OMAHA, Neb. — The Omaha Supernovas, the world’s leading professional volleyball franchise, are set to open their 2026 season Thursday, Jan. 8, at the CHI Health Center against the San Diego Mojo. First serve will be at 7 p.m. CST and carried statewide on Nebraska Public Media and the Supernovas Radio Network. Fans outside the state can watch live on MLV’s YouTube channel.
Thursday’s match sponsor is Body Armor.
Game Details vs. San Diego
Matchup: Omaha Supernovas (0-0) vs. San Diego Mojo (0-0).
When: Thursday, Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. CST.
Where: CHI Health Center, Omaha, Neb.
Listen: Supernovas Radio Network / Supernovas App
Season Series: First of four meetings, one of two at CHI Health Center.
All-Time Series: Omaha leads 5-4 (April 12, 2025, last matchup, 3-1 SD).
Game Details at Columbus
Matchup: Omaha Supernovas (0-0) at Columbus Fury (0-0).
When: Saturday, Jan. 10 at 6 p.m. CST.
Where: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio.
Watch: MLV YouTube Channel / Supernovas App
Listen: Supernovas Radio Network / Supernovas App
Season Series: First of four meetings, one of two at Nationwide Arena.
All-Time Series: Omaha leads 7-1 (April 25, 2025, last matchup, 3-2 OMA).
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The franchise enters a new era under head coach Luka Slabe, who joins the Supernovas after helping guide the U.S. Women’s National Team to its first-ever gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games as an assistant coach. The Slovenian also assisted the Americans in winning three consecutive FIVB Volleyball Nations League titles. Slabe currently serves as an assistant coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team and will continue in that role during the offseason as he helps prepare the squad for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The Supernovas built their 2026 roster on a blend of returning stars and fresh talent. Reigning league Outside Hitter of the Year Brooke Nuneviller enters her fourth professional season and third in Omaha, earning All-League First Team honors in each of the past two years. Outside hitter Reagan Cooper (3.49 kills per set last season), opposite Emily Londot (2.78 K/S), libero Allison Holder, and middle blocker Toyosi Onabanjo also re-signed, setting a new franchise record for the largest group of returners.
Omaha also welcomed back setter Sydney Hilley, who was named the league’s inaugural Postseason MVP after her first season with the Supernovas in 2024. Hilley spent the 2025 campaign with the Indy Ignite, earning MLV Setter of the Year honors before returning to Omaha. Two-time reigning MLV Libero of the Year Morgan Hentz arrives from Atlanta, joined by former Nebraska All-American opposite Merritt Beason. Beason reunites with her best friend, middle blocker Leyla Blackwell, another former Husker who comes to Omaha after her rookie season with the San Diego Mojo.
Creighton legend Norah (Sis) TeBrake signed with the Supernovas after winning the 2025 MLV Championship with the Orlando Valkyries, where she was drafted No. 3 overall. Former Creighton teammate Elise Goetzinger also joins the roster, making her professional debut after sitting out last season to complete her education.
In-state talent was a priority during the offseason, as the Supernovas selected local Creighton middle Kiara Reinhardt with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 MLV Draft. Reinhardt hit .435 to lead the BIG EAST and earned AVCA Second Team All-American honors in 2025. Drafted No. 15 overall in the second round, former Pittsburgh setter Brooke Mosher will spend her rookie season in Omaha after leading the Panthers to their fifth straight NCAA National Semifinal appearance, earning Second Team All-American recognition alongside Reinhardt.
Team USA veteran outside hitter Sarah Parsons signed as a free agent during the summer and will see her first professional action since giving birth to her first child last January. Middle blocker Janice Leao also joins the Supernovas after signing from Columbus, where she set a Supernovas opponent record with eight blocks in a single match as a member of the Fury last season.
San Diego enters the match in a similar transition, as first-year head coach Alisha Childress makes her debut in Omaha on Thursday night. The Mojo lost their top two scorers from 2025 but return All-League libero Shara Venegas and standout rookie outside hitter Maya Tabron. Two-time All-League Second Team setter Marlie Monserez will run the offense after departing Atlanta, while former Supernovas middle Kayla Caffey headlines a group of offseason additions that includes opposite Jovana Brakočević (Indonesia), Taylor Sandbothe (LOVB Madison), Marin Grote (Grand Rapids), Hayden Kubik (Tennessee), and Allison Jacobs (Michigan).
Columbus head coach Ángel Pérez enters his third season and remains one of four active head coaches from the league’s inaugural 2024 season. After finishing last in 2025, the Fury aim to rebound following the signing of setter Ashley Evans, who played in Italy last season after competing for Grand Rapids in 2024. Evans will look to establishconnections with outside hitter Raina Terry (2.55 K/S) and highly touted rookie Flormarie Heredia Colon from Miami, who led the NCAA in kills (719), points (815), kills per set (6.25), and points per set (7.09) for much of the season.
PRESEASON HONORS
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The Supernovas were voted to finish second in the 2026 MLV Preseason Poll, garnering 43 points and three first-place votes — which is only behind the defending champion Orlando Valkyries (46 points, 5 votes).
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Seven players were named to the Preseason All-League Team, with Omaha’s Brooke Nuneviller and Morgan Hentz representing the franchise. It marked Nuneviller’ssecond straight preseason all-league selection, while Hentz made MLV history as one of only two players to earn the honor in three consecutive seasons, joining former Atlanta teammate Leah Edmond.
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Omaha have been projected to finish inside the top three in all three league preseason polls — first in 2024 and third in 2025.
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The Supernovas are the lone team in MLV history to receive first-place votes in all three seasons.
MLV Preseason Poll
| 1. | Orlando Valkyries | 46 Pts (5) |
| 2. | Omaha Supernovas | 43 Pts (3) |
| 3. | Indy Ignite | 39 Pts |
| 4. | Atlanta Vibe | 27 Pts |
| 5. | Grand Rapids Rise | 24 Pts |
| 6. | Dallas Pulse | 21 Pts |
| 7. | San Diego Mojo | 15 Pts |
| 8. | Columbus Fury | 9 Pts |
MLV Preseason All-League Team
*— Number of career MLV preseason honors
Brooke Nuneviller, OH, Omaha Supernovas**
Morgan Hentz, L, Omaha Supernovas***
Leah Edmond, OH, Atlanta Vibe***
Azhani Tealer, OPP, Indy Ignite*
Leketor Member-Meneh, OH, Indy Ignite*
Brittany Abercrombie, OPP, Orlando Valkyries**
Chompoo Guedpard, S, Orlando Valkyries*
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Every Supernovas match this season can be heard on the Supernovas Radio Network, led by its flagship station KCRO 660 AM as part of Walnut Media. The SRN can be heard in five states with the support of its affiliates in KXCB Bluffs Country 106.5 FM, Boomer Radio 106.7 FM, ESPN Tri Cities, KNCY in Nebraska City, KGMT in Fairbury and KSID-AM in Sidney.
Take your fandom to the next level with Supernovas season tickets, which are available for as low as $125 for the season and can be purchased here!
Featuring exciting new giveaways and the return of fan-favorite themes, the 2026 Supernovas promotional schedule will once again deliver pro volleyball’s best in-venue experience. Explore the full promo slate and match start times here.
To receive Supernovas updates, news and ticket information, download the official Supernovas App by clicking this link.
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.
About Major League Volleyball
Major League Volleyball, entering its third season, is the longest-running formal professional volleyball league for women in the United States. Designed to elevate the sport through world class competition, commercial innovation, and cultural relevance, MLV brings together elite athletes, visionary leadership and global ambition. With alignment to USA Volleyball and a commitment to Olympic development, MLV serves as the premier pathway from professional play to the world stage. For more information, visitProVolleyball.com.