OMAHA, Neb. — The Omaha Supernovas, the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, announced today the addition of Blake Rawlins to the 2026 coaching staff as an assistant coach. An elite talent-development specialist, Rawlins joins the organization while continuing in his role as Director of Coach and Player Development for Volleyball Club Nebraska (VCN).
“I’m fired up to join the Omaha Supernovas as an Assistant Coach this season and be a part of their winning culture," said Rawlins. "I’m excited to bring my experience in athlete development and high-level competition to this talented group of players. I want to sincerely thank John Cook and Luka Slabe for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to thank my coaching mentors, Hugh McCutcheon, Keegan Cook, and my mom for shaping my coaching journey with their guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support. I can’t wait to get started!”
Over the past three seasons, Rawlins has played a key role in helping VCN rise to a top-50 national club ranking. This season, he will lead the VCN 17 Elite team, fresh off a top-eight Open finish at the USA Volleyball National Championships, and will continue to serve as lead coach for the College Prep program. Rawlins also consults for multiple Division I programs across the country.
“We are excited to welcome Blake Rawlins to the Omaha Supernovas,” head coach Luka Slabe said. “Blake brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to our coaching staff. His exceptional understanding of the game, paired with his ability to teach and inspire players, makes him an invaluable addition.”
Before joining VCN, Rawlins spent 11 years with Top Select Volleyball Academy in Florida as Director of Player Development and Recruiting Coordinator, helping the club achieve a top 25 national ranking. His collegiate coaching experience includes contributing to Minnesota’s Big Ten championship and Final Four appearance in 2015. In 2017, he served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Women’s U21 National Team, and he spent eight seasons as an assistant coach at Embry-Riddle in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Career Highlights & Accomplishments
- Two-time Open National Champion
- Two-time Open National Runner-up
- Open National third-place finish
- 11 top-10 Open National finishes
- 22 USAV Open National Qualifier top-three finishes
- Nine USAV Open National Qualifier first-place finishes
- Trained more than 160 athletes who went on to compete at the collegiate level
- Developed multiple top-tier recruits, including three ranked among the top three nationally
At VCN
- 2025 Qualified: 16 Open
- 2024 Qualified: 15 Open, 17 Open
- 2023 Qualified: 14 Open
Rawlins joins a coaching staff led by Slabe, who also serves as an assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team and helped guide the U.S. Women’s National Team to its first Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo Games in 2020. Returning alongside Rawlins is assistant coach Thomas Robson, entering his third season with the Supernovas after helping the franchise to the inaugural MLV Championship in 2024 and the league’s regular-season title in 2025.
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Season tickets for the 2026 season are on sale now! With John Cook joining the Supernovas as general manager, 2025 MLV Outside Hitter of the Year Brooke Nuneviller back on the court, and hometown All-Americans Merritt Beason of Nebraska and Norah Sis of Creighton joining the lineup, there’s never been a better time to be a Supernovas Season Ticket Member. Secure your seats today at Supernovas.com!
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About the Omaha Supernovas
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.