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

After making a run to the final four in the NCAA tournament in 2024, Nebraska Volleyball is set to begin its 2025 campaign as the No. 1 ranked team in the country in the preseason AVCA Coaches Poll.

The Huskers collected 1,490 points in the poll and edged just ahead of Big Ten foe Penn State, which earned the No. 2 spot. Following the two Big Ten schools, Pittsburgh got the third-most points and earned the No. 3 preseason ranking. Louisville and Texas rounded out the preseason top five at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively.

This announcement marks NU's 109th week all-time at the top of the AVCA Coaches Poll, which leads all programs around the country. It's the first time since the 2022 season when the Huskers began a campaign as the preseason No. 1 rank. In that season, Nebraska lost in five sets to the No. 9 seeded Oregon Ducks in the NCAA Louisville Regional to end its season in early December.

The Huskers begin the 2025 season with some challenging opponents. Nebraska will match up with 12 preseason top-25 teams throughout the regular season, starting with two back-to-back clashes with No. 3 Pittsburgh and No. 6 Stanford on August 22 and August 24, respectively. These two matches are set to take place in the AVCA First Serve event at Pinnacle Bank Arena in downtown Lincoln.

Nebraska also begins its first season under new head coach Dani Busboom Kelly. She inherits a roster with high-level returning talent, like two-time Big Ten Setter of the Year, Bergen Reilly. The South Dakota-native will have plenty of offensive options to rely on as well.

Outside hitter Harper Murray and middle blocker Andi Jackson are back for their junior seasons for the Scarlet and Cream. Both of them return after All-Big Ten First Team distinctions a season ago. Middle blocker Rebekah Allick, defensive specialist Laney Choboy and outside hitter Taylor Landfair are expected to be high-level contributors at John Cook Arena this season too.

Newcomers, like pin hitters Ryan Hunter and Teraya Sigler, and middle blocker Kenna Cogill, will provide high-level depth for this Nebraska program that has consistently had starting-caliber reserves for the past few years.

With the season less than three weeks away, Husker Nation is excited for the new-look Nebraska Volleyball team under Busboom Kelly. The expectations remain high for this nationally-recognized program after earning the top spot in the preseason coaches poll.

Panhandle Post by Jake Schrantz<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722955829746.jpeg" alt="Nebraska Volleyball (UNL Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Nebraska Volleyball (UNL Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>After making a run to the final four in the NCAA tournament in 2024, Nebraska Volleyball is set to begin its 2025 campaign as the No. 1 ranked team in the country in the preseason AVCA Coaches Poll.The Huskers collected 1,490 points in the poll and edged just ahead of Big Ten foe Penn State, which earned the No. 2 spot. Following the two Big Ten schools, Pittsburgh got the third-most points and earned the No. 3 preseason ranking. Louisville and Texas rounded out the preseason top five at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively.This announcement marks NU's 109th week all-time at the top of the AVCA Coaches Poll, which leads all programs around the country. It's the first time since the 2022 season when the Huskers began a campaign as the preseason No. 1 rank. In that season, Nebraska lost in five sets to the No. 9 seeded Oregon Ducks in the NCAA Louisville Regional to end its season in early December.The Huskers begin the 2025 season with some challenging opponents. Nebraska will match up with 12 preseason top-25 teams throughout the regular season, starting with two back-to-back clashes with No. 3 Pittsburgh and No. 6 Stanford on August 22 and August 24, respectively. These two matches are set to take place in the AVCA First Serve event at Pinnacle Bank Arena in downtown Lincoln.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726752169705.jpeg" alt="Husker Volleyball" />
 <figcaption>Husker Volleyball</figcaption>
 </figure>Nebraska also begins its first season under new head coach Dani Busboom Kelly. She inherits a roster with high-level returning talent, like two-time Big Ten Setter of the Year, Bergen Reilly. The South Dakota-native will have plenty of offensive options to rely on as well.Outside hitter Harper Murray and middle blocker Andi Jackson are back for their junior seasons for the Scarlet and Cream. Both of them return after All-Big Ten First Team distinctions a season ago. Middle blocker Rebekah Allick, defensive specialist Laney Choboy and outside hitter Taylor Landfair are expected to be high-level contributors at John Cook Arena this season too.Newcomers, like pin hitters Ryan Hunter and Teraya Sigler, and middle blocker Kenna Cogill, will provide high-level depth for this Nebraska program that has consistently had starting-caliber reserves for the past few years.With the season less than three weeks away, Husker Nation is excited for the new-look Nebraska Volleyball team under Busboom Kelly. The expectations remain high for this nationally-recognized program after earning the top spot in the preseason coaches poll.

Husker Volleyball Earns No. 1 Spot on AVCA Preseason Coaches Poll

The Omaha Supernovas have brought on volleyball legend and four-time collegiate national champion&nbsp;John Cook&nbsp;as Co-Owner and General Manager of the organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“After more than 30 years of coaching, I knew I wanted the next chapter to be just as impactful and becoming the General Manager of the Omaha Supernovas is exactly that opportunity," said Cook.

"I’ve spent my career helping grow the game at the college level, and now I have the chance to take that knowledge and apply it in a new way, with the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise. The energy around our sport has never been higher, and the Supernovas are at the forefront of that momentum. There's no better place than Nebraska, and no better organization than the Supernovas, to help take this sport to the next level."&nbsp;&nbsp;

In what marks one of the most monumental signing in professional volleyball history, Cook will help lead all team operations, including player and coaching staff signings, as the Supernovas prepare for the free agency period, slated to begin Thursday, August 7 at 4 p.m. CDT, and build toward a run at the&nbsp;MLV Championship, with regular season action set to start in January 2026.

Cook will report to and collaborate closely with&nbsp;Team President Diane Mendenhall,&nbsp;whose continued leadership of the front office and external operations has helped propel the Supernovas to No. 1 in the world in professional volleyball average attendance for two consecutive seasons.

The foundation of this reunion was laid 25 years ago, when Cook hired Mendenhall as he took the reins of Nebraska Volleyball in 2000, first-ever Director of Operations, making her just the third person in NCAA history to hold a dedicated operations role in volleyball.&nbsp;

"I’ve always cherished my relationship with Coach Cook, and it’s incredibly special to be reuniting with him,” said. Mendenhall.

“It’s a full-circle moment, as he was the one who brought me to Nebraska when he took over volleyball program in 2000. I was there with him from the beginning and saw firsthand how he built it into the national powerhouse we see today. Being part of that foundation shaped how we approached building the Supernovas, and we leaned on that same blueprint at the pro level. His, vision, experience, and winning mentality is unmatched, and I’m thrilled to be working alongside Coach Cook again as he helps&nbsp;elevate Major League Volleyball to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s most elite professional sports leagues.”

One of the most successful coaches in collegiate athletics history, Cook announced his retirement from Nebraska Volleyball in January after 25 years in Lincoln and 32 seasons as a college head coach. In 2000, Cook took the reins from legendary coach&nbsp;Terry Pettit,&nbsp;who had an instrumental role in building the Supernovas’ 2024 championship-winning roster and continues to have a meaningful influence on the franchise today. Cook went on to transform the Huskers into a national powerhouse, elevating the sport of volleyball in Nebraska and across the country.&nbsp;

His ambitious vision for the program led to Nebraska’s move to the Devaney Center in 2013, creating one of the sport’s most electric home venues while expanding the team’s reach through annual spring exhibitions across the state. In 2023, Cook helped orchestrate one of the biggest spectacles in sports history: Volleyball Day in Nebraska, which drew 92,003 fans to Memorial Stadium, earning worldwide recognition and setting a global record for the largest-attended women’s sporting event. The event also marked one of the Supernovas’ first major public appearances, where Mendenhall and the franchise were recognized during the festivities.

Cook compiled an 883–176 (.834) career record, the fifth-best winning percentage in NCAA Division I volleyball history. He led Nebraska to four national championships, 12 NCAA Semifinal appearances, nine Big 12 titles, and five Big Ten titles. He is also one of only three coaches in history to earn the AVCA National Coach of the Year award three times.&nbsp;

A hallmark of Cook’s coaching philosophy was elite player acquisition and development. Over his career, he mentored five future Olympians, three AVCA National Players of the Year, 72 AVCA All-Americans, and 10 conference players of the year.

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 href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001F1ICyCmJOENTtV190QrGBd7Q4J6k3EWC2MgOo0o9LqKQhKLDsnuBA9-Shl5rHMKihzFnaJ068250GtFxbHp_RABE2u3px-bU8pw4Yz7dmrmhFcpZW5ot01DAC114-a2gVfy2P8By1pdbdfB_1-K6f1Fnt1szp4Hb4eGs-uCd76MKNgGrTmdDb8qAliCxHO5x&amp;c=VEX-jvrwduIqfDi5rMX5hLQtXqe-ruVZfunGqj1g8PsPxG1SYcKfiw==&amp;ch=hZ4opCjhTERUErCXY9XcJs0mTH1-fMUOH1QbTT32qusbIzAQHoqxpg==" target="_blank">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 href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001F1ICyCmJOENTtV190QrGBd7Q4J6k3EWC2MgOo0o9LqKQhKLDsnuBA-M0806fBwXjFHCQbBamw8jVV9CQRDWPZCn3juycOB9fafSmwH0jmkYX9x-6iDYdAjaTaaFrROF9_x5mgl5ou1njxngsBt_7TzYWwkrSFftwZXOoeZ2UUk3OdB4gOLbcKQ==&amp;c=VEX-jvrwduIqfDi5rMX5hLQtXqe-ruVZfunGqj1g8PsPxG1SYcKfiw==&amp;ch=hZ4opCjhTERUErCXY9XcJs0mTH1-fMUOH1QbTT32qusbIzAQHoqxpg==" target="_blank">link</a>.

About the Omaha Supernovas&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Omaha Supernovas are the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, competing in Major League Volleyball (MLV). Over the past two seasons, the Supernovas have been No. 1 in the world in professional volleyball attendance, drawing unmatched crowds to the CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha. As the driving force in professional volleyball, the Supernovas are redefining success in women’s sports through elite performance, commercial innovation, strategic brand building, and an unwavering commitment to NovasNation and the broader community across Omaha, Nebraska, and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

About Major League Volleyball&nbsp;&nbsp;

Major League Volleyball 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/2020/11/1605207543684.jpeg" alt="John Cook - Husker Athletics Credit" />
 <figcaption>John Cook - Husker Athletics Credit</figcaption>
 </figure>The Omaha Supernovas have brought on volleyball legend and four-time collegiate national champion&nbsp;John Cook&nbsp;as Co-Owner and General Manager of the organization.&nbsp;&nbsp;“After more than 30 years of coaching, I knew I wanted the next chapter to be just as impactful and becoming the General Manager of the Omaha Supernovas is exactly that opportunity," said Cook."I’ve spent my career helping grow the game at the college level, and now I have the chance to take that knowledge and apply it in a new way, with the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise. The energy around our sport has never been higher, and the Supernovas are at the forefront of that momentum. There's no better place than Nebraska, and no better organization than the Supernovas, to help take this sport to the next level."&nbsp;&nbsp;In what marks one of the most monumental signing in professional volleyball history, Cook will help lead all team operations, including player and coaching staff signings, as the Supernovas prepare for the free agency period, slated to begin Thursday, August 7 at 4 p.m. CDT, and build toward a run at the&nbsp;MLV Championship, with regular season action set to start in January 2026.Cook will report to and collaborate closely with&nbsp;Team President Diane Mendenhall,&nbsp;whose continued leadership of the front office and external operations has helped propel the Supernovas to No. 1 in the world in professional volleyball average attendance for two consecutive seasons.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716205441907.jpeg" alt="Omaha Supernovas" />
 <figcaption>Omaha Supernovas</figcaption>
 </figure>The foundation of this reunion was laid 25 years ago, when Cook hired Mendenhall as he took the reins of Nebraska Volleyball in 2000, first-ever Director of Operations, making her just the third person in NCAA history to hold a dedicated operations role in volleyball.&nbsp;"I’ve always cherished my relationship with Coach Cook, and it’s incredibly special to be reuniting with him,” said. Mendenhall.“It’s a full-circle moment, as he was the one who brought me to Nebraska when he took over volleyball program in 2000. I was there with him from the beginning and saw firsthand how he built it into the national powerhouse we see today. Being part of that foundation shaped how we approached building the Supernovas, and we leaned on that same blueprint at the pro level. His, vision, experience, and winning mentality is unmatched, and I’m thrilled to be working alongside Coach Cook again as he helps&nbsp;elevate Major League Volleyball to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s most elite professional sports leagues.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746460158279.png" alt="Omaha Supernovas" />
 <figcaption>Omaha Supernovas</figcaption>
 </figure>One of the most successful coaches in collegiate athletics history, Cook announced his retirement from Nebraska Volleyball in January after 25 years in Lincoln and 32 seasons as a college head coach. In 2000, Cook took the reins from legendary coach&nbsp;Terry Pettit,&nbsp;who had an instrumental role in building the Supernovas’ 2024 championship-winning roster and continues to have a meaningful influence on the franchise today. Cook went on to transform the Huskers into a national powerhouse, elevating the sport of volleyball in Nebraska and across the country.&nbsp;His ambitious vision for the program led to Nebraska’s move to the Devaney Center in 2013, creating one of the sport’s most electric home venues while expanding the team’s reach through annual spring exhibitions across the state. In 2023, Cook helped orchestrate one of the biggest spectacles in sports history: Volleyball Day in Nebraska, which drew 92,003 fans to Memorial Stadium, earning worldwide recognition and setting a global record for the largest-attended women’s sporting event. The event also marked one of the Supernovas’ first major public appearances, where Mendenhall and the franchise were recognized during the festivities.Cook compiled an 883–176 (.834) career record, the fifth-best winning percentage in NCAA Division I volleyball history. He led Nebraska to four national championships, 12 NCAA Semifinal appearances, nine Big 12 titles, and five Big Ten titles. He is also one of only three coaches in history to earn the AVCA National Coach of the Year award three times.&nbsp;A hallmark of Cook’s coaching philosophy was elite player acquisition and development. Over his career, he mentored five future Olympians, three AVCA National Players of the Year, 72 AVCA All-Americans, and 10 conference players of the year.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 href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001F1ICyCmJOENTtV190QrGBd7Q4J6k3EWC2MgOo0o9LqKQhKLDsnuBA9-Shl5rHMKihzFnaJ068250GtFxbHp_RABE2u3px-bU8pw4Yz7dmrmhFcpZW5ot01DAC114-a2gVfy2P8By1pdbdfB_1-K6f1Fnt1szp4Hb4eGs-uCd76MKNgGrTmdDb8qAliCxHO5x&amp;c=VEX-jvrwduIqfDi5rMX5hLQtXqe-ruVZfunGqj1g8PsPxG1SYcKfiw==&amp;ch=hZ4opCjhTERUErCXY9XcJs0mTH1-fMUOH1QbTT32qusbIzAQHoqxpg==" target="_blank">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 href="https://db9xbvgbb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001F1ICyCmJOENTtV190QrGBd7Q4J6k3EWC2MgOo0o9LqKQhKLDsnuBA-M0806fBwXjFHCQbBamw8jVV9CQRDWPZCn3juycOB9fafSmwH0jmkYX9x-6iDYdAjaTaaFrROF9_x5mgl5ou1njxngsBt_7TzYWwkrSFftwZXOoeZ2UUk3OdB4gOLbcKQ==&amp;c=VEX-jvrwduIqfDi5rMX5hLQtXqe-ruVZfunGqj1g8PsPxG1SYcKfiw==&amp;ch=hZ4opCjhTERUErCXY9XcJs0mTH1-fMUOH1QbTT32qusbIzAQHoqxpg==" target="_blank">link</a>.About the Omaha Supernovas&nbsp;&nbsp;The Omaha Supernovas are the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, competing in Major League Volleyball (MLV). Over the past two seasons, the Supernovas have been No. 1 in the world in professional volleyball attendance, drawing unmatched crowds to the CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha. As the driving force in professional volleyball, the Supernovas are redefining success in women’s sports through elite performance, commercial innovation, strategic brand building, and an unwavering commitment to NovasNation and the broader community across Omaha, Nebraska, and beyond.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;About Major League Volleyball&nbsp;&nbsp;Major League Volleyball 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.

John Cook Joins Omaha Supernovas as Co-Owner and General Manager

Story by NU Athletic Communication

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

KEARNEY, Neb. – Loper fans will notice several updates to the game day experience at the University of Nebraska at Kearney starting with the Sept. 6 home football opener against Chadron State.

To enhance safety and improve stadium operations, UNK is implementing a&nbsp;no re-entry policy&nbsp;and a new&nbsp;bag-check policy&nbsp;to streamline security at entrances. Additional details will be announced before the season kicks off.

Another change this fall is the introduction of alcohol sales inside Cope Stadium during football games. The University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved the option for alcohol sales at NU athletic venues in October 2024, and UNK is moving forward with a plan that emphasizes responsibility, safety and the fan experience.

“Offering beer and other alcoholic beverages in a regulated and responsible manner is a positive step for our program and our fans,” said UNK Athletic Director Marc Bauer.

“We’ve allowed alcohol consumption in our Loper Fan Fest Tailgate area for years with no incidents. This policy allows us to extend that experience inside the stadium while prioritizing safety and fan behavior.”

At this time, alcohol sales will be limited to football games and will be evaluated for other sports in the future.

UNK will work with a licensed third-party vendor to manage alcohol sales. Staff will be trained and required to follow all local and state regulations. Alcohol will be sold beginning when gates open and ending at the conclusion of the third quarter.

Alcohol may be consumed in both home and visitor seating areas but will not be permitted in the south end zone grass area or the designated Kids Zone, which will remain alcohol-free and family friendly.

No re-entry will be allowed. Fans who leave the stadium at any point during the game will not be permitted to return.

To purchase alcohol, fans must be 21 or older and present a valid government-issued ID. Wristbands will be issued at ID check stations and a two-drink limit per purchase will be enforced. Alcohol must be served in original, non-glass containers.

“This is about adding to the fan experience while remaining committed to safety, accountability and compliance,” Bauer said. “We’re doing this the right way.”

In alignment with UNK’s mission to support student wellness, 5 percent of annual revenue from alcohol sales will fund alcohol education and counseling programs through Student Health and Counseling.

The policy prohibits bringing alcohol into or out of the stadium. Disorderly behavior or visible intoxication may result in removal from the venue and possible legal consequences. Any violations involving students or employees will be referred to the appropriate university offices.

The policy will be reviewed annually, with input from university leadership and law enforcement. Additional signage and messaging will promote responsible behavior throughout the season.

By UNK Communications<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754407922615.jpeg" alt="Cope Stadium (courtesy UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Cope Stadium (courtesy UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>KEARNEY, Neb. – Loper fans will notice several updates to the game day experience at the University of Nebraska at Kearney starting with the Sept. 6 home football opener against Chadron State.To enhance safety and improve stadium operations, UNK is implementing a&nbsp;no re-entry policy&nbsp;and a new&nbsp;bag-check policy&nbsp;to streamline security at entrances. Additional details will be announced before the season kicks off.Another change this fall is the introduction of alcohol sales inside Cope Stadium during football games. The University of Nebraska Board of Regents approved the option for alcohol sales at NU athletic venues in October 2024, and UNK is moving forward with a plan that emphasizes responsibility, safety and the fan experience.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754407962166.jpeg" alt="Marc Bauer (courtesy UNK Athletics)" />
 <figcaption>Marc Bauer (courtesy UNK Athletics)</figcaption>
 </figure>“Offering beer and other alcoholic beverages in a regulated and responsible manner is a positive step for our program and our fans,” said UNK Athletic Director Marc Bauer.“We’ve allowed alcohol consumption in our Loper Fan Fest Tailgate area for years with no incidents. This policy allows us to extend that experience inside the stadium while prioritizing safety and fan behavior.”At this time, alcohol sales will be limited to football games and will be evaluated for other sports in the future.UNK will work with a licensed third-party vendor to manage alcohol sales. Staff will be trained and required to follow all local and state regulations. Alcohol will be sold beginning when gates open and ending at the conclusion of the third quarter.Alcohol may be consumed in both home and visitor seating areas but will not be permitted in the south end zone grass area or the designated Kids Zone, which will remain alcohol-free and family friendly.No re-entry will be allowed. Fans who leave the stadium at any point during the game will not be permitted to return.To purchase alcohol, fans must be 21 or older and present a valid government-issued ID. Wristbands will be issued at ID check stations and a two-drink limit per purchase will be enforced. Alcohol must be served in original, non-glass containers.“This is about adding to the fan experience while remaining committed to safety, accountability and compliance,” Bauer said. “We’re doing this the right way.”In alignment with UNK’s mission to support student wellness, 5 percent of annual revenue from alcohol sales will fund alcohol education and counseling programs through Student Health and Counseling.The policy prohibits bringing alcohol into or out of the stadium. Disorderly behavior or visible intoxication may result in removal from the venue and possible legal consequences. Any violations involving students or employees will be referred to the appropriate university offices.The policy will be reviewed annually, with input from university leadership and law enforcement. Additional signage and messaging will promote responsible behavior throughout the season.

UNK sets game day changes ahead of Sept. 6 football opener

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.

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.

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.

Bolt adds Kyle Nicholson to Husker Baseball Staff

The Nebraska soccer team is set to travel to Brookings, S.D., to face the South Dakota State Jackrabbits in an exhibition match on Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;Following the contest at SDSU, the Huskers will host an exhibition against the Colorado State Rams at Barbara Hibner Stadium on Friday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. (CT). That game will be streamed on B1G+. Admission is free for fans.Quick Notes

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska soccer team is set to travel to Brookings, S.D., to face the South Dakota State Jackrabbits in an exhibition match on Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. (CT).&nbsp;Following the contest at SDSU, the Huskers will host an exhibition against the Colorado State Rams at Barbara Hibner Stadium on Friday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. (CT). That game will be streamed on B1G+. Admission is free for fans.Quick Notes<ul>
 <li>NU has 11 regular-season home games scheduled for its 11th season at Hibner Stadium in 2025, which includes five non-conference matches and six Big Ten contests. Additionally, the Big Red will host one exhibition.</li><li>Nebraska grabbed victories over Drake, Iowa State and Wyoming during the 2024 spring season.</li><li>NU returns 10 letterwinners from last season, along with sixth-year Reagan Raabe. Raabe was injured in both 2023 and 2024, but was a third-team All-Big Ten honoree in 2021 and 2022.</li><li>The Huskers welcome 15 newcomers in 2025, including 13 freshmen and two transfers. Alyse Then previously competed at Daytona State and SUNY, while Jo Sees comes to the Big Red from Kansas State.&nbsp;</li><li>Last season, goalie Cece Villa ranked second in the Big Ten with 4.89 saves per game.</li><li>During the 2024 season, the Huskers averaged 1,437 fans per game at Hibner Stadium, second most in Husker history and 11th in the nation. NU added a total attendance of 12,933, which ranked 18th nationally.</li><li>Head Coach John Walker enters his 32nd season, alongside assistant coaches Savanah Anderson-Baer (third season), Ian Bridge (10th season) and Dan Ball (first season). Walker has a 371-203-62 record in his career and has coached all 31 seasons in Nebraska soccer history.</li>
 </ul>Scouting the Jackrabbits<ul>
 <li>South Dakota State finished the 2024 season with a 15-5-2 overall record and 5-2-1 mark in conference play. The Jackrabbits won their second straight Summit League tournament championship last season. SDSU fell to Minnesota in the opening round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament.</li><li>After facing NU, South Dakota State will take on Iowa Lakes Community College on Friday, Aug. 8 in another exhibition match.&nbsp;</li><li>Head coach Brock Thompson is in his ninth season with the Jackrabbits. He holds a 108-30-22 record at SDSU and is 174-79-32 in his career.</li>
 </ul>

Huskers take on Jackrabbits in first Exhibition Match

University of Nebraska Athletics and Conference USA announced Monday (Aug. 4) that the Husker women’s bowling program will join CUSA as an affiliate member beginning with the 2025-26 season.

Nebraska is one of three affiliate members joining Conference USA in bowling for the 2025-26 season, along with Wright State and Sacred Heart. The 12-team bowling conference also includes Arkansas State, Jacksonville State, Louisiana Tech, Sam Houston, Tulane, Valparaiso, Vanderbilt, Wichita State and Youngstown State.

“We are excited to have Nebraska Bowling join Conference USA as an affiliate member,” Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen said. “The move aligns with our department’s philosophy of putting our programs in the best position to compete for success at the national level. In two seasons, CUSA has become the premier conference in college bowling, and the additions of Nebraska, along with Sacred Heart and Wright State, only make it stronger. This will provide our student-athletes with a championship-level event prior to the NCAA Championships. We have a long history of success in bowling, and I know Coach Klempa and his team are looking forward to the opportunity to compete for conference championships for the first time in program history.”

“We are honored to be afforded the opportunity to join Conference USA as an affiliate member,” Bowling Head Coach Paul Klempa said. “This bowling conference is unequivocally the strongest group of teams in the country, and we are excited to be included in what will be fierce competition each season. CUSA includes a large portion of the&nbsp;top-10&nbsp;teams in the country and is a natural fit for Nebraska to be among them in conference competition. The opportunity to join CUSA allows us to compete in late March, right before the NCAA postseason begins, and that will help our team be competitively sharp for the NCAA Championship.&nbsp; I would like to thank Athletic Director Troy Dannen and our administration for their help in getting Nebraska Bowling included in the most prestigious bowling conference in the country.”

The Huskers, who had been independent since the program elevated to varsity status during the 1997-98 season, will join what is the toughest conference in college bowling.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the two seasons since it sponsored women’s bowling, Conference USA has had back-to-back NCAA champions (Youngstown State in 2025, Jacksonville State in 2024) and seven of the eight national semifinalists. The only team outside CUSA to reach the national semifinals was the Huskers in 2025. The schools now competing in CUSA have accounted for 12 of the 21 NCAA titles, including four of the last five since 2021.

The Nebraska bowling program has enjoyed unparalleled success since becoming a varsity sport during the 1997-98 season. The Huskers have won eight national championships, including six NCAA titles since women’s bowling became an NCAA Championship sport in 2004.&nbsp; The Huskers have finished first or second 10 times in 21 all-time NCAA Championships and are the only program to compete in every NCAA Championship. Nebraska has had nine bowlers combine for 12 National Bowler-of-the-Year honors since 2000, most recently Jillian Martin in 2025, while 34 bowlers have combined to earn 74 All-America awards since 1998. Under Head Coach Paul Klempa, Nebraska has a trio of&nbsp;top-three&nbsp;NCAA finishes over the past five seasons, including the program’s sixth NCAA title in 2021.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsUniversity of Nebraska Athletics and Conference USA announced Monday (Aug. 4) that the Husker women’s bowling program will join CUSA as an affiliate member beginning with the 2025-26 season.Nebraska is one of three affiliate members joining Conference USA in bowling for the 2025-26 season, along with Wright State and Sacred Heart. The 12-team bowling conference also includes Arkansas State, Jacksonville State, Louisiana Tech, Sam Houston, Tulane, Valparaiso, Vanderbilt, Wichita State and Youngstown State.“We are excited to have Nebraska Bowling join Conference USA as an affiliate member,” Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen said. “The move aligns with our department’s philosophy of putting our programs in the best position to compete for success at the national level. In two seasons, CUSA has become the premier conference in college bowling, and the additions of Nebraska, along with Sacred Heart and Wright State, only make it stronger. This will provide our student-athletes with a championship-level event prior to the NCAA Championships. We have a long history of success in bowling, and I know Coach Klempa and his team are looking forward to the opportunity to compete for conference championships for the first time in program history.”“We are honored to be afforded the opportunity to join Conference USA as an affiliate member,” Bowling Head Coach Paul Klempa said. “This bowling conference is unequivocally the strongest group of teams in the country, and we are excited to be included in what will be fierce competition each season. CUSA includes a large portion of the&nbsp;top-10&nbsp;teams in the country and is a natural fit for Nebraska to be among them in conference competition. The opportunity to join CUSA allows us to compete in late March, right before the NCAA postseason begins, and that will help our team be competitively sharp for the NCAA Championship.&nbsp; I would like to thank Athletic Director Troy Dannen and our administration for their help in getting Nebraska Bowling included in the most prestigious bowling conference in the country.”The Huskers, who had been independent since the program elevated to varsity status during the 1997-98 season, will join what is the toughest conference in college bowling.&nbsp;&nbsp;In the two seasons since it sponsored women’s bowling, Conference USA has had back-to-back NCAA champions (Youngstown State in 2025, Jacksonville State in 2024) and seven of the eight national semifinalists. The only team outside CUSA to reach the national semifinals was the Huskers in 2025. The schools now competing in CUSA have accounted for 12 of the 21 NCAA titles, including four of the last five since 2021.The Nebraska bowling program has enjoyed unparalleled success since becoming a varsity sport during the 1997-98 season. The Huskers have won eight national championships, including six NCAA titles since women’s bowling became an NCAA Championship sport in 2004.&nbsp; The Huskers have finished first or second 10 times in 21 all-time NCAA Championships and are the only program to compete in every NCAA Championship. Nebraska has had nine bowlers combine for 12 National Bowler-of-the-Year honors since 2000, most recently Jillian Martin in 2025, while 34 bowlers have combined to earn 74 All-America awards since 1998. Under Head Coach Paul Klempa, Nebraska has a trio of&nbsp;top-three&nbsp;NCAA finishes over the past five seasons, including the program’s sixth NCAA title in 2021.

Nebraska Bowling to join Conference USA as affiliate member

Toughness turns into winning.&nbsp; Chadron State wants to be a tougher football team in 2025, and that should be a catalyst to more victories, which is what all Eagle coaches, players and fans want of course.

Senior safety Dax Yeradi is a veteran ball-hawk that is locked-in for a great final ride this fall.&nbsp; The preseason All-RMAC safety keeps it pretty simple when outlining his expectations for the season, and he wants to make sure CSC doesn't lose its grip on what's made it a strong program in the past.

Last season the Eagles were 0-4 on the road, with three gut-churners coming on the final play of the game. Head Coach Jay Long wants his team to prove it has achieved next-level toughness by winning in two significant ways.

Yeradi and the CSC defense plan on doing its part to keep the Eagles in every game again this year with a ton of proven talent returning from a unit and scheme that finished 29th in total defense, and 15th in pass defense in all of Division II in 2024.

Yeradi's focus is on finding ways to get even better and he echoes Coach Long's emphasis on needing to finish it out through four full quarters.

CSC has seven road games this fall and two straight to begin the season, giving the team opportunities early and often to prove its off-season emphasis and effort has been achieved.

Check back for more coverage from RMAC Media Day and content from practices all month long as the Eagles prepare for opening kickoff.  Follow along on (X) at @DMCbroadcasting, listen on 97.5 FM &amp; 105.9 FM to my morning sports reports, and visit panhandlepost.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754059766444.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins Sports DirectorToughness turns into winning.&nbsp; Chadron State wants to be a tougher football team in 2025, and that should be a catalyst to more victories, which is what all Eagle coaches, players and fans want of course.Senior safety Dax Yeradi is a veteran ball-hawk that is locked-in for a great final ride this fall.&nbsp; The preseason All-RMAC safety keeps it pretty simple when outlining his expectations for the season, and he wants to make sure CSC doesn't lose its grip on what's made it a strong program in the past.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2140329783&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/dax-yeradi-goals-winning" title="Dax Yeradi - Goals Winning &amp; Tradition - FINAL" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Dax Yeradi - Goals Winning &amp; Tradition - FINAL</a></div></div>Last season the Eagles were 0-4 on the road, with three gut-churners coming on the final play of the game. Head Coach Jay Long wants his team to prove it has achieved next-level toughness by winning in two significant ways.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2140334772&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/jay-long-toughness-is-road-w" title="Jay Long - Toughness is Road W and 4Q Finishes - FINAL" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Jay Long - Toughness is Road W and 4Q Finishes - FINAL</a></div></div>Yeradi and the CSC defense plan on doing its part to keep the Eagles in every game again this year with a ton of proven talent returning from a unit and scheme that finished 29th in total defense, and 15th in pass defense in all of Division II in 2024.Yeradi's focus is on finding ways to get even better and he echoes Coach Long's emphasis on needing to finish it out through four full quarters.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2140338885&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/dax-yeradi-tools-and-execute" title="Dax Yeradi - Tools and Execute Till The Very End - FINAL" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Dax Yeradi - Tools and Execute Till The Very End - FINAL</a></div></div>CSC has seven road games this fall and two straight to begin the season, giving the team opportunities early and often to prove its off-season emphasis and effort has been achieved.Check back for more coverage from RMAC Media Day and content from practices all month long as the Eagles prepare for opening kickoff. Follow along on (X) at @DMCbroadcasting, listen on 97.5 FM &amp; 105.9 FM to my morning sports reports, and visit panhandlepost.com.<figure>
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Toughness and Tradition - CSC football hungry to get back to winning ways

<div><iframe title="POST PODCAST: Brent Bauer, AHS Activities Director, Talks Fall Season" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=6x3fu-192051a-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=2&font-color=auto&logo_link=episode_page&btn-skin=5" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745249428858.jpeg" alt="Former Ogallala Football Coach Brent Bauer coaching on a friday night. Bauer was the head coach at Ogallala since 2017" />
 <figcaption>Former Ogallala Football Coach Brent Bauer coaching on a friday night. Bauer was the head coach at Ogallala since 2017</figcaption>
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POST PODCAST: Brent Bauer, AHS Activities Director, Talks Fall Season

The Nebraska women's basketball team claimed special mention from the Women's Basketball Coaches Association as one of the top performing teams in the Big Ten Conference for the 2024-25 academic year.

The Huskers, who earned their third trip to the NCAA Tournament in the past four seasons, posted a program-best 3.579 grade-point average during the year. Nebraska's cumulative combined GPA under Coach&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/staff/amy-williams">Amy Williams</a>&nbsp;was the second-highest in the 18-team Big Ten, trailing only a 3.597 GPA by Illinois. Nebraska's team GPA ranked 10th among the 68 teams that qualified for the 2025 NCAA Tournament and 39th among the more than 360 NCAA Division I women's basketball schools.

Overall, 115 NCAA Division I women's basketball programs were recognized by the WBCA for carrying a 3.0 GPA or better for the 2024-25 academic year.

Top 10 Big Ten Women's Basketball Team GPAs (2024-25)

Top 10 NCAA Tournament Team GPAs (2024-25)

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationsThe Nebraska women's basketball team claimed special mention from the Women's Basketball Coaches Association as one of the top performing teams in the Big Ten Conference for the 2024-25 academic year.The Huskers, who earned their third trip to the NCAA Tournament in the past four seasons, posted a program-best 3.579 grade-point average during the year. Nebraska's cumulative combined GPA under Coach&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://huskers.com/staff/amy-williams">Amy Williams</a>&nbsp;was the second-highest in the 18-team Big Ten, trailing only a 3.597 GPA by Illinois. Nebraska's team GPA ranked 10th among the 68 teams that qualified for the 2025 NCAA Tournament and 39th among the more than 360 NCAA Division I women's basketball schools.Overall, 115 NCAA Division I women's basketball programs were recognized by the WBCA for carrying a 3.0 GPA or better for the 2024-25 academic year.Top 10 Big Ten Women's Basketball Team GPAs (2024-25)1. Illinois - 3.5972. Nebraska - 3.5793. Michigan State - 3.5304. Indiana - 3.5285. Minnesota - 3.5216. Iowa - 3.4957. Northwestern - 3.4278. USC - 3.3489. Ohio State - 3.26310. Oregon - 3.168Top 10 NCAA Tournament Team GPAs (2024-25)1. Green Bay – 3.8622. South Dakota State – 3.7603. Creighton – 3.7574. Tennessee Tech – 3.6995. Montana State – 3.6946. Iowa State – 3.6587. Lehigh – 3.6158. Illinois – 3.5979. South Florida – 3.58410. Nebraska – 3.579

Huskers earn Academic Recognition from WBCA

A common theme was shared by Chadron State representatives at RMAC Football Media Day on Thursday: It's time to show it.&nbsp; Head Coach Jay Long made that very clear in Denver.

Long, senior receiver Preston Pearson and senior safety Dax Yeradi all focused on how the team plans to improve after its 3-8 finish in 2024, and that work started immediately after the season according to Long.

CSC's program prides itself on toughness, which is essential for success in the rigorous and physical conference.&nbsp; Long says the commitment to winning more games in 2025 began in January with players "buying into the weight room" and the addition of difference-making transfers.&nbsp; He says the work ethic is "really what's showing up."&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Eagles are aiming to bolster the strength of the offensive line to find a rhythm, go deeper into the playbook and get the ball in the end zone.

Preston Pearson is a senior offensive Swiss Army knife who shared his excitement for the season and what's he's seen from the team to prepare in the offseason.

With all-conference honorable mention tight end Peter Krohn graduating, Pearson will be playing a more prominent role as tight end / H-back this season.&nbsp; He got his feet wet with the position a year ago but has primarily taken snaps at quarterback over his career, and making plays on special teams.

Check back for more coverage from RMAC Media Day, comments from pre-season all-conference safety Dax Yeradi, and content from practices all month long as the Eagles prepare for opening kickoff.&nbsp; Follow along on (X) at @DMCbroadcasting, listen on 97.5 FM &amp; 105.9 FM to my morning sports reports, and visit panhandlepost.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754059766444.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave Collins Sports DirectorA common theme was shared by Chadron State representatives at RMAC Football Media Day on Thursday: It's time to show it.&nbsp; Head Coach Jay Long made that very clear in Denver.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2140312701&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/jay-long-its-time-to-show-it" title="Jay Long - Its Time To Show It - FINAL" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Jay Long - Its Time To Show It - FINAL</a></div></div>Long, senior receiver Preston Pearson and senior safety Dax Yeradi all focused on how the team plans to improve after its 3-8 finish in 2024, and that work started immediately after the season according to Long.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2140296546&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/jay-long-we-refocused-commitment-final" title="Jay Long - We Refocused &amp; Commitment - FINAL" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Jay Long - We Refocused &amp; Commitment - FINAL</a></div></div><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754058267592.jpeg" alt="(L-to-R) Coach Jay Long, Preston Pearson, Dax Yeradi" />
 <figcaption>(L-to-R) Coach Jay Long, Preston Pearson, Dax Yeradi</figcaption>
 </figure>CSC's program prides itself on toughness, which is essential for success in the rigorous and physical conference.&nbsp; Long says the commitment to winning more games in 2025 began in January with players "buying into the weight room" and the addition of difference-making transfers.&nbsp; He says the work ethic is "really what's showing up."&nbsp;&nbsp;The Eagles are aiming to bolster the strength of the offensive line to find a rhythm, go deeper into the playbook and get the ball in the end zone.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2140302582&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/jay-long-stengthening-the-line" title="Jay Long - Stengthening the Line - FINAL" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Jay Long - Stengthening the Line - FINAL</a></div></div>Preston Pearson is a senior offensive Swiss Army knife who shared his excitement for the season and what's he's seen from the team to prepare in the offseason.<div><iframe width="100%" height="166" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" allow="autoplay" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/2140307790&color=%23601030&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=false"></iframe><div style="font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509" title="Eagle Radio" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Eagle Radio</a> · <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-814667509/preston-pearson-offseason" title="Preston Pearson - Offseason Growth on Offense" target="_blank" style="color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;">Preston Pearson - Offseason Growth on Offense</a></div></div>With all-conference honorable mention tight end Peter Krohn graduating, Pearson will be playing a more prominent role as tight end / H-back this season.&nbsp; He got his feet wet with the position a year ago but has primarily taken snaps at quarterback over his career, and making plays on special teams.Check back for more coverage from RMAC Media Day, comments from pre-season all-conference safety Dax Yeradi, and content from practices all month long as the Eagles prepare for opening kickoff.&nbsp; Follow along on (X) at @DMCbroadcasting, listen on 97.5 FM &amp; 105.9 FM to my morning sports reports, and visit panhandlepost.com.<figure>
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CSC Football at RMAC Media Day: "It's time to show it"

The Nebraska men’s tennis team has added Matt Shearer to its roster for the 2025-26 season. Shearer comes to Nebraska after a standout career at William Carey University, an NAIA school in Mississippi.

Shearer was an All-American and a three-time first-team all-conference selection at William Carey. He won more than 20 singles and 20 doubles matches over his final two seasons, posting nearly 50 combined victories during those two years.

In 2025, Shearer was an NAIA All-American who ended the year with a national singles ranking of No. 10. He was the NAIA National Player of the Week in April after a 5-0 week that included a win over the No. 7-ranked singles player. Shearer compiled an 11-1 singles record and a 13-3 doubles record in 2025. He was the Southern State Athletic Conference Championship MVP and also earned a spot on the ITA Indoor Nationals All-Tournament Team in doubles.

A team co-captain, Shearer’s play helped William Carey win the 2025 Southern State Athletic Conference championship and advance to the round of 16 of the NAIA National Championship Tournament. In 2024, Shearer recorded double-digit victories in both singles and doubles and was a first-team All-Southern State Athletic Conference selection. Shearer was also a first-team all-conference pick in 2023.

Shearer, who hopes to pursue a professional career in doubles, believes Nebraska will help him reach his goals.

“I’m transferring to Nebraska for my fifth season to experience Division I tennis and compete at a high level with a Power Four program,” Shearer said. “I’m excited to be a part of a big school environment and challenge myself against top competition.”

Head Coach Peter Kobelt said Shearer will be an excellent addition to the Husker roster.

“We are very excited about Matt joining the program this January,” Kobelt said. “He brings a lot to the table from a tennis standpoint, especially in doubles. More importantly, he’s a great person, and he’ll represent Nebraska the right way off the court as well.”

A native of Auckland, New Zealand, Shearer joins a Husker program that is coming off a record-breaking season. Nebraska finished with a top-40 national ranking for the first time in program history in 2024-25, while also setting a school record with eight Big Ten Conference victories.

Story by NU Athletic CommunicationThe Nebraska men’s tennis team has added Matt Shearer to its roster for the 2025-26 season. Shearer comes to Nebraska after a standout career at William Carey University, an NAIA school in Mississippi.Shearer was an All-American and a three-time first-team all-conference selection at William Carey. He won more than 20 singles and 20 doubles matches over his final two seasons, posting nearly 50 combined victories during those two years.In 2025, Shearer was an NAIA All-American who ended the year with a national singles ranking of No. 10. He was the NAIA National Player of the Week in April after a 5-0 week that included a win over the No. 7-ranked singles player. Shearer compiled an 11-1 singles record and a 13-3 doubles record in 2025. He was the Southern State Athletic Conference Championship MVP and also earned a spot on the ITA Indoor Nationals All-Tournament Team in doubles.A team co-captain, Shearer’s play helped William Carey win the 2025 Southern State Athletic Conference championship and advance to the round of 16 of the NAIA National Championship Tournament. In 2024, Shearer recorded double-digit victories in both singles and doubles and was a first-team All-Southern State Athletic Conference selection. Shearer was also a first-team all-conference pick in 2023.Shearer, who hopes to pursue a professional career in doubles, believes Nebraska will help him reach his goals.“I’m transferring to Nebraska for my fifth season to experience Division I tennis and compete at a high level with a Power Four program,” Shearer said. “I’m excited to be a part of a big school environment and challenge myself against top competition.”Head Coach Peter Kobelt said Shearer will be an excellent addition to the Husker roster.“We are very excited about Matt joining the program this January,” Kobelt said. “He brings a lot to the table from a tennis standpoint, especially in doubles. More importantly, he’s a great person, and he’ll represent Nebraska the right way off the court as well.”A native of Auckland, New Zealand, Shearer joins a Husker program that is coming off a record-breaking season. Nebraska finished with a top-40 national ranking for the first time in program history in 2024-25, while also setting a school record with eight Big Ten Conference victories.

Huskers add Matt Shearer to Roster

For Brent Bauer, football has been his life. For over two decades, he could be seen on the sidelines under the Friday night lights, watching his vision for his team play out on the field in front of him. Now, he is set to take on a new role at a new school.

After nearly 10 years as the head football coach at Ogallala High School, Bauer is only about a month out from his first Fall season as Activities Director for Alliance High School. This new role will allow him to have a different perspective and have more oversight over the wide variety of extracurricular activities AHS provides its students with. Bauer said a big reason for the move came with off the field priorities in mind.

"The bottom line to this transition for us was that my kids kind of needed a dad more than they needed a football coach," said the new Alliance High School Activities Director.

"I've been able to focus on being a better father and being a better husband. I'm not sure how much gains I've made in those departments, but it's been intentional to say the least."

Bauer comes to Alliance after a solid eight season stint as the head football coach in Ogallala. With three winning seasons, and four years with a record of .500 or better, Bauer's time in Ogallala can be seen as a success. The decision to come to Alliance, specifically, had a lot to do with his personal ties to the town.

"We've got some really close friends that have been in my life for a long, long time, and they're from Alliance," said the Pleasanton, Nebraska-native.

"They always spoke so highly of the community and the history here. So that was something that really made it appealing."

With so many years as a coach, Bauer said he is excited to take on this new challenge where he is responsible for more than just his team.

"That's something I really value, is being involved with an entire activity department," said Bauer.

"Being able to not only influence kids, but also influence coaches. That's a role I don't take lightly."

With this change in position also comes another very busy schedule. However, this life of long hours helping young students find what they are passionate about isn't seen as "work" for Bauer.

"I don't view it as a job, I don't view myself as busy. I really enjoy this," said the former coach.

"I use the word 'fun' a lot. I am having fun and I enjoy the new experiences. I was probably ready for some new experiences and to interact with some different people...I really value that. I took Ogallala football very personal, and now I'm taking Alliance activities very personal."

Bauer talked a lot about how important an Activities Director is to forming the culture and community of a school. He said this was one of his favorite aspects of the position. An initiative he is working on pushing at AHS is the concept of "impact players."

"You know you got to have hashtags nowadays," said Bauer.

"One of our hashtags we use in all of our social media is the term 'impact player.' We're looking to recognize kids that are making positive impacts in their programs, in our school and in our community."

This focus on the community in Alliance was a consistent point Bauer focused on. One example of this was his high praise for all the different coaches and leaders of each of the programs. But even with this confidence in their respective abilities, he said taking a more "hands-off" approach will be difficult.

"The biggest hurdle for me is going to be step back and let our coaches take whatever tools that I'm sharing with them - use (those tools) at their own customization and make it work for them," said Bauer.

"Being able to sit back and watch coaches do what they're passionate about is exciting for me. But being able to sit back and not let that enthusiasm that I have not just come pouring out of me has been kind of tough."

When thinking about his first month leading up to fall sports, Bauer said that this time is crucial for being able to have a successful season.

"You can't win a state championship in your summer, but you sure as heck can lose it," he said.

"I feel like our coaches have done everything they can to stay on pace toward having a successful season, based on whatever their definition of success is."

It can be tough to find free time in such a busy schedule. Whether it was as a coach, or now as the Activities Director for Alliance High School, Bauer said he can't get to the beach enough.

"I don't know if I miss anything in Ogallala more than Lake McConaughy - still plan to get there though," he said.

Other free time out of the office is spent reading or spending time with his family, which was a significant reason for making the career change.

As Bauer wrapped up the conversation, his mind once again went to thinking about the people of Alliance, and the importance of attending these student activities.

"We hope the community buys in as well," said Bauer.

"We're excited to see them at our activities, and looking forward to meeting as many people as we can...I think the community will like what they see with what the product of Alliance Bulldogs activities is going to be."

With golf, tennis, cross country, football and many other activities just around the corner, Bauer is set to take an important step in his journey from coach to activities director. He'll look to translate those leadership qualities he showed on the sidelines into this new role with AHS.

Panhandle Post by Jake Schrantz<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1745249428858.jpeg" alt="Former Ogallala Football Coach Brent Bauer coaching on a Friday night. Bauer was the head coach at Ogallala since 2017" />
 <figcaption>Former Ogallala Football Coach Brent Bauer coaching on a Friday night. Bauer was the head coach at Ogallala since 2017</figcaption>
 </figure>For Brent Bauer, football has been his life. For over two decades, he could be seen on the sidelines under the Friday night lights, watching his vision for his team play out on the field in front of him. Now, he is set to take on a new role at a new school.After nearly 10 years as the head football coach at Ogallala High School, Bauer is only about a month out from his first Fall season as Activities Director for Alliance High School. This new role will allow him to have a different perspective and have more oversight over the wide variety of extracurricular activities AHS provides its students with. Bauer said a big reason for the move came with off the field priorities in mind.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753805647692.jpeg" alt="Bauer and his family at Ogallala football (photo by Harry Lipsea, Keith County News)" />
 <figcaption>Bauer and his family at Ogallala football (photo by Harry Lipsea, Keith County News)</figcaption>
 </figure>"The bottom line to this transition for us was that my kids kind of needed a dad more than they needed a football coach," said the new Alliance High School Activities Director."I've been able to focus on being a better father and being a better husband. I'm not sure how much gains I've made in those departments, but it's been intentional to say the least."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753805732108.jpeg" alt="Bauer giving instruction as coach for Ogallala football (photo credit Harry Lipsea, Keith County News)" />
 <figcaption>Bauer giving instruction as coach for Ogallala football (photo credit Harry Lipsea, Keith County News)</figcaption>
 </figure>Bauer comes to Alliance after a solid eight season stint as the head football coach in Ogallala. With three winning seasons, and four years with a record of .500 or better, Bauer's time in Ogallala can be seen as a success. The decision to come to Alliance, specifically, had a lot to do with his personal ties to the town."We've got some really close friends that have been in my life for a long, long time, and they're from Alliance," said the Pleasanton, Nebraska-native."They always spoke so highly of the community and the history here. So that was something that really made it appealing."With so many years as a coach, Bauer said he is excited to take on this new challenge where he is responsible for more than just his team."That's something I really value, is being involved with an entire activity department," said Bauer."Being able to not only influence kids, but also influence coaches. That's a role I don't take lightly."With this change in position also comes another very busy schedule. However, this life of long hours helping young students find what they are passionate about isn't seen as "work" for Bauer."I don't view it as a job, I don't view myself as busy. I really enjoy this," said the former coach."I use the word 'fun' a lot. I am having fun and I enjoy the new experiences. I was probably ready for some new experiences and to interact with some different people...I really value that. I took Ogallala football very personal, and now I'm taking Alliance activities very personal."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753805795483.jpeg" alt="Bauer making a decision on a play call (photo credit Harry Lipsea, Keith County News)" />
 <figcaption>Bauer making a decision on a play call (photo credit Harry Lipsea, Keith County News)</figcaption>
 </figure>Bauer talked a lot about how important an Activities Director is to forming the culture and community of a school. He said this was one of his favorite aspects of the position. An initiative he is working on pushing at AHS is the concept of "impact players.""You know you got to have hashtags nowadays," said Bauer."One of our hashtags we use in all of our social media is the term 'impact player.' We're looking to recognize kids that are making positive impacts in their programs, in our school and in our community."This focus on the community in Alliance was a consistent point Bauer focused on. One example of this was his high praise for all the different coaches and leaders of each of the programs. But even with this confidence in their respective abilities, he said taking a more "hands-off" approach will be difficult.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753805865652.jpeg" alt="Bauer embraces his player as coach of Ogallala football (photo credit Harry Lipsea, Keith County News)" />
 <figcaption>Bauer embraces his player as coach of Ogallala football (photo credit Harry Lipsea, Keith County News)</figcaption>
 </figure>"The biggest hurdle for me is going to be step back and let our coaches take whatever tools that I'm sharing with them - use (those tools) at their own customization and make it work for them," said Bauer."Being able to sit back and watch coaches do what they're passionate about is exciting for me. But being able to sit back and not let that enthusiasm that I have not just come pouring out of me has been kind of tough."When thinking about his first month leading up to fall sports, Bauer said that this time is crucial for being able to have a successful season."You can't win a state championship in your summer, but you sure as heck can lose it," he said."I feel like our coaches have done everything they can to stay on pace toward having a successful season, based on whatever their definition of success is."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/7/1753805931028.jpeg" alt="Bauer paces the sidelines as football coach for Ogallala High School (photo credit Harry Lipsea, Keith County News)" />
 <figcaption>Bauer paces the sidelines as football coach for Ogallala High School (photo credit Harry Lipsea, Keith County News)</figcaption>
 </figure>It can be tough to find free time in such a busy schedule. Whether it was as a coach, or now as the Activities Director for Alliance High School, Bauer said he can't get to the beach enough."I don't know if I miss anything in Ogallala more than Lake McConaughy - still plan to get there though," he said.Other free time out of the office is spent reading or spending time with his family, which was a significant reason for making the career change.As Bauer wrapped up the conversation, his mind once again went to thinking about the people of Alliance, and the importance of attending these student activities."We hope the community buys in as well," said Bauer."We're excited to see them at our activities, and looking forward to meeting as many people as we can...I think the community will like what they see with what the product of Alliance Bulldogs activities is going to be."With golf, tennis, cross country, football and many other activities just around the corner, Bauer is set to take an important step in his journey from coach to activities director. He'll look to translate those leadership qualities he showed on the sidelines into this new role with AHS.