A change in Nebraska volleyball over the last week has the potential to completely alter the sport’s future in the United States. The iconic Jordan Larson led the rebranding of LOVB Omaha to LOVB Nebraska, which is much more than just a name change; it’s a declaration of intent. Having already established a legendary career, Larson has made a bold move into ownership, putting her legacy and vision into a team that will bring supporters from all over the state together.
Larson is taking on this leadership role in a way that is especially novel for female athletes. Female athletes holding equity positions in major sports teams is already uncommon. But in this case, she’s combining ambition and genuineness by joining the front office while still playing, which is remarkably similar to what Serena Williams did with her venture capital after tennis.
This change coincides with a pivotal moment in Larson’s life. Her playing days are coming to an end, as she openly admitted. She is creating a future that not only maintains her ties to the sport but also strengthens them, particularly for the upcoming generation, by becoming a member of the ownership team. The participation of Kirsten Bernthal Booth, the Creighton team’s all-time winning coach and current President of Business Operations, significantly enhances her move. They are creating a powerful combination together, each contributing unique yet incredibly complimentary experiences.
LOVB Nebraska Team Overview and Key Figures
Category | Details |
---|---|
Team Name | LOVB Nebraska |
Former Name | LOVB Omaha |
Founded | 2023 |
League | LOVB Pro (League One Volleyball) |
Home Arenas | Baxter Arena, Liberty First Credit Union Arena |
Major Rebrand | August 2025 – led by Jordan Larson |
Ownership Highlight | Jordan Larson (4-time Olympic medalist) |
Business President | Kirsten Bernthal Booth (former Creighton coach) |
Notable Player | Lexi Rodriguez (Libero, Nebraska) |
Key International Stars | Laura Dijkema (Netherlands), Kimberly Drewniok (Germany), etc. |
Official Website | lovb.com/teams/lovb-omaha-volleyball |

Booth, who is used to planning college events, is adjusting to the business world with ease. She acknowledges that she has always been the kind of leader who questions the status quo. She underlined that she used to encourage departments to think of new ideas for everything from ticketing to promotions. Now, LOVB Nebraska’s strategy is driven by the same mentality: experimenting with novel concepts, interacting with communities, and improving the fan experience.
The goal of LOVB Nebraska’s transition from a city-based to a statewide identity is to become a highly adaptable team that represents communities like Kearney, Grand Island, and Scottsbluff in addition to playing for Omaha. For fans in smaller towns who have long felt a connection to Nebraska’s rich volleyball history, this identity expansion is especially advantageous. In the same way that college football in the state has always brought people together regardless of location, this team now aims to embody that same spirit.
The excitement surrounding Lexi Rodriguez, the defensive powerhouse who might rejoin the team in 2026, is what makes this moment even more thrilling. Her possible return would give LOVB Nebraska the kind of celebrity power that inspires supporters and increases awareness, supporting the school’s goals. Rodriguez’s presence could also increase the team’s reach in light of women’s sports obtaining more mainstream sponsorships, such as LOVB’s recent collaboration with SKIMS.
In the meantime, both domestic and international talent continue to shine on the roster. LOVB Nebraska has assembled a lineup that is not only competitive but also incredibly effective in terms of performance and chemistry, with players like Laura Dijkema from the Netherlands and Kimberly Drewniok from Germany joining top American names like Audriana Fitzmorris and Madi Kubik-Banks. The league’s first season saw them finish second, but the leadership changes indicate they’re not content with that.
It’s interesting to note that John Cook, her former coach, has taken a front office position with the rival Omaha Supernovas, while Jordan Larson joins the ownership of LOVB Nebraska. With two Nebraska volleyball legends leading their respective professional teams, that creates an immensely captivating storyline that could lead to one of the most emotionally charged rivalries in women’s sports.
This seems like a very relevant moment in the larger scheme of professional sports. Athletes are increasingly investing in the very systems they used to merely play in, rather than just getting paid to do it. In this sense, LOVB Nebraska is more than just a team; it’s an example of inclusive leadership, athlete empowerment, and ownership diversity. Together with Booth’s operational oversight, Larson’s role serves as an example of how future women’s teams could be constructed from the ground up.
This rebrand offers a unifying platform for a state like Nebraska, where high schools and university gyms already feel the pulse of volleyball passion. The goal now is to spread the net throughout the entire state, not just Omaha or Lincoln. This goal is furthered by the proposal to hold games in various cities, which may also act as a template for integrating smaller markets into national sports without requiring significant infrastructure upgrades.
LOVB Nebraska’s strategy is also very clear in its long-term goal: create a lasting brand. Imagining a time when her granddaughters could play professional volleyball without having to travel overseas, Booth candidly talked about developing a sustainable model. A layer of depth not always present in startup leagues is added by that kind of vision, which is based on generational planning rather than immediate victories.
Athletes, sports business analysts, and fans are already commenting on the change. There is more than just interest as the team gets ready for its second season in January 2026—there is faith. With a roster full of talent and diversity and leadership centered around two women who know volleyball at every level, LOVB Nebraska isn’t just adapting to the professional volleyball scene. It actively molds it.