Supernovas to Host Top Division II Volleyball Teams in 'Volleyball After Dark Showcase'

Nebraska-Kearney and Wayne State to face off in spring match before Supernovas' evening contest

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Omaha Supernovas, a leading professional volleyball franchise, will host a spring match between NCAA Division II powerhouses Nebraska-Kearney (UNK) and Wayne State on April 10 as part of the Supernovas' Second Annual 'Volleyball After Dark Showcase' at the CHI Health Center. The showcase aims to grow the sport of volleyball and inspire the next generation of athletes by giving them the opportunity to compete on a professional stage.

Why it matters

The showcase continues the Supernovas' commitment to supporting all levels of volleyball in Nebraska, from grassroots to the professional ranks. It also reinforces the franchise's connection to communities across the state, which has built a loyal fan base that travels from over 180 cities and towns to attend matches.

The details

The UNK-Wayne State match will precede the Supernovas' evening contest against the Grand Rapids Rise, with both matches broadcast live across Nebraska by Nebraska Public Media. UNK and Wayne State are two of the most successful Division II volleyball programs, with a combined 30 20-win seasons, four NCAA Elite Eight appearances, and one Final Four berth between them under their long-tenured head coaches Rick Squiers and Scott Kneifl.

  • The UNK-Wayne State match is scheduled for 5 p.m. CDT on April 10, 2026.
  • The Supernovas' match against the Grand Rapids Rise will follow at 8 p.m. CDT on the same day.

The players

Rick Squiers

Head coach of the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers for the past 27 seasons, leading the program to two National Runner-up finishes, four Elite Eights, and 30 combined conference regular season and tournament titles.

Scott Kneifl

Head coach of the Wayne State Wildcats for the past 21 seasons, building one of the most consistent winners in Division II volleyball with 20 20-win seasons, two NCAA Central Region titles, and one NCAA Final Four appearance.

Omaha Supernovas

The world's leading professional volleyball franchise, committed to growing the sport and inspiring the next generation of athletes.

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What they’re saying

“I couldn't be more excited for our players and community about the opportunity to showcase two of the most storied volleyball programs in NCAA Division II. We appreciate the Supernovas continued efforts to support and promote all levels of play in the state of Nebraska. We are looking forward to a great night of volleyball.”

— Rick Squiers, Head Coach, Nebraska-Kearney Lopers (thebestmix1055.com)

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to be a part of an epic showcase of top-level Division II volleyball. To be included with a high-level program like UNK makes it even more special. We can't thank the Supernovas enough for this special opportunity, and we are so excited to compete in front of NovasNation and statewide on Nebraska Public Media!”

— Scott Kneifl, Head Coach, Wayne State Wildcats (thebestmix1055.com)

What’s next

The UNK-Wayne State match on April 10 will be a precursor to the Supernovas' evening match against the Grand Rapids Rise, with both contests broadcast live across Nebraska by Nebraska Public Media.

The takeaway

The Supernovas' 'Volleyball After Dark Showcase' demonstrates the franchise's commitment to growing the sport at all levels in Nebraska, from supporting top Division II programs to inspiring the next generation of athletes through opportunities to compete on a professional stage.