By Myah French OMAHA, Ne.- For the first time, Omaha hosted the Athletes Unlimited Pro Volleyball Championship, bringing the top volleyball players in the country and passionate fans together for fast-paced, high-energy competition at Liberty First Credit Union Arena in Ralston.
Athletes Unlimited, founded in 2021, is a professional women’s volleyball league that flips the traditional format. Instead of fixed teams and seasons, players draft new teammates each week, earning individual points for every play and team win. The structure rewards both teamwork and individual performance, keeping the intensity high from the first serve to the final point.
Omaha’s stop marks the fifth season of the league and the first time the championship has come to Nebraska. The event drew fans eager to see familiar faces from local programs like the Omaha Supernovas, Nebraska Huskers, and Creighton Bluejays.
For Brooke Nuneviller, outside hitter for the Omaha Supernovas and AU competitor, the chance to compete in front of Nebraska fans is something special.
“I consider Omaha my home now,” Nuneviller said. “Anytime I get to play here its special”
Beyond the excitement of the matches, Nuneviller said she values what the league represents for women’s sports and the next generation of players. “That’s the reason I play, really,” she said. “Obviously this is my career, but it’s about being that role model for younger players, something I never had growing up.”
Fans in the stands felt that inspiration, too. Brooke Zwebner, an 18-year-old volleyball player and longtime fan, said the experience was a full-circle moment.
“I always thought it was really cool to watch professional and college volleyball growing up,” Zwebner said. “It’s so fun to be here now and see little kids around.”
The championship not only highlighted the level of talent but brings out the community’s passion for women’s volleyball.
From the pros on the court to the fans filling the stands, It has proved the city’s enthusiasm for the sport and that the future of professional volleyball in the U.S. is looking brighter than ever.
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