Lincoln, Neb. – The 2026 NSAA Volleyball Championship opened Wednesday morning at Pinnacle Bank Arena, and the atmosphere was electric. Hundreds of local supporters, parents, and alumni gathered to cheer on Nebraska’s best high‑school girls’ volleyball teams.
Community pride fuels the tournament
“Volleyball is kind of the thing here in Nebraska now, so everyone’s getting on board and, you know, pushing that female sports are the thing right now,” said Tyler Collier, a staff member at North Star High School. Collier added that the state’s love for the sport makes the championship a “big, big deal” for families across the region.
Fans displayed creative posters and props, filling the risers of the arena with school colors and spirited chants. “Good job, Sky! Let’s go Wolves!” echoed from a group rooting for a standout Elkhorn North player.
Teams and coaches celebrate the moment
North Star’s matchup against Southwest was highlighted by Collier, who reflected on last year’s runner‑up finish. “Seeing them play club volleyball, and I know how hard they work to be in this moment and be in this opportunity to try to run it back and get to another championship game and hopefully win it this year,” he said.
Former Husker women’s volleyball star and current coach Danny Busboom‑Kelly also attended, underscoring the tournament’s role in fostering future talent. “These girls all know each other, so that makes it another huge connection for this tournament. You’re not just watching your team, you’re watching girls that play together and now they’re playing against each other,” Busboom‑Kelly noted.
High‑quality competition across all classes
According to tournament observer Cory Vandenberg, the field this year is exceptionally strong. “In all classes, not just Class A, it’s B, Class C, they’re nationally rated teams in this entire tournament. It’s unbelievable,” he said, emphasizing the depth of talent from small‑town schools to larger programs.
Family members arrived in droves, turning the event into a community celebration as much as a sporting contest. The presence of former collegiate athletes and coaches highlighted the pathway from high‑school competition to higher‑level play.
Looking ahead
The championship will conclude Saturday with the final matchups at John Cook Arena in the Devaney Center. Tickets and player profiles are available through the NSAA website at nsaahome.org.
As the tournament progresses, local supporters continue to rally behind their teams, reinforcing Nebraska’s growing reputation as a hotbed for high‑school volleyball excellence.
Original reporting: KLKN-TV – News, Weather and Sports for Lincoln, Nebraska — read the source article.
