By Nebraska Sports Council
KEARNEY, Neb. — The Nebraska NetFest Singles & Mixed Doubles Pickleball Championships and the Nebraska NetFest Volleyball State Championships took place Oct. 17–19, 2025, at the new Kearney SportsPlex, bringing together athletes from across the state for a weekend of spirited play.
This year’s NetFest Pickleball tournament welcomed 50 participants across all divisions, while NetFest Volleyball saw impressive growth with 72 teams competing in three divisions — an increase of nearly twenty teams from last year.
NetFest Volleyball featured close, high-level matches throughout the weekend. In the 7th/8th Gold Division, the Central City Bison claimed victory over the Palmyra Panthers in two tightly contested sets, 25–18 and 27–25. In the 5th/6th Gold Division, the Freedman 6th defeated the TC Trojans in two sets, 25-10 and 25-10. In the 3rd/4th Gold Division, the Palmyra Panthers secured a hard-fought two-set win against Amherst Red, 25–20 and 25–23.
NetFest Pickleball featured several returning champions and exciting matchups. In the 3.5 Mixed Doubles Division, Charles Roberson and Hayley Malcom of Lincoln captured gold for the second consecutive year, defeating Patrick McIlnay and Melissa Morrison of Kearney in the championship match. The 3.75 Mixed Doubles Division also saw a repeat titleholder, as Shane Trujillo and Sasha Zulkoski of Grand Island earned back-to-back gold with a win over Carol Roberts and Kevin Wood of North Platte.
The Kearney SportsPlex, is a premier facility featuring 12 hardwood volleyball courts, four indoor pickleball courts and expansive spectator seating. Its modern amenities helped deliver an outstanding experience for athletes and fans alike.
Nebraska NetFest Pickleball and Volleyball is presented by Visit Kearney and hosted by Kearney SportsPlex and the City of Kearney Park and Recreation. Contributing partners include AKRS Equipment / John Deere, New West Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Surgery, Nebraska Volleyball Academy, Edgewater Insurance + Real Estate, The Chicken Coop, MCL Construction and Younes Hospitality.
Nebraska NetFest is organized by the Nebraska Sports Council, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality competition for amateur athletes of all ages and skill levels while promoting healthy and active lifestyles.
Platinum partners of the Nebraska Sports Council include FMNE Insurance, Grand Island Tourism, Nebraska Orthopaedic Center and Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln.