KANSAS CITY, MO – As the League One Volleyball (LOVB) professional enterprise looks ahead to growing the fan base and awareness of the six franchises currently playing in North America, the organization sees the wisdom in tending to the roots of the game.
That’s why the Omaha team took time at Camp Friday during the TC NIT event to run an instructional session at the Kansas City Convention Center ahead of the LOVB Classic tournament, which kicked off later Friday at Municipal Auditorium.
Campers (96 in all) held up their end of the bargain by enthusiastically tackling the drills and assignments directed by the Omaha roster, which featured a deep lineup of college stars, U.S. Olympians and others who currently star in the six-team LOVB pro league.
“I saw something on Instagram about the LOVB team being here, and I thought was pretty cool … I sent my mom the info, she signed me up, and this was really cool,” said Isabella Kompaniez, 16, who plays for United Volleyball Club out of southern California. “What I got was, I made some new friends, and some extra reps before the tournament which should be helpful. And just to see and meet those (professional) athletes, to get their perspective.
“I was really nervous, didn’t know anyone here. I just tried to put myself out there, out of my comfort zone … I talked to people, and it was fun to cheer for everybody.”
Baked into much of LOVB’s messaging is the aspiration to make professional volleyball in the States a reliable and trusted option for those who can make the cut, and to complete the circle that all begins with these young club student-athletes who look to sharpen their skills and make their way into college volleyball as the next stop.
“I’m enjoying the process … it’s a lot, but I’m just excited for what’s to come in the future of the sport,” said Jordan Larson, a dominant collegiate star at Nebraska and a two-time Olympic medalist. “To be in it, be a part of it and seeing the pieces come together has been rewarding. How can I help the next generation make this sport be one of greatest ones?
“It’s cool to see so many young players wanting to play long-term. We can show them what that looks like and get it in front of them. When I was growing up, it was harder to see, just aware enough of the national team but not about how to get there. It’s very special to be here.”
