Inside the Life of a Pro Athlete in Omaha: Brooke Nuneviller and the Rise of the Supernovas

The Omaha Places podcast recently welcomed a very special guest to the mic: Brooke Nuneviller, outside hitter for the Omaha Supernovas, the city’s professional women’s volleyball team. Hosted by Cahner Olson, this episode gives listeners an inside look at the growing popularity of pro volleyball in Omaha, what it’s like to play at the highest level, and how Brooke has fallen in love with both the city and its community.

With co-host Delaney out for the week, Cahner took the opportunity to shift the focus from Omaha’s hottest hangouts to one of its rising stars in the world of professional sports. What followed was a conversation about team life, food culture, favorite local spots, and what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself.

 

From Oregon to Omaha: Brooke’s Journey in Volleyball

Brooke’s volleyball story began early. Growing up in a volleyball-loving family, she started playing the sport at just 7 years old. She went on to play at the University of Oregon, where she built an impressive collegiate career, before heading overseas to play professionally in Turkey. Eventually, she found her way to Omaha as part of the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF)—a league that only began 14 months ago and is already changing the landscape of professional women’s volleyball in the U.S.

Brooke is now in her second season with the Supernovas, and she’s loving every minute of it. “When I got here, I was really pleasantly surprised,” she shared. “The city’s bigger than I expected, and the people are the absolute best.”

 

The Rise of the Omaha Supernovas

For those unfamiliar with the Supernovas, Brooke offers a helpful breakdown: they’re part of the PVF, a brand-new league committed to growing professional women’s volleyball across the country. In just their first season, the Supernovas won the league championship, and now in their second season, they’re currently ranked first in the nation.

Despite their success, Brooke notes that many outside Nebraska still haven’t heard of the team. But locally, the support is strong. “When I walk through the grocery store wearing Supernovas gear, people always stop to talk,” she said. Omaha’s volleyball fan base—boosted by the state’s deep love for the sport—is helping the team thrive both on and off the court.

The atmosphere at home games is electric, averaging over 10,000 fans per game at the CHI Health Center. With high-energy emceeing by D. Wade and thrilling competition, Brooke says the experience of being at a Supernovas game is something fans don’t forget. “I wish I could sit in the stands and watch it myself,” she laughed.

 

A Day in the Life of a Supernova

So, what’s a typical week look like for a pro volleyball player?

According to Brooke, the team practices four days a week, especially if there are two games scheduled. Their routine includes morning practices, strength training, and travel, all within a tight block of time from around 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Outside of practice, Brooke finds joy in cooking—a hobby she’s passionate about. From prepping meals to experimenting in the kitchen, she sees cooking as a way to relax and stay grounded. “I love chopping vegetables. It just makes life easier,” she said.

She’s also big on team bonding. The players often gather to watch shows (they’re currently obsessed with The Bachelor) and enjoy dinners together. Sushi is a go-to choice for the team, with Blue Sushi Sake Grill and Yoshitomo topping the list. Yoshitomo, in particular, gets a shoutout for its authenticity and chef credentials—attracting sushi connoisseurs from far and wide.

 

Favorite Omaha Spots and Local Gems

Brooke and Cahner also swapped recommendations for local spots that have become staples for the team:

• The Capital District – A lively area downtown for food, drinks, and socializing.
• Zen Coffee – Brooke’s top pick for coffee in Omaha. She loves their unique seasonal drinks and coffee flights (especially the ones served with Belgian waffles). Their lox avocado toast also gets high praise.

Cahner introduces a few recent Omaha openings that might appeal to Brooke and the team:

• Idle Vital Living – Now with a second location, this juice and smoothie bar also offers acai bowls and accepts punch cards (even at the farmer’s market).
• Reno’s Karaoke at Blue Sky – A new venue offering private karaoke rooms, perfect for team outings. Brooke shares that last season, the team enjoyed a karaoke night at Moe and Curly’s, where she and a former teammate let loose with some unforgettable performances.

 

Community Events and Women Supporting Women

As a member of the Supernovas and a prominent athlete in the community, Brooke is a proud participant in events that empower women and support local growth. She and Cahner highlight the upcoming NFM Women’s Month Panel and Mixer Brunch on March 30th, which Brooke says she’s excited about—especially since it falls on a game day.

They also discuss the grand opening of “Set the Bar”, a women-focused sports bar in Benson that’s expected to play Supernovas games. Brooke loved the name and hopes more venues continue to support women’s sports.

 

Let the Games Continue

With upcoming home matches on Friday, March 28th at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 30th at 3:00 p.m., the Supernovas are gearing up for crucial showdowns against Grand Rapids and Las Vegas. Brooke admits there’s some “vengeance” on the line after a previous loss to Vegas, and fans can expect intense, high-level play.

Looking ahead, the team hopes to secure one of the top four league spots to qualify for the playoffs in May. If they make it, they’ll be competing in the semifinals and finals on May 10th and 12th, aiming to repeat as league champions.

 

A Final Note from Brooke

Toward the end of the episode, Brooke shares a heartfelt message for the Omaha community: “If you’ve supported us already—thank you. And if you haven’t yet, we hope to see you at a game. This city has been so special. Playing professional volleyball in the States is a dream, and Omaha has made it feel like home.”

For a young athlete who was once told she was too short or not strong enough to be an outside hitter, Brooke Nuneviller has not only proved her doubters wrong—she’s become one of Omaha’s brightest stars.

And as the Supernovas continue to rise, it’s clear that Omaha’s sports scene is more exciting—and more inclusive—than ever before.

 

This blog post is based on a transcript from the Omaha Places podcast episode released on March 25th 2025.

Brought to you by the team behind the Omaha Places Instagram and TikTok, the podcast gives you a behind-the-scenes look at running a local influencer page, insider tips on our favorite spots, and a heads-up on upcoming events to help you plan the perfect weekend in Omaha!

Edited by Grace Dunbar