OMAHA, Neb. -- Women's professional volleyball will be coming to Omaha in 2024. 

Nebraska Pro Volleyball will be working together with the Pro Volleyball Federation to bring women's professional volleyball to the city.  

On Tuesday, the Omaha-based team announced head coach Shelton Collier, revered for his knowledge of the game and respect for players, who brings more than 40 years of coaching experience and coaching education at the national, international and Olympic levels. 

“This is a tremendous opportunity to coach in Omaha, the premier volleyball market in the country," said Collier. "It is especially exciting for our players to have a passionate fan base and unique resources that will allow our players to have an exceptional experience here.” 

Team co-owner and global music sensation Jason Derulo said, “Volleyball fans know Nebraska is THE place to be for women’s volleyball. Launching this new League is a key moment in athletic history and for volleyball fans throughout Nebraska, Iowa and the world. Having a top-notch coach lead our players will give us an additional advantage for our sensational pro volleyball team in Omaha.” 

Collier is a 2022 American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame inductee and has been one of the most successful coaches in collegiate volleyball. 

He is ranked seventh in career NCAA victories with 1,118 total wins and a career winning percentage of .790. 

He most recently completed a highly successful 21-year career at Wingate University in Charlotte, N.C., with a 553-90 overall record, while going 310-37 in conference play. 

Before Wingate, Collier coached for nine seasons at the University of Pittsburgh and 11 years at Georgia Tech, with 567 wins at the DI level. 

He also has a rich history with USA Volleyball. From 1988-2001, Collier was assistant coach with the USA Women’s National Team and accompanied the team to the 1988 Olympic games in Seoul Korea. 

From 2002 through 2014, Collier served USA Volleyball as the head coach of the USA Youth National Team and USA Junior National team, taking both squads to world championship events. 

Collier was the first international coach for Nebraska icon and MVP of the 2022 Olympics, Jordan Larson, on the Youth National Team in 2003. 

Collier has had a life-long passion for volleyball and was an All-American setter for Ohio State University. 

“Shelton Collier is an exceptional fit for the head coaching position for the Omaha pro volleyball franchise. He has had consistent success at the collegiate and international level and his relationship with USA Volleyball will be an advantage for players who join the team," said Terry Pettit, former University of Nebraska-Lincoln Women's Volleyball coach. "Volleyball fans in Nebraska will appreciate the attention to detail from Coach Collier they have come to love from the collegiate teams in the state.” 

The Omaha-based team is owned by Jason Derulo, Danny White and Chris Erickson. 

“As a Nebraska native, I understand the importance of volleyball in our state," said Erickson. "We have a responsibility to put an exceptional team on the court and Coach Collier has the passion and experience to deliver on that promise.” 

“Coaches play a critical role in bringing out the best in players and the team," White said. "Coach Collier already has an incredible core group of top players who have committed to our Omaha team. We are looking forward to Coach finalizing a phenomenal roster with additional free agents as well as drafting talented collegiate players in November.” 

Collier spoke about the League.  

“The Pro Volleyball Federation is unique and special in bringing a new level of financial support for players," Collier said. "The ownership groups in every city have committed resources for travel, salaries and facilities at a level that has never been done before in the U.S. For the first time ever, volleyball players in our country will truly be treated and paid as professional athletes and will not have to go overseas to make a living playing the sport they love.” 

The Pro Volleyball Federation is expected to launch its first season in late January 2024. 

Six of the markets have been announced: Omaha, Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando, Grand Rapids and Columbus.