In an exciting display of high-level volleyball, the LeagueOne Volleyball Omaha team traveled to Grand Island on Saturday for a thrilling scrimmage at Grand Island Senior High. The event marked a significant moment for the region, as it offered fans a chance to witness some of the world’s top volleyball talent in action. With the upcoming season of the newly-formed LeagueOne Volleyball (LOVB) on the horizon, the scrimmage provided an opportunity for the Omaha team to showcase their skills and introduce the professional volleyball league to the local community.
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A New Chapter for Professional Volleyball in the U.S.
The LeagueOne Volleyball League, which will officially begin its inaugural season later this winter, is set to bring a fresh and exciting form of professional volleyball to the United States. Founded in 2020 by Katlyn Gao, the league is part of a broader network that includes youth volleyball clubs. As of August 2024, LeagueOne has over 60 club locations across 24 states, with more than 14,000 youth athletes and 3,000 coaches. The professional league, however, is where the real excitement lies.
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Historically, volleyball players who aspired to compete at a professional level had to go overseas, as the U.S. did not offer many domestic opportunities. This is changing with the advent of LeagueOne Volleyball, which offers a platform for American players to continue their careers at home. The league is expected to play a similar role to the Pro Volleyball Federation, providing both local talent and international stars with a professional environment to showcase their skills.
The Omaha Team: A Blend of Local Talent and International Stars
The LeagueOne Volleyball Omaha team features a roster filled with some of the best talent from across the country, including several former Nebraska and Creighton University players. The team’s roster is headlined by notable players such as Jordan Larson, Justine Wong-Orantes, Lauren Stivrins, Madi Kubik, and Jaali Winters. International players, such as Annie Cesar and Kimberly Drewniok from Germany, Laura Dijkema from the Netherlands, and Vicky Savard from Canada, add an extra level of excitement and diversity to the team.
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Among the notable players is Lauren Stivrins, a former Husker and professional volleyball player who has competed in Italy. Stivrins, who is thrilled to be part of the Omaha team, expressed her excitement about the opportunities LeagueOne brings to professional volleyball in the U.S. “It’s an incredible opportunity and it’s such a high-level volleyball,” she said. “This sport is growing so fast, so it makes sense to have a league to highlight the athleticism and the high-level plays that we were able to make. It’s great not to go overseas to do that.”
Omaha’s head coach, Suzie Fritz, brings a wealth of experience to the team, having previously coached for 25 years at Kansas State. Fritz’s leadership will undoubtedly help guide the team through the challenges of the inaugural season. She emphasized that the LeagueOne team’s roster is intentionally built to include local players from Nebraska and the surrounding region, ensuring that the league remains connected to its roots while also attracting global talent.
A Scrimmage to Remember
The scrimmage on Saturday served as a warm-up for the Omaha team as they prepare for their season debut. The event attracted a crowd of over 800 volleyball fans, eager to witness the professional volleyball action firsthand. The scrimmage featured four sets, with teams switching between the White and Gray sides. The White team won the first set 26-24, while the Gray team took the next two sets 25-23 and 25-19. The White team clinched the fourth set with a narrow 15-13 victory. The players switched teams after each set, keeping the match dynamic and offering fans a chance to see different player combinations.
Despite the high level of play, the atmosphere was lighthearted and fun. After the scrimmage, fans were treated to a special autograph session, where players signed t-shirts, posters, and other memorabilia for their supporters. Madi Kubik, another former Nebraska player, expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from the crowd. “There is really nothing like playing in this state,” Kubik said. “Everyone in Nebraska supports all kinds of volleyball, whether it’s the Omaha Supernovas, Nebraska, Creighton, no matter who it is. Volleyball is a big deal in this state, and it’s wonderful to see the support.”
Justine Wong-Orantes, a standout player on the team, shared her thoughts on the passionate fanbase. “The fans here in Nebraska just know volleyball and are so educated on the sport,” she said. “That’s what separates them from anyone—not just in this country, but in the world. They are so invested in women’s volleyball.”
Building for the Future
LeagueOne Volleyball aims not only to provide a competitive platform for professional players but also to inspire the next generation of athletes. Coach Fritz spoke about the league’s mission to motivate young volleyball players to dream big. “These women want to inspire the next generation of volleyball players,” she said. “That’s a big part of who they are. The fans just love players like Justine, not only because she’s one of the best players in her position but because she’s a wonderful person.”
The scrimmage was more than just a warm-up; it was a statement of the league’s commitment to growing the sport and expanding its reach. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, the hope is that the LeagueOne Volleyball Omaha squad will help elevate the profile of professional volleyball in the U.S., encouraging more young athletes to pursue the sport with the dream of one day playing at the highest level.
What’s Next for LeagueOne Volleyball Omaha
Looking ahead, LeagueOne Volleyball Omaha is set to kick off its official season in January 2025. The team’s first match will take place on January 10th against Houston. Omaha’s home opener will be held at the Liberty First Credit Union Arena in Ralston on January 24th, when they face Madison at 7 p.m.
The Omaha team is excited about the upcoming season and eager to build on the momentum generated by the successful scrimmage. With a talented roster, passionate fan support, and a mission to inspire the next generation of volleyball players, LeagueOne Volleyball Omaha is poised to make a significant impact in the world of professional sports.
As the league grows and evolves, it’s clear that the future of volleyball in the United States is looking brighter than ever. For fans in Grand Island and beyond, the scrimmage on Saturday was just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable journey for LeagueOne Volleyball Omaha.
