info@provolleyball.com.  

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 February 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. 

For Media Inquiries or to arrange interviews, contact:  Rob Carolla, (214-208-1876 / rob@provolleyball.com) 

Original release is available here: https://www.provolleyball.com/news/global-entertainment-superstar-jason-derulo-increases-his-stake-in-pro-volleyball-federation-makes-a-major-equity-investment-into-the-league/

Omaha Supernovas on USA Volleyball Team Win Gold at NORCECA Final Six

omahasupernova on August 27, 2023

Omaha Supernovas on USA Volleyball Team Win Gold at NORCECA Final Six

Four U.S. Players & de la Cruz of Dominican Republic are Supernovas

Omaha Supernovas on USA Volleyball Team Win Gold at NORCECA Final Six

Four U.S. Players & de la Cruz of Dominican Republic are Supernovas

Omaha, Neb. – Today, the Omaha Supernovas, Nebraska’s major league professional volleyball team in the Professional Volleyball Federation (PVF), applauds the USA Volleyball Women’s U.S. National Team for winning gold in the prestigious NORCECA Final Six tournament and the Dominican Republic’s national team on winning silver.

Representing the Omaha Supernovas on the U.S. team were setter Sydney Hilley, middle blocker Danielle Hart, outside hitter Brooke Nuneviller and libero Kendall White. The Dominican Republic’s national team had fellow Omaha Supernovas veteran superstar, Bethania “Betty” de la Cruz, and won silver following a hotly contested championship match on Saturday night.

“We are so proud of our Supernovas players who have earned positions on this USA team and played key roles in this tournament,” said Omaha Supernovas Head Coach Shelton Collier. “The Supernovas had very impressive performances over the course of this challenging international event, and it is awesome that they are learning and growing in international competitions. The impact of these experiences as they prepare to take the next steps as professional players for our Omaha team are immeasurable, plus, as a core group of leaders for our team, they were able to play together and develop even more chemistry together.”

The U.S. National Team clinched a gold medal on the final day of the NORCECA Final Six championship, following a grueling round of pool play matches, including weather delays and highly competitive matches. In a rematch of a hotly contested 3-2 pool play match, the U.S. defeated the Dominican Republic in front of a notably loud, raucous and passionate crowd.

“Seeing Betty play spectacularly in front of her home fans who adore her was awesome,” continued Collier. “She will very quickly become a crowd favorite here in Nebraska with her charisma and elite level of play.”

Hilley, Hart, Nuneviller and White were the first players Collier pursued to sign with the Omaha Supernovas when building the inaugural roster. Hilley and Hart were an impressive setter-hitter combination while winning a national championship together in Wisconsin; Nuneviller had a stellar career at University of Oregon as both a libero and as an outside hitter; and White was a star libero for Penn State.

“To have five Supernovas in this prestigious international tournament is monumental,” said Omaha Supernovas President, Diane Mendenhall. “Their performance is truly generating enthusiasm, both in Omaha and throughout Nebraska, in anticipation of the inaugural pro volleyball season in early 2024. We see this interest in tremendous season ticket sales, where fans will have the opportunity to see these phenomenal world-class athletes and major league sports for the first time, here in Nebraska.”

This tournament concludes a busy and productive month for these talented players. Earlier this month, all four U.S. National Team players helped lead the United States to a bronze medal at the famed Pan American Cup in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

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.

The Omaha Supernovas will begin competition in the Pro Volleyball Federation’s 2024 inaugural season with 24 total matches (12 home and 12 away) over a 16-week regular season. The supernovas will begin competing in early 2024 and play into May when they will be chasing the PVF National Championship title. Information on Omaha Supernovas season tickets for home matches is available through the team’s website www.supernovas.com. Season ticket sales officially opens on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, with the countdown to the first home match at the CHI Health Center.

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 early 2024 with world class athletes 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.

Omaha Supernovas Playing at Prestigious NORCECA Final 6

omahasupernova on August 21, 2023

Omaha Supernovas Playing at Prestigious NORCECA Final 6

Omaha Supernovas Playing at Prestigious NORCECA Final 6

Five Supernovas competing in famed international competition, including four on the U.S. Team & de la Cruz with Dominican Republic

Omaha, Neb. – This week, the Omaha Supernovas, Nebraska’s major league team in the Professional Volleyball Federation (PVF), will have five players competing in the prestigious 2023 NORCECA Final Six championships, being held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Veteran volleyball superstar, Bethania “Betty” de la Cruz, will be competing in her home country with the Dominican Republic national team. Representing the U.S. are setter Sydney Hilley, middle blocker Danielle Hart, outside hitter Brooke Nuneviller and libero Kendall White.

“To have five Supernovas in this prestigious international tournament is monumental – coupled with four playing such a vital role in yesterday’s win,” said Omaha Supernovas President, Diane Mendenhall. “Their performance is truly generating enthusiasm, in Omaha and throughout Nebraska, in anticipation of the inaugural pro volleyball season in early 2024. We see this interest in tremendous season ticket sales, where fans will have the opportunity to see these phenomenal world-class athletes and major league sports for the first time, here in Nebraska.”

Last week in Ponce, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Team defeated the Dominican Republic for the bronze medal in a hotly contested match in the Pan American Games. Both teams return to action this week in the NORCECA Final Six event. The U.S. Team started the competition in dominant fashion, sweeping Canada, 3-0.

Winning more than 40 awards in international competitions and professional leagues around the world, de la Cruz is an impressive superstar athlete. She has numerous international awards to include most valuable player, best spiker, best server and best outside hitter, while playing professional seasons in Japan, Korea, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

“Betty is an international celebrity, and especially popular in that region of the world, so it’s exciting for her to have an opportunity to play in the Dominican Republic in front of her loyal fans while still being recognized on the international stage,” said Supernovas Head Coach Shelton Collier. “It would be exciting to see another U.S. versus Dominican Republic rematch in this event like we just experienced at the Pan Am Games.”

University of Wisconsin alumna, Hilley, brings two years of professional experience with her, playing in Turkey for VakıfBank S.K., and a season in Puerto Rico with Atenienses de Manati. White, a star at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), played two years as a pro in France for Terville-Florange OC.

University of Oregan star and alumna, Nuneviller, had a successful debut playing for Nilufer Belediyespor in Turkey. Hart graduated from Wisconsin as a first team All-American and a four-time Big Ten champion.

“For our USA players, this is yet another incredible opportunity for them to compete internationally and continue to develop valuable experience that will certainly contribute to their success when they transition to play for Omaha in January,” said Collier. “Our entire franchise is proud that we have so many players representing our USA National Team program, and, of course Betty with D.R.’s team.”

In addition to the U.S. Team, Canada, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Puerto Rico are also competing. The U.S. Team opened with Canada, followed by Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic. The championship match is scheduled for August 26.

Today, the U.S. will face Puerto Rico (0-1) at 4 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. PT.

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.

The Omaha Supernovas will begin competition in the Pro Volleyball Federation’s 2024 inaugural season with 24 total matches (12 home and 12 away) over a 16-week regular season. The Supernovas will begin competing in early 2024 and play into mid-May when they will be chasing the PVF National Championship title. Supernovas season tickets for CHI Health Center home matches are on sale now through the team’s website www.supernovas.com.

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 early 2024 with world class athletes 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.

Omaha Supernovas Name Decorated Collegiate Coach Laura ‘Bird’ Kuhn Assistant Coach

omahasupernova on August 14, 2023

Kuhn brings impressive coaching record with Texas A&M, University of Kansas & University of Miami

Omaha, Neb. – Today, the Omaha Supernovas, Nebraska’s professional volleyball team in the Professional Volleyball Federation (PVF), announced Laura ‘Bird’ Kuhn as an assistant coach for the 2024 inaugural season. Kuhn brings a wealth of collegiate coaching experience to the Omaha Supernovas, having been the head coach at Texas A&M, and an assistant coach at the University of Kansas and the University of Miami (Florida), and is highly respected in the volleyball community.

“I am beyond ecstatic about this opportunity to coach in the first women’s professional ‘major league’ in the United States with the Omaha Supernovas,” said Kuhn. “It’s an exciting time for professional women’s volleyball in the U.S. I’m honored to be part of this groundbreaking season in a sport that has given all of us so much.”

Omaha Supernovas’ President, Diane Mendenhall, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Bird to our coaching staff and Supernovas team. This is a tremendous and historic moment for sports and for women, and to have someone so respected and of her coaching caliber join our mission speaks to the world class organization we’re building here in Nebraska.”

Kuhn will serve as an assistant to Supernovas’ head coach, Shelton Collier. As a collegiate player, Collier recruited Kuhn to Georgia Tech and coached her for a portion of her highly decorated career there. Kuhn is the first addition to the Omaha coaching staff, with the Omaha Supernovas scheduled to hire two other Assistant Coaches and a Technical Coordinator later this year.

Kuhn added, “Working alongside Coach Collier, who had recruited me to play at Georgia Tech, and now getting to build the first-ever pro volleyball team in Nebraska together is something special. I’m thankful to be able to learn and navigate new endeavors with him and this group of exceptional women.”

“I’m very excited about Bird joining our coaching staff,” said Collier. “I have great respect for her as a person and as a coach, and she’s highly regarded among players and other coaches across the country. I am confident that she will add value to the Omaha franchise in many ways as we continue to build our program and when we start our season in January. I anticipate that she will serve many roles with us both on and off the court, and that she will also connect well with the players.”

A native of Tiffin, Ohio, Kuhn was named SEC Coach of the Year in 2019 and has been the head coach of Texas A&M for the past five seasons. She led the Aggies to the regional semifinals of the NCAA Tournament and to their highest ever national ranking, sixth, in the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) national poll.

In the final six of her seven seasons as an assistant coach at Kansas, the Jayhawks constructed a combined record of 152 wins with 38 losses (.800 winning percentage), surpassing the 20-win milestone every year. Over that span, the Jayhawks made six consecutive NCAA tournament appearances, serving as host of first and second round matches four times. The Jayhawks were ranked in the final AVCA Top 25 poll in four seasons with Kuhn, including an all-time high No. 3 final ranking in 2015.

In 2015, Kuhn was promoted to associate head coach, and she was honored by her coaching peers and selected the AVCA National Assistant Coach of the Year following KU’s historic Final Four run that year in which the Jayhawks upset No. 1 Southern California in the regional finals while finishing the season with a school-record .299 hitting percentage.

Kuhn was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Miami (Florida) for three years (2008-10) before joining the Jayhawks staff. In her first season with the Hurricanes, head coach Nicole Lantagne-Welch was named AVCA Region Coach of the Year and ACC Coach of the Year as Miami went 26-6 overall and finished with an all-time best 14-6 record in ACC matches. Kuhn helped the Hurricanes reach the NCAA tournament in each of her final two seasons, and outside hitter Lane Carico became the program’s first AVCA All-American in 2010.

She began her college coaching career in 2007 at Appalachian State, where Matt Ginipro was named the Southern Conference Coach of the Year and Brittany Zahn collected SoCon Player of the Year honors.

Kuhn was recruited by Collier at Georgia Tech in 2001, where she was a four-year letterwinner and three-year starting right side hitter from 2001-04. During her playing career, the Yellow Jackets went a combined 113-25 (.819), won three Atlantic Coast Conference regular season championships and one ACC tournament title and advanced to the NCAA Tournament every year. Both the 2002 and 2004 teams reached the Sweet 16, and in 2003 the Yellow Jackets advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time in school history and also became the first ACC team to reach a regional final. Kuhn earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Georgia Tech in 2005.

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.

The Omaha Supernovas will begin competition in the Pro Volleyball Federation’s 2024 inaugural season with 24 total matches (12 home and 12 away) over a 16-week regular season. The supernovas will begin competing in early 2024 and play into mid-May when they will be chasing the PVF National Championship title. Supernovas season tickets for CHI Center home matches are on sale now through the team’s website www.supernovas.com.

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 early 2024 with world class athletes 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.

Omaha Supernovas Applaud Four USA National Team Players in Pan American Cup Tournament

omahasupernova on August 7, 2023

Omaha, Neb. – In cooperation with the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), Nebraska Pro Volleyball is bringing a women’s professional team to Omaha. Today, the Omaha Supernovas announced that the team is well represented at the 2023 women’s Pan American Cup. USA Volleyball has selected 14 players to compete at the Pan Am Cup, August 6-13 in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Four Omaha Supernovas players have been selected for the USA team: setter Sydney Hilley, middle blocker Danielle Hart, outside hitter Brooke Nuneviller, and libero Kendall White are part of a 14-player roster.

“It is exciting for the Omaha Supernovas to be so well represented,” said Diane Mendenhall, President of the Omaha Supernovas. “Our roster is stacked with phenomenal talent and the enthusiasm to watch these amazing women is apparent in the tremendous interest we are seeing in season ticket deposits.”

“This group has trained for the last three weeks and has put in a tremendous amount of work to prepare for what’s ahead of us,” USA Volleyball Head Coach Brad Rostratter said. “Our group has a mixture of players who have seen and played a lot of volleyball, and new faces to international competition.”

The USA team competing at the Pan American Cup opened the tournament Sunday with a sweep (25-12, 25-12, 25-17) of Costa Rica in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Omaha Supernovas team members played a key role in the victory. As the starting setter, Sydney Hilley led the team in assists, with Danielle Hart contributing 8 kills hitting .750 and Brooke Nuneviller tallied 4 kills hitting .273. Today, USA faces off against Peru, with matches against Colombia and Canada later this week, with the playoffs following pool play. The USA team will compete next week in Ponce, Puerto Rico.

As All Americans at Wisconsin, Hilley and Hart led the Badgers to a national championship in 2021. Nuneviller was a three time All American at Oregon followed by a season playing overseas in Turkey, with White having a stellar career as a two-time collegiate All American at Penn State.

“On behalf of our entire Omaha franchise, we want to congratulate these four players on their selection and wish them well as they compete for USA in the Pan American Cup in Puerto Rico,” said Omaha Supernovas’ Head Coach Shelton Collier. “They participated in a highly competitive training camp in Anaheim, California, along with many of the best players in the country, so it is awesome for four Supernovas to have been selected to this USA team.”

Collier added, “All four all have unique stories they bring to USA Volleyball and to our Supernovas team. Sydney has a full-time job in the field of cancer research, so for her to have worked hard to make this team as one of two setters is very impressive. Danielle has made an impressive comeback from major knee surgery and has established herself as one of the top middle blockers in the country. Brooke continues to be impressive with her skill set and her ability to be competitive as a libero and as an outside hitter with the national USA team. Kendall was a captain of this team last summer and returns as an experienced libero and one of the top players in the entire country at this position.”

The U.S. Women have won the Pan Am Cup seven times, most recently in 2019. The USA women’s team won bronze in 2021 and 2022. More information on the USA team and the Pan American Cup is available here: 2022 Women’s Pan American Cup – USA Volleyball.

  • 3 Kendall White (L, 5-5, Zionsville, Ind., Penn State University Alumnae)
  • 25 Brooke Nuneviller (OH, 5-11, Chandler, Ariz., Oregon University Alumnae)
  • 30 Danielle Hart (MB, 6-4, Virginia Beach, Va., Wisconsin University Alumnae)
  • 44 Sydney Hilley (S, 6-0, Brooklyn Park, Minn., Wisconsin University Alumnae)

The Omaha Supernovas will begin competition in PVF’s 2024 inaugural season with 24 total matches (12 home and 12 away) over a 16-week regular season. The supernovas will begin competing in early 2024 and play into mid-May when they will be chasing the PVF National Championship title. The PVF has announced six teams for the inaugural season and one expansion team, to include: Omaha, Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando, Grand Rapids and Columbus, and adding Dallas for the 2025 season. Additional Supernovas information is available through the team’s website www.supernovas.com.

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.

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 early 2024 with world class athletes 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.

Nebraska Pro Volleyball Reveals Official Team Name: OMAHA SUPERNOVAS

omahasupernova on July 20, 2023

Supernovas Represent the Brightest of Stars & the Massive, Explosive Energy in Women’s Professional Volleyball and Women’s Sports

Omaha, Neb. – In cooperation with the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), Nebraska Pro Volleyball is bringing a women’s professional team to Omaha. Today, amongst a sea of players, coaches, dignitaries and leaders throughout the state, the Omaha-based team revealed the team name: Omaha Supernovas. The moniker pays tribute to the amazing night sky found throughout the state and region, the magnitude of splendor of the professional athletes, and the massive, explosive energy of women’s volleyball in the United States.

“Omaha Supernovas both embodies the players on our team and reflects this historic moment in sports,” said Nebraska Pro Volleyball President Diane Mendenhall. “Nationally, there is this huge explosive energy around volleyball, and the PVF allows the best of the best athletes to shine brightly here in the United States.”

Mendenhall added, “Like all epic moments, we stand on the shoulders of those that paved the way in building this epic energy and creating this tremendous volleyball legacy across our great state. Now, our young girls can dream of being shining stars, playing professionally, and winning championships with the most knowledgeable and passionate fans in the stratosphere. This is our time.”

Also in attendance, PVF co-founder Stephen Evans said, “Supernovas is a fitting name for this organization. From day one, they have demonstrated their commitment to making the Omaha franchise one which the community, and the entire state, will be proud to support. The leadership has built this organization around superstars in the front office, on the coaching staff, and on its roster of players. We could not be prouder of what Danny, Chris, Jason, and their entire team of Supernovas is building in Omaha.”

Legendary football coach Jimmy Burrow, a founding partner and Director of Brand Advancement for the PVF, spoke at the name reveal and shared, “The Burrow family is excited about our involvement in the Pro Volleyball Federation. Having played football at Nebraska, we are extremely proud that there is a franchise here with the Omaha Supernovas. Nebraska fans are the greatest and the support here for the Supernovas will be tremendous.”

The team also announced the kickoff of their season ticket deposit campaign. Fans can visit the Omaha Supernovas’ website, supernovas.com, and select “Season Ticket Deposit” to make their $100 deposit and reserve their spot in line to select their seats in August. Full season ticket packages, for all 12 home matches at the CHI Health Center, will be $150 to $1,500 per season ticket package, depending on seating location. Seat selection will be based on the order deposits are received so fans are encouraged to make the $100 deposit as soon as possible.

Wayne State’s Volleyball Head Coach, Scott Kneifl, shared his support, “Professional volleyball coming to Nebraska is outstanding, not only for our state, but also for the sport of volleyball. I don’t know of a place where the people support volleyball like they do in Nebraska! Professional volleyball gives young women from our area, and across the country, something to strive for in our sport, and I’m excited to see how Nebraskans get out and support the Omaha Supernovas.”

University of Kearney’s Volleyball Head Coach, Rick Squires, added, “I couldn’t be more excited about the emergence of legitimate professional women’s volleyball in our country. Having a team in Nebraska had to be the biggest ‘no-brainer’ in the whole process. Our state continues to set the bar when it comes to support for this great game, and I can already foresee the Omaha Supernovas leading the league in attendance. I look forward to being on hand for some outstanding volleyball this spring!”

The Pro Volleyball Federation is expected to launch its first season in early 2024 and play into May. Six of the team markets have been announced: Omaha, Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando, Grand Rapids and Columbus, and are currently building their teams. Yesterday, Dallas was added to the team lineup and will begin play with the 2025 season. .

The inaugural Omaha Supernovas’ roster now stands at 12 players. Bethania de la Cruz, Tori Dixon, Danielle Hart, Sydney Hilley, Gina Mancuso-Prososki, Brooke Nuneviller, Yossiana Pressley, Nia Reed, Natalia Valentín-Anderson, Hristina Vuchkova, Lindsey Vander Weide and Kendall White.

For more information, to reserve season tickets, explore the team name, and see the new team Omaha Supernovas’ website, please visit supernovas.com.

OMAHA SUPERNOVAS STORY

In Nebraska, the stars shine bright. From east to west, and north to south, our star-studded skies light up the night. But every so often an exquisite explosion of light and energy illuminates the universe with a pulsating radiance, making awestruck any observer and frenzying a spirited astonishment among those in its presence. This is mystified air for sure, and these are not just any stars in the sky — they are super stars, or more accurately, they are supernovas.

Now come the Omaha Supernovas, the brightest shining stars among their peers. Like their intergalactic counterparts, these Supernovas are majestic in their power, and bold in their brilliance. Within the universe, supernovas are rare spectacles. On the volleyball court, Omaha’s Supernovas are also a rare breed of skill, desire, dedication, and a relentless drive to be the shining lights within a league full of stars.

Only a select few stars become supernovas, or Supernovas. So special are supernovas that their sheer brilliance adds enriching elements to our solar system, becoming the foundation of all heavenly bodies. Similarly, the Omaha Supernovas, bursting with a glorious luster of splendor and an extra-dimensional energy, are laying the foundation for world-class female athletes everywhere to break barriers, bask in new opportunities, and flood this new horizon with a true awakening of women shaping new worlds while reaching for the stars.

In Nebraska, the stars really do shine bright, but it’s the Supernovas whose magnificence defies the ordinary and whose trailblazing spirits now light the path to extraordinary aspirations.

ABOUT NEBRASKA PRO VOLLEYBALL

Nebraska Pro Volleyball aims to be the premier home of professional volleyball throughout the world. The Omaha-based 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.

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 early 2024 with world class athletes 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.

ABOUT THE CHI CENTER

The CHI Health Center Omaha arena and convention center is managed by the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that builds and operates public venues in Omaha. Over the past two decades, the CHI Health Center has been selected for multiple NCAA championships, including women’s volleyball.

Nebraska Pro Volleyball Names President Diane Mendenhall, Announces CHI Health Center as Home Court

omahasupernova on July 13, 2023

Ogallala Native & Husker Volleyball Leader Mendenhall to Lead Omaha Team; Team to Play at CHI Health Center in 2024

Omaha, Neb. – In cooperation with the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), Nebraska Pro Volleyball is bringing a women’s professional team to Omaha. Today, the Omaha-based team named renowned veteran volleyball leader, Diane Mendenhall, of Lincoln, as President of Nebraska Pro Volleyball. In her first official act as President, the Ogallala, Nebraska native announced the Omaha Team will be playing their home games at the CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha.

“It is a true honor to serve as the first President of Nebraska Pro Volleyball as we bring professional volleyball to Omaha,” said Mendenhall. “For those of us in the volleyball world, Nebraska is known as the ‘Epicenter of Volleyball’ in the United States and soon to be world. Our community is in for a once-in-a-lifetime treat when these world-class athletes take the court at CHI Center playing for Team Omaha in early 2024. From Omaha to Lincoln to Kearney to Wayne to Scottsbluff/Gering… We are volleyball.”

On playing at the CHI Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska Pro Volleyball Co-Founder, Chris Erickson, stated, “Volleyball matters in Nebraska, it matters in the Midwest, and it matters in the U.S. We needed a home prepared for the energy and enthusiasm we know fans will bring to these events. The CHI Center was the perfect partner. They care about fan experience and are excited to collaborate to bring an elite, professional sports experience to the Omaha Metro.”

On the hiring of Mendenhall, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen said, “Diane has a strong commitment to athletics, and a great deal of experience with the University of Nebraska women’s volleyball program. She is the perfect person to spearhead the team that will represent our state in the new pro volleyball league.”

Mendenhall has had an extremely successful career in leadership, much of which has been centered around volleyball. Most recently, Mendenhall served as Vice President for Strategic Giving with Lincoln Community Foundation, having previously completed serving 20 years for the University of Nebraska in several administrative leadership positions. These roles included 12 years in Husker Athletics, as Volleyball Coach John Cook’s first Director of Volleyball Operations, a Senior Associate Athletics Director, as well as six years leading the 25,000 member Nebraska Alumni Association as the Executive Director. Diane completed her tenure at the University by serving as the Chancellor’s Director of External Engagement. She was honored to serve two Chancellors over eight years as a member of the Chancellor’s Cabinet.

Prior to her time at the University, Mendenhall was a national consultant for an employment communications company as well as a volleyball coach at the collegiate and high school levels. An accomplished speaker, Mendenhall has presented throughout the country and internationally. Coupled with her public speaking, she continues to be involved with numerous local and national non-profit organizations.

A native of Ogallala, Nebraska, Mendenhall is an alumna of the University of Kansas. She was a four-year starter for the Jayhawk volleyball team and a team captain as a senior. Many volleyball fans have known her as the former radio analyst of Nebraska Volleyball for 16 years. Mendenhall and her spouse, Rich, live in Lincoln. They have a grown daughter, Ally, who was Captain of Yale University’s volleyball team.

On Nebraska Pro Volleyball playing at the CHI Health Center, Roger Dixon, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), shared, “Nebraska is a volleyball state, and with CHI Health Center, Omaha’s history of accommodating sellout institutions and events, we have the experienced staff and a proven facility to support this promising new venture. This professional volleyball team will be a welcome addition to our community.”

On the hiring of Mendenhall, Nebraska Pro Volleyball Co-Founder, Chris Erickson, stated, “When looking for a President, we wanted someone who loves volleyball and has a deep appreciation for the opportunity this moment presents. Diane has lived volleyball, is an amazing leader, and an incredible ambassador for the stratospheric potential of the sport. We are incredibly excited to welcome her and watch her prepare this organization to compete for championships.”

Creighton Volleyball Head Coach, Kirsten Bernthal Booth, shared “Today is a special day for volleyball. I’ve known Diane for many years, and she is the perfect choice to lead Nebraska Pro Volleyball and help show the world what the Omaha Team will be capable of in professional volleyball.”

Legendary Husker Volleyball Coach, Terry Pettit, said, “Diane Mendenhall is a spectacular choice for President of the new professional volleyball franchise in Omaha. Her experience as a volleyball coach, as Director of Operations with Husker Volleyball program and head of Development for the Nebraska Athletic Department gives her the knowledge base and the professional relationships to position Omaha as a leader in professional sports.”

The PVF is expected to launch its first season in early 2024. Six of the team markets have been announced: Omaha, Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando, Grand Rapids and Columbus, and are currently building their teams.

ABOUT NEBRASKA PRO VOLLEYBALL

Nebraska Pro Volleyball aims to be the premier home of professional volleyball throughout the world. The Omaha-based 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. Having been named one of the fastest growing companies in Nebraska and the U.S., City+Ventures pursues opportunities focused on investing in people and communities. For more information, visit city-ventures.com.

As an international household name with more than 100 million followers across popular social media platforms, Derulo has sold more than 250 million singles worldwide, achieving 15 platinum singles. He joins Taylor Swift, Elton John, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Maroon 5, and Christina Aguilera as the only artists in history to achieve a #1 single on U.S. Pop Radio in three decades. Those wishing to be a part of Nebraska Pro Volleyball can email jrwang@city-ventures.com.

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. Those wishing to become a part of Pro Volleyball Federation, whether as a player, coach, team owner, investor, sponsor, vendor, media company, or host venue, can email info@provolleyball.com.

ABOUT THE CHI CENTER

The CHI Health Center Omaha arena and convention center is managed by the Metropolitan Entertainment & Convention Authority (MECA), a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that builds and operates public venues in Omaha, Nebraska. Positioned between the Missouri River and rapidly growing north downtown Omaha, the CHI Health Center is 1.1-million-square-foot facility, boasting an 18,300-person arena and attached convention center, complete with three large exhibition halls and meeting space.

Over the past nearly two decades, the CHI Health Center has been selected for multiple NCAA championships, including women’s volleyball. The venue had hosted the NCAA volleyball championships three times prior to 2021, with The University of Nebraska-Lincoln claiming two of those victories in front of record audiences. NCAA volleyball regular season attendance records have also been made in Omaha, with the instate rivalry between the University of Nebraska Huskers and the Creighton Bluejays, drawing large and enthusiastic fanbases.

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Editor’s Note: Attached is Mendenhall’s headshot “Photo Credit: Nebraska Pro Volleyball” & a sold-out volleyball match at CHI Health Center for media use with “The Texas Longhorns take on the Louisville Cardinals during the Division I Women’s Championship held at CHI Health Center Omaha on December 17, 2022 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Rebecca S. Gratz/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) 7/13/2023”

Nebraska Pro Volleyball Adds Volleyball Superstars to Omaha Team

omahasupernova on June 20, 2023

Omaha Signs Global Volleyball Pros – de la Cruz & Vuchkova

Omaha, Neb. – In cooperation with the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), Nebraska Pro Volleyball is bringing a women’s professional team to Omaha. Today, the Omaha-based team added two world-class, highly decorated international players to the already talented and experienced roster. The Omaha team has signed superstar Olympian Bethania “Betty” de la Cruz from the Dominican Republic, and volleyball icon middle blocker Hristina (Ruseva) Vuchkova from Bulgaria. The superstar duo has an impressive combined 34 professional seasons as award-winning players in several of the world’s top leagues.

Shelton Collier, head coach of the Omaha team said, “Our roster plan from the start was to sign a talented core group of players from here in the USA, then secure two experienced high-level international players to complete this initial wave of recruiting. We are proud to say that we have now accomplished this goal. With Betty and Hristina, we have two players who have proven they can win and be individual stars in some of the best professional leagues in the world, so certainly we will look forward to them bringing their talents and experience to our Omaha squad in January.”

On signing to the Omaha team for Nebraska Pro Volleyball, de la Cruz shared, “I am very excited to be playing for Omaha in the new Pro Volleyball Federation. I have heard so many good things about the coach, the team, and the amazing support in Omaha, and I look forward to coming to play there in January. I am confident that we will have a very strong team in our first season together. I know several Omaha players from playing with them previously in the Athletes Unlimited league, so that makes me comfortable joining this team, as well.”

With 19 seasons of successful international experience, de la Cruz has won multiple awards as both an outside hitter and an opposite hitter. Throughout her career, she has been voted as league MVP in the top international leagues in Japan, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic and South Korea. She was also MVP of the Olympic Qualification Tournament in 2021 and was selected best outside hitter in the NORCECA Championships in 2021. As a star player in the Athletes Unlimited (AU) league, de la Cruz has numerous successes, including being the top scorer and top server in 2021. In the 2022 Pan Am Games, she received awards for best spiker, best outside hitter, and best server.

Coach Collier said, “It is really rewarding for all of us that Betty has officially chosen to play for Omaha. It is tremendous to have a player of her award-winning caliber join our team in PVF’s first season. We appreciate that she has a goal of helping her Dominican team qualify for the Olympic Games in 2024, and we are so pleased she will be proudly playing for Omaha during our inaugural campaign.”

On signing to play for the Omaha-based professional team, Vuchkova shared, “I’ve played professional volleyball for many years in several countries, and it was a dream of mine to have a chance to someday play in America, so this opportunity with the PVF, playing for Nebraska Pro Volleyball, is very exciting for me and my family. We are looking forward to coming to Omaha and I am eager to help our team win a championship in our first year together.”

Having begun her volleyball career under her maiden name, Hristina Ruseva, Vuchkova married in 2019. She has competed for 15 seasons in a wide range of top international professional leagues around the world. She is regarded as one of the best blockers in the world, and has won numerous awards for her performance, including this most recent season, being voted best blocker in China’s professional league, Chinese Volleyball Super League. She was named the best blocker in the 2021 European Championships and in Turkey’s top league, Sultanlar Ligi (Sultans League), in 2020. She was also selected as best spiker, best blocker, and MVP at the Balkan Volleyball Association (BVA) Cup in 2019.

Coach Collier said of Vuchkova, “It is awesome for our Omaha team that we were able to attract a middle blocker with this level of award-winning experience. I’ve watched many hours of video of her playing at the highest levels of competition, and she is truly remarkable with her instincts and ability to block and hit at a high level. She will be an amazing addition to our roster with her elite skills and high level of experience.”

With the signing of de la Cruz and Vuchkova, the Omaha roster now stands at 12 players. Nebraska Pro Volleyball’s Omaha team roster, to date, is Bethania de la Cruz, Tori Dixon, Danielle Hart, Sydney Hilley, Gina Mancuso-Prososki, Brooke Nuneviller, Yossiana Pressley, Nia Reed, Natalia Valentín-Anderson, Hristina Vuchkova, Lindsey Vander Weide and Kendall White.

Coach Collier was announced as Omaha’s head coach in late May. In just a few weeks, Nebraska Pro Volleyball has impressively assembled an award winning and talented twelve-player roster that, in addition to Vuchkova and de la Cruz, includes nine collegiate All-America players, many who have had USA National Team experience, and all 12 with professional experiences playing in high level international leagues.

The PVF is expected to launch its first season in early 2024. Six of the team markets have been announced: Omaha, Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando, Grand Rapids and Columbus, and are currently building their teams.

ABOUT NEBRASKA PRO VOLLEYBALL

Nebraska Pro Volleyball aims to be the premier home of women’s volleyball throughout the world. The Omaha-based 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. Having been named one of the fastest growing companies in Nebraska and the U.S., City+Ventures pursues opportunities focused on investing in people and communities. For more information, visit city-ventures.com.

As an international household name with more than 100 million followers across popular social media platforms, Derulo has sold more than 250 million singles worldwide, achieving 15 platinum singles. He joins Taylor Swift, Elton John, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Maroon 5, and Christina Aguilera as the only artists in history to achieve a #1 single on U.S. Pop Radio in three decades. Those wishing to be a part of Nebraska Pro Volleyball can email jrwang@city-ventures.com.

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. Those wishing to become a part of Pro Volleyball Federation, whether as a player, coach, team owner, investor, sponsor, vendor, media company, or host venue, can email info@provolleyball.com.

Nebraska Pro Volleyball Adds Pro Veteran “Power Trio” to Omaha Team

omahasupernova on June 15, 2023

Omaha Signs Olympic Setter Natalia Valentín-Anderson and Powerful Hitters Nia Reed & Lindsey Vander Weide

(Omaha, Neb.) In cooperation with the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), Nebraska Pro Volleyball is bringing a women’s professional team to Omaha. Today, the Omaha-based team, led by Head Coach Shelton Collier, added three prominent veteran professional players to the roster: veteran Olympic setter Natalia Valentín-Anderson, powerful professional veteran opposite hitter Nia Reed, and experienced, skilled outside hitter Lindsey Vander Weide.

The “pro veteran trio” brings a combined 22 years of experience playing professionally in international leagues around the world. Valentín-Anderson, Reed and Vander Weide have all had highly successful experiences playing professional volleyball in various countries in addition to having record setting collegiate careers.

Coach Collier stated, “With this group we have added players who have played high level collegiate volleyball, but more importantly, they will bring a level of savvy and experience to our Omaha team, which I believe will be a very important factor in the inaugural season not only for Nebraska Pro Volleyball, but for the entire Pro Volleyball Federation.”

Natalia Valentín-Anderson, who is from Puerto Rico and now lives in Omaha, has played internationally for more than a decade representing Puerto Rico in multiple world championships and NORCECA Volleyball Confederation tournaments—where she was named “Best Setter” in 2021. Valentín-Anderson has played professionally in Puerto Rico, Azerbaijan, France, Poland, Italy and, most recently, in the U.S. She has won championships in the Azerbaijan league in 2016, and with Saint Raphael Var Volleyball, winning the French Cup in 2019. Valentín-Anderson was named MVP of Puerto Rico’s volleyball league in 2013 and has been named “Best Setter” of the league four times. She was recently named “Winning Setter” by Athletes Unlimited (AU). After finishing her career at Florida International University as the all-time leader in assists and digs, she captained the National Team of Puerto Rico in the 2016 Olympic games.

On signing to the Omaha team, Valentín-Anderson said, “To say that I’m excited and fired up about playing in Omaha is an understatement. I never thought I would have the opportunity to play professional volleyball in the place I’ve called home for the last five years. To be able to play in front of my husband, our family and in his hometown is an honor. I will wear this jersey proudly and represent Omaha to the best of my abilities alongside my future teammates. I am from Puerto Rico, where there is a professional volleyball league, and I grew up watching amazing volleyball players play at the highest level. Being a part of the first-ever professional team in Nebraska and to be able to give that experience to all the young girls and boys here will be a role I’ll take seriously and strive to be the best example to the next generation. After 12 years of playing abroad, I have to say ‘thank you’ to Omaha and to Coach Shelton Collier for giving me this incredible opportunity to do what I love here at home. Now, let’s bring the championship ‘a casa!!!’”

Regarding Valentín-Anderson, Coach Collier stated, “Natalia is a perfect setter in so many ways for our new Omaha team. She brings experience as an Olympian and as captain of the Puerto Rico National Team, along with being a highly regarded setter in several international professional leagues. She is a skilled and charismatic setter, and she lives right here in Omaha, which is a huge bonus for us. She has incredible personal qualities and will certainly be influential in promoting our team throughout the community.”

Nia Reed is a member of the USA National Team program and will be competing for a position on the USA Pan American team in July. She is a seasoned professional in international play. This past season, playing with the prestigious South Korean club Gwangju Al Peppers, she was a dominating player and all-star selection. Before South Korea, she led San Pablo’s Sesi Vôlei Bauru team to the championship in the Brazil professional league, where she was the top scorer and was named “Best Opposite Hitter” in Brazil. Additionally, Reed has had successful professional seasons in Turkey and France. Playing for legendary college coach Russ Rose at Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), she was an American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American and a key player on the NCAA national championship team.

On joining Nebraska Pro Volleyball, Reed shared, “Playing professional volleyball in the U.S. has always been a dream of mine, so to be a part of the Pro Volleyball Federation’s first season in the United States with Nebraska Pro Volleyball is monumental and a dream come true. I’m honored and extremely excited to be joining the Omaha pro team. Playing in the Big Ten conference and playing at Nebraska was always a challenge. The game atmosphere was always unmatched and hands down some of the most diehard volleyball fans I’ve ever seen. I’m looking forward to the fans bringing that same energy for this Omaha pro team. Coach Collier has been nothing short of amazing in building this roster and I’m confident that he’s putting together a championship team. I can’t wait to compete and grind it out with this team this upcoming season and make Omahans proud.”

Regarding Reed, Coach Collier said, “One of the most important aspects of any high-level professional volleyball team is having an experienced and elite player at the all-important opposite hitter position, and with Nia, we have exactly that. She was outstanding in her recent season in Korea and has had several very strong seasons playing internationally since graduating from a hugely successful career at Penn State. I anticipate that she will have a huge impact with her front row and backrow attacking and her elite blocking ability.”

Lindsey Vander Weide played collegiate volleyball for the University of Oregon. As an Oregon Duck, she was thrice selected for the All-Pac-12 Team and twice named a third-team All-American, becoming only the 6th Duck to receive multiple career All-American awards. She finished her career as Oregon as the No. 4 all-time scorer with 1,687 points, as No. 5 in total attacks (3,985), and as No. 6 in both kills (1,447) and digs (1,242). She earned two AVCA Pacific North All-Region honors.

Vander Weide started her professional career Volley-Ball Nantes, a Champions League team in France. She continued her stint in Europe joining Békéscsabai RSE, a Hungarian Champions League club. Both teams were set to play for the championship, but were cut short by the Covid-19 global pandemic. Her last European season was played in Greece with AEK, one of the biggest sports clubs in Greece. In the fall of 2022, she played for Petro Gazz in the Philippines where she led her team to win the championship and received MVP and “Best Import” awards. Her latest season was in Puerto Rico with the Changas de Naranjito team. She plans to play for AU in the fall.

On joining the Omaha team, Vander Weide shared, “I couldn’t be more excited to join this exciting new pro league in the United States in one of the biggest volleyball fan bases in the nation. Coach Collier has done an excellent job of building up a powerful team in a short period of time which makes me even more excited for what’s to come in season. Being able to play against, and with, some of the best on my own home soil is an opportunity I could not pass up. I cannot wait for this Omaha team to come to life in 2024 with a renowned coach leading the way.”

Regarding Vander Weide, Coach Collier said, “As we were evaluating top players from across the country, we felt it was important to have an experienced player who had played in several other pro leagues, who has already proven that she has a successful skill set. Lindsey brings that level of experience and a refined all-around game to Omaha. There will be many talented attackers in the league, however, Lindsey has high level serve reception skills in addition to her offensive power which certainly will make her a valuable player.”

Nebraska Pro Volleyball’s Omaha team roster, to date: Tori Dixon, Danielle Hart, Sydney Hilley, Gina Mancuso-Prososki, Brooke Nuneviller, Yossiana Pressley, Nia Reed, Natalia Valentín-Anderson, Lindsey Vander Weide and Kendall White.

The PVF is expected to launch its first season in early 2024. Six of the team markets have been announced: Omaha, Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando, Grand Rapids and Columbus, and are currently building their teams.

ABOUT NEBRASKA PRO VOLLEYBALL

Nebraska Pro Volleyball aims to be the premier home of women’s volleyball throughout the world. The Omaha-based 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. Having been named one of the fastest growing companies in Nebraska and the U.S., City+Ventures pursues opportunities focused on investing in people and communities. For more information, visit city-ventures.com.

As an international household name with more than 100 million followers across popular social media platforms, Derulo has sold more than 250 million singles worldwide, achieving 15 platinum singles. He joins Taylor Swift, Elton John, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Maroon 5, and Christina Aguilera as the only artists in history to achieve a #1 single on U.S. Pop Radio in three decades. Those wishing to be a part of Nebraska Pro Volleyball can email jrwang@city-ventures.com.

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. Those wishing to become a part of Pro Volleyball Federation, whether as a player, coach, team owner, investor, sponsor, vendor, media company, or host venue, can email info@provolleyball.com.

Nebraska Pro Volleyball Bringing “Dynamic Defensive Duo” to Omaha

omahasupernova on June 13, 2023

Omaha Team Signs Kendall White & Brooke Nuneviller as “Defensive Duo”

(Omaha, Neb.) In cooperation with the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), Nebraska Pro Volleyball is bringing a women’s professional team to Omaha. Today, the Omaha-based team, led by Head Coach Shelton Collier, added two prominent defensive forces to the roster: super star defensive standout Kendall White and Oregon All-American phenom Brooke Nuneviller. White is currently playing as a libero with the USA National team in the Volleyball Nations League Tournament in Brazil. Last week, Nuneviller was on the National Team’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) roster as a libero/outside hitter when the USA team went undefeated in Turkey.

“Both Kendall and Brooke are currently in training with our USA National Team, and both are considered two of the best passers and defenders in the game,” said Coach Collier. “There are only four liberos training and traveling with the USA National team now, and we just signed two of them, which is awesome news for our Omaha franchise. While assembling our team, two of my first phone calls were to Brooke and Kendall because it is essential to build a culture around players who are so competitive and who have had so much success.”

Coach Collier added, “All championship teams need a stud libero, and Kendall fits that bill. Brooke has the proven ability to be a high-level attacker, plus she has amazing backcourt skills, so both players add tremendous value to our roster.”

On signing to Nebraska Pro Volleyball, Kendall White shared, “I am beyond excited to announce my commitment to play professional volleyball in Omaha. Having played in the Big Ten, I know the passion Nebraskans have for this sport and feel lucky to soon be surrounded by that. I want to win and plan to do so with Shelton Collier and this group of women. I have been in constant communication with our coach since his first day and with his dedication to us already, I know he is just as passionate. I am more than ready to make a statement IN Omaha and FOR Omaha this year. Let’s get it.”

White is a 2023 and 2022 USA Women’s National Team player, a three-time All-American (2017, 2018 and 2019), is the first player in Penn state University’s history to twice earn a Big Ten “Defensive Player of the Year” title, was unanimous all Big Ten selection from 2017 to 2019, holds the program record at Penn State for career digs at 1,994, and was the Indiana Gatorade “Player of the Year” in 2016. Following her decorated career at Penn State, White played two years in France with Terville-Florange OC where she set numerous defensive records. White is currently a member of the USA Women’s National Team.

On signing White to Nebraska Pro Volleyball, Coach Collier said, “Kendall had an amazing career at Penn State, and was a human highlight reel with her defensive plays and emotional celebrations. She has worked hard and earned herself a spot as one of the top liberos on the USA National Team. She has proven herself to be an exceptional passer at the collegiate and national team level. She was my first choice as libero for our Omaha team and we are looking forward to having her competitive spirit driving our team.”

On signing with Nebraska Pro Volleyball, Brooke Nuneviller shared, “Playing in the U.S. was always something that I had interest in, but after speaking with Omaha’s Coach Shelton Collier, I realized how much this team really has to offer. He has not only built a team with incredible talent, but also drive and passion for the game. Aside from volleyball, the opportunities that the Pro Volleyball Federation has to offer excites me. From growing connections with the owners involved to accelerating the popularity of professional volleyball in the States, I know I will be able to benefit from even more aspects outside of volleyball. I am extremely optimistic that American professional volleyball will continue to grow into something special.”

Nuneviller is a USA Women’s National Team member, making her senior national team debut in 2023 Volleyball Nations League (VNL). Nuneviller has represented USA volleyball in the youth, junior, collegiate, and now senior Women’s National team training in Anaheim, California. She was an All-American at the University of Oregon as a libero and outside hitter, a libero on U.S. junior and youth national teams, a 2021 Women’s Collegiate National Team member, a 2020 Women’s Collegiate National Team member, and a 2019 and 2018 Women’s Junior National Team player.

She finished her most recent professional season at Nilufer Belediyespor in Turkey. She is also a three-time All-American at the University of Oregon, and a 2021 Pacific Northwest “Player of the Year,” a three-time Pac-12 team member. She made two Elite 8 appearances at the University of Oregon, was the only player in the Pac-12 to receive offensive and defensive player of the week in the same week, and was the only player in the Pac-12 to finish a career with more than 2,000 digs and more than 1,500 kills.

On signing Brooke Nuneviller to Nebraska Pro Volleyball, Coach Collier said, “While at Oregon, Brooke was one of the most enjoyable and entertaining players to watch in the country because of her high-level skills, court vibe and competitive intensity. She has great charisma and outstanding leadership qualities and has proven she can consistently outplay taller opponents at the net. We expect that she will have value as a strong attacker as well as be a huge influence with our defense and serve reception.”

The Pro Volleyball Federation is expected to launch its first season in early 2024. Six of the markets have been announced: Omaha, Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando, Grand Rapids and Columbus, and are currently building their teams.

ABOUT NEBRASKA PRO VOLLEYBALL

Nebraska Pro Volleyball aims to be the premier home of women’s volleyball throughout the world. The Omaha-based 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. Having been named one of the fastest growing companies in Nebraska and the U.S., City+Ventures pursues opportunities focused on investing in people and communities. For more information, visit city-ventures.com.

As an international household name with more than 100 million followers across popular social media platforms, Derulo has sold more than 250 million singles worldwide, achieving 15 platinum singles. He joins Taylor Swift, Elton John, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Maroon 5, and Christina Aguilera as the only artists in history to achieve a #1 single on U.S. Pop Radio in three decades. Those wishing to be a part of Nebraska Pro Volleyball can email jrwang@city-ventures.com.

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. Those wishing to become a part of Pro Volleyball Federation, whether as a player, coach, team owner, investor, sponsor, vendor, media company, or host venue, can email info@provolleyball.com.

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