Omaha Athletics announced the addition of a dedicated sports scientist and support unit last Friday. Dr. Billy Lozowski will head the department as the athletic department’s first-ever sports scientist. The sports science unit will work with the Mavericks’ athletics programs through research, data analysis and performance optimization to enhance student-athletes’ athletic performance and mitigate the risk of injury.
The Omaha Supernovas are elevating their partnership with Project Harmony Child Advocacy Center for the 2026 season. Project Harmony will once again serve as the presenting sponsor of the Rising Stars Kids Club, which experienced a 300-percent increase in membership from 2024 to 2025. Kids Club members received complimentary tickets to five Supernovas home matches during the 2025 season in an effort to expand reach and accessibility of volleyball in the region.
New for 2026, Project Harmony will spearhead the franchise’s first-ever Blue Out Night, which will take place on an April home match at the CHI Health Center. With support from Kiewit, Blue Out Night will shine a spotlight on National Child Abuse Prevention Month, observed each April.
Former Bluejays Ryan Kalkbrenner and Jamiya Neal started off their NBA careers strong, helping the Charlotte Hornets win the NBA Summer League championship on Sunday. The feat foreshadows a bright future in the Queen City, as the trophy is the first-ever in the Hornets’ history. Charlotte has never won a Southeast Division, Eastern Conference or NBA title.
Ryan Kalkbrenner shined all Summer League, giving Hornets fans a glimpse of the talent and winning plays that he will bring to their young roster. Kalkbrenner averaged 9.7 points and 5.5 rebounds over six games and posted a game-high 15 points and nine rebounds when it mattered most on Sunday. Jamiya Neal did not play in Sunday’s championship game and will look to prove the value he can bring in training camp.
Creighton volleyball senior Ava Martin was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s (AVCA) National Player of the Year Watch List on Tuesday. According to Creighton Assistant Athletic Director Rob Anderson, Martin’s 56 aces last season placed her second in the Big East and were the second-most in Creighton single-season history. Martin is one of 30 players on the list and the only Big East player revealed on Tuesday. Ten players are revealed each day through today, Thursday, July 24.
Union Omaha defeated Texoma FC in a group stage match of the USL Cup Wednesday night, 3-1. The final game of group stage play will be this Saturday, when the Owls welcome El Paso Locomotive FC. After group stage play, a draw will set matchups for the single-elimination knockout rounds, which begin three weeks later. The USL Jägermeister Cup will conclude with the Final on the weekend of Oct. 4.
The Omaha Storm Chasers are behind 0-2 in a series at the Syracuse Mets, falling 3-4 Tuesday and 4-8 Wednesday. The Storm Chasers have the opportunity to climb back tonight at 5:35 p.m. Omaha will return to Werner Park next week for a series against the Louisville Bats.
Upcoming Games
- Omaha Storm Chasers at Syracuse Mets | July 22 – July 27 | 5:35 p.m. Tonight
- Union Omaha vs. El Paso Locomotive FC | Saturday, July 26 | 7 p.m.
- Omaha Storm Chasers vs. Louisville Bats | July 29 – August 3
