In 2000, Tony Carrow set out to create more opportunities for athletes in the region and launched Nebraska Elite Volleyball. What began with four teams and a clear commitment to athlete development quickly gained momentum. The club has since grown into one of the premier programs in the region, producing hundreds of college commits and numerous top-10 national finishes.

In its early years, Nebraska Elite trained in local school gyms while steadily building its presence. The club later became the first in the Omaha area to secure a dedicated facility, moving into the Westroads Club in Midtown Omaha and establishing a consistent training home for its athletes.

As growth continued, Nebraska Elite relocated to the Union Bank & Trust Sports Complex, where it operates today. The club also became the first in Nebraska to install Teraflex flooring, reinforcing its commitment to providing a premier training environment.

Nebraska Elite has expanded significantly from its original four teams. Leadership, including Tony Carrow, Andrew Wehrli, Sami Hansen, Kristen Shively, Mary Pat Taylor, Michele North, and Amanda Carrow, continues to advance the club’s founding mission: creating opportunities, developing athletes, and strengthening the volleyball community.

The Union Bank & Trust Sports Complex serves as a hub for youth sports and community events, expanding access to high-quality training and competition opportunities. Nebraska Elite hosts a fall league that attracts teams from across the state, averaging more than 150 teams across five dates. The club also hosts the ASICS President’s Day Classic, which generates more than $10 million in annual economic impact.

“This past year has been one of extraordinary growth, impact, and innovation within our club and across our state. We also reached a historic milestone with a record 51 teams competing this club season. This reflects the trust families place in our training, the strength of our culture, and the commitment of our Coaches and staff,” said Director of Operations and Events Tony Carrow.

The Fall League reached the highest participation in program history, drawing teams from across Nebraska, including groups traveling more than two hours to compete. Teams consistently cite the elevated level of play, competitive environment, and overall event experience as reasons they return.

Nebraska Elite leadership played a critical role in advancing two amendments to state law, transforming legislation originally deemed unconstitutional into a fully constitutional, game-changing resource for nonprofit organizations. This effort required sustained advocacy, including engagement with consultants and lobbyists, to ensure the bill could fulfill its intended purpose.

Pictured Above: Club Leaders and Family at the Nebraska State Capital for the Governor’s Presentation

To date, 17 organizations have submitted applications for funding, with nine advancing through the final committee and awaiting approval. After more than 16 months since the initial committee hearing, an additional amendment was developed and approved by the finance committee. The bill is now on the floor awaiting final approval. This amendment requires a vote within 30 days of a hearing or the project is automatically approved, applying retroactively to applications already heard.

This progress is expected to accelerate project approvals and deliver meaningful benefits to sports organizations and communities across Nebraska. As a result, youth sports programs now have greater access to funding opportunities for new facilities and arenas, with 17 organizations already pursuing this pathway.

Nebraska Elite Volleyball is proud of the impact this effort has created for athletes, families, and communities. This year reflects not only success on the court, but lasting progress for youth sports across Nebraska.

The club emphasizes long-term athlete development built on technical training, purposeful repetition, teamwork, and a commitment to the game. Programs are designed to teach fundamentals, decision-making, and volleyball IQ while promoting discipline, work ethic, and character. Athletes train in structured environments where progress is tracked and instruction is tailored to skill level.

Pictured Above: Q&A with the MLV Omaha Supernovas

Nebraska Elite remains focused on competing at the highest national levels while expanding development opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities. The club is committed to preparing players for collegiate volleyball and long-term success through sport.

Seventy-four Nebraska high school graduates are on Division I volleyball rosters, including 22 from the Class of 2025 (HuskerOnline, 2025). Of those, 23 athletes—31 percent—are from Nebraska Elite. Since 2015, the club has placed 128 athletes at the collegiate level. During the 2025–2026 season, more than 800 athletes are training within Nebraska Elite programs.

Nebraska Elite Volleyball continues to set the standard for excellence in athlete development, competition, and community impact. With a clear vision and sustained commitment to growth, the club is positioned to expand opportunities, elevate performance, and shape the future of volleyball across Nebraska and beyond.

Nebraska Elite Volleyball based in Elkhorn, Nebraska, is a member of Junior Volleyball Association, an organization dedicated to enhancing the junior volleyball experience for Club Directors, Coaches, players, and fans.

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