Prep Dig Nebraska’s 2026 New Year’s Resolutions

Here's to another year of volleyball.

I've been fortunate enough to be on the Prep Dig Nebraska beat since the beginning of the decade. Since then, we've shared countless memories, learning experiences, and storybook narratives on Nebraska's volleyball scene. Time flies. Things have changed. 2026 will be a remarkably compelling step in the journey.

My role with Prep Network is expanding as of today, meaning I'll be dipping into Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa a little more often. I'll share more details on that as we approach the club season. For now, I can assure you that my focus on Nebraska will not waver. This site will have the same--or more--coverage volume that you've come to expect. Of course, we're also using the new year as a launching pad for evolution and innovation. That's the crux of our latest resolutions.

Let's lay out some goals.

More Venues

This one's simple: let's go to more places and see more volleyball.

Sure, we have the traditional venues where you can expect to see me every year. I'll be at Triple Crown, Show Me, Northern Lights, and any of the other staple events on Nebraska's annual rotation. However, Great Plains Region competitors are trending toward visiting more faraway qualifiers and venues than ever before. Let's follow the crowd.

Windy City, MEQ, and Lone Star are a few of the qualifiers that have drawn increasing numbers among Nebraska's GJNC hopefuls. Because I'll be pitching in with some Kansas coverage in 2026, I'll have even more incentive to broaden my scope and include these high-profile events.

Nationals being in Indianapolis also offers a golden opportunity to fully commit to the qualifier grind. I'm ready for it. I haven't visited the Hoosier State in a few years, so it will be exciting to get back to the Circle City to cover club volleyball's biggest event. I hope to see plenty of familiar faces there (which means Nebraska teams are doing well, obviously).

What else is out there? We have an exciting Prep Dig Tournament slate coming in the first half of 2026. I'll be covering the Iowa events at a minimum, and I have some other stops on my radar. We're open to any team entries, so reach out with any questions!

That's a lot of talk about the club season, but what about the high school side? This fall's season deserves a few more travel miles, too. Our emphasis on hidden gems and rural stars will not waver in 2026, and that requires some "off the beaten path" trips away from the big cities. I'm excited to plan some small-town treks to expand our coverage footprint, especially at midseason meetings between rural powerhouses.

Expand the Database

How many players can we cover?

Every year, we've set new targets for our watch lists and player rankings. Nebraska may not have the largest player base in America, but youth participation in volleyball continues to expand. This translates to more opportunities to expand our database, and we have ambitious goals in mind.

Can we get over 1,000 players in one class? I think we can do it. It may seem like a far-fetched idea when put up against the 500-ish players we have in our current class-by-class lists, but there's always more to see. Let's set the tone when our first Class of 2029 watch list releases in a couple of weeks.

Smash Showcase Records

Showcases are still growing.

Prep Dig Circuit events are still fresh in my mind after last month's three-week tour around the Midwest. Being able to cover multiple showcases a year allows me to compare events and glean good ideas from each stop. That turns into feedback for event directors, which then translates to better showcases for everyone.

We have a lot planned for Nebraska's circuit, and we hope that comes with even bigger numbers, too. I'll be trying my hardest to promote these showcases in every way possible. It's one of our favorite ways to evaluate players and bring new names into our database, leading to a better, more complete site.

Broaden Social Media Presence

This is an ever-evolving emphasis of our coverage.

The nature of social media coverage is dynamic. New trends and sites emerge, giving us new platforms and ideas to try. 2026 will offer no shortage of opportunities to be creative and try new avenues for in-season coverage.

You can still expect the same up-to-the-minute live coverage on Twitter, but we can go further than that. Multimedia posts on Instagram should become a regular thing. We've got a camera roll full of action shots, so why not apply it to something outside the daily features?

Stay tuned for more details on this one.

Have a Little Fun along the Way

This last point was supposed to be a simple reminder for me, but I've realized it can be applied to a wider audience.

We're so lucky to share this sport in one of the best places on the planet to watch it. Being a Nebraskan has been integral in shaping my desire to cover volleyball and spotlight up-and-coming athletes in the region. I can't forget the privilege of my role.

Sometimes, I take myself too seriously and focus too hard on nailing a list of objectives. If I can learn to sit back and take in moments for what they are, that enjoyment will be reflected in my coverage. 2026 is about enjoying the ride.

And I hope you will, too. Time will pass you by so quickly, just like I can't believe how long I've already been doing this. Have fun while it's here, and I hope to be a small part of that joy in the many years to come.