It’s going to be big. Elkhorn volleyball players will be there.
When the Nebraska women’s volleyball team plays UNO today at Memorial Stadium they will break the record for the biggest crowd to attend a women’s volleyball game and could possibly set the record for the biggest crowd ever to see a women’s sporting event, potentially passing the record of 91,648 set in March of 2022 at a women’s professional soccer championship match.
Elkhorn volleyball coach Calle Guthard said she is excited about the location and the game.
“I think the atmosphere is going to be crazy,” Guthard said. “It’s a huge opportunity for those players to be able to play in front of over 90,000 people.”
With the match outdoors at Memorial Stadium, the weather – wind, sun, humidity – could affect the game.
Sophomore Jada Freeland said the weather might be pretty impactful.
“If it’s a free ball and it’s high up, are they going to be looking into the sun and all of a sudden that ball could be down on them,” Freeland said. “When I play in the gym I can see the lights in my eyes, but I can’t imagine having to look into the sun.”
Although this is an unusual setting for a volleyball game, Elkhorn players said they can still learn a lot watching the game.
“I think their energy is really fun and I just love how they’re hyping each other up the whole time,” reserve sophomore Elisabeth Hudson said. “Their community is really good.”
The volleyball team switched today’s practice from the afternoon to the morning so players and coaches could attend.
“I actually enjoy having morning practice because you get up and you’re just awake for school,” Freeland said. “And most of us go and get Starbucks together so it’s kind of team bonding too.”
Coach Guthard said she would be watching the match for skills and ideas that can be utilized in Elkhorn’s program.
“John Cook does a great job at Nebraska and all of the little technique things that they work on we can integrate into ours,” Guthard said. “Hoping to get them out next summer and work with our program.”
