OMAHA, Neb. -- In cooperation with the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF), Nebraska Pro Volleyball is bringing a women’s professional team to Omaha.

Tuesday, the Omaha-based team, led by Head Coach Shelton Collier, added two prominent defensive forces to the roster: super star defensive standout Kendall White and Oregon All-American phenom Brooke Nuneviller.

White is currently playing as a libero with the USA National team in the Volleyball Nations League Tournament in Brazil.

Last week, Nuneviller was on the National Team’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) roster as a libero/outside hitter when the USA team went undefeated in Turkey. 

“Both Kendall and Brooke are currently in training with our USA National Team, and both are considered two of the best passers and defenders in the game,” Collier said. “There are only four liberos training and traveling with the USA National team now, and we just signed two of them, which is awesome news for our Omaha franchise. While assembling our team, two of my first phone calls were to Brooke and Kendall because it is essential to build a culture around players who are so competitive and who have had so much success.” 

Collier continued by saying, “All championship teams need a stud libero, and Kendall fits that bill. Brooke has the proven ability to be a high-level attacker, plus she has amazing backcourt skills, so both players add tremendous value to our roster.” 

On signing to Nebraska Pro Volleyball, White said, “I am beyond excited to announce my commitment to play professional volleyball in Omaha. Having played in the Big Ten, I know the passion Nebraskans have for this sport and feel lucky to soon be surrounded by that. I want to win and plan to do so with Shelton Collier and this group of women. I have been in constant communication with our coach since his first day and with his dedication to us already, I know he is just as passionate. I am more than ready to make a statement in Omaha and for Omaha this year. Let’s get it.” 

White is a 2023 and 2022 USA Women’s National Team player, a three-time All-American (2017, 2018 and 2019), is the first player in Penn state University’s history to twice earn a Big Ten “Defensive Player of the Year” title, was unanimous all Big Ten selection from 2017 to 2019, holds the program record at Penn State for career digs at 1,994, and was the Indiana Gatorade “Player of the Year” in 2016.

Following her decorated career at Penn State, White played two years in France with Terville-Florange OC where she set numerous defensive records. White is currently a member of the USA Women’s National Team. 

On signing White to Nebraska Pro Volleyball, Collier said, “Kendall had an amazing career at Penn State, and was a human highlight reel with her defensive plays and emotional celebrations. She has worked hard and earned herself a spot as one of the top liberos on the USA National Team. She has proven herself to be an exceptional passer at the collegiate and national team level. She was my first choice as libero for our Omaha team and we are looking forward to having her competitive spirit driving our team.” 

On signing with Nebraska Pro Volleyball, Nuneviller said, “Playing in the U.S. was always something that I had interest in, but after speaking with Omaha’s Coach Shelton Collier, I realized how much this team really has to offer. He has not only built a team with incredible talent, but also drive and passion for the game. Aside from volleyball, the opportunities that the Pro Volleyball Federation has to offer excites me. From growing connections with the owners involved to accelerating the popularity of professional volleyball in the States, I know I will be able to benefit from even more aspects outside of volleyball. I am extremely optimistic that American professional volleyball will continue to grow into something special.” 

Nuneviller is a USA Women’s National Team member, making her senior national team debut in 2023 Volleyball Nations League (VNL).

Nuneviller has represented USA volleyball in the youth, junior, collegiate, and now senior Women's National team training in Anaheim, California.

She was an All-American at the University of Oregon as a libero and outside hitter, a libero on U.S. junior and youth national teams, a 2021 Women’s Collegiate National Team member, a 2020 Women’s Collegiate National Team member, and a 2019 and 2018 Women’s Junior National Team player. 

She finished her most recent professional season at Nilufer Belediyespor in Turkey.

She is also a three-time All-American at the University of Oregon, and a 2021 Pacific Northwest “Player of the Year,” a three-time Pac-12 team member.

She made two Elite 8 appearances at the University of Oregon, was the only player in the Pac-12 to receive offensive and defensive player of the week in the same week, and was the only player in the Pac-12 to finish a career with more than 2,000 digs and more than 1,500 kills. 

On signing Nuneviller to Nebraska Pro Volleyball, Collier said, “While at Oregon, Brooke was one of the most enjoyable and entertaining players to watch in the country because of her high-level skills, court vibe and competitive intensity. She has great charisma and outstanding leadership qualities and has proven she can consistently outplay taller opponents at the net. We expect that she will have value as a strong attacker as well as be a huge influence with our defense and serve reception.” 

The Pro Volleyball Federation is expected to launch its first season in early 2024. Six of the markets have been announced: Omaha, Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando, Grand Rapids and Columbus, and are currently building their teams.