Omaha pro volleyball team signs former Nebraska, Wisconsin players

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Nebraska Pro Volleyball announced the first two players on its roster on Monday.

The Omaha-based team signed Sydney Hilley, a 6-foot setter and former Wisconsin Badger, and Gina Mancuso-Prosoki, a 6-foot-1 outsider hitter and former Husker.

Mancuso-Prosoki – a Bellevue native – has 10 years of professional play and coaching experience, according to a press release.

Head coach Shelton Collier, who was announced as the team’s head coach last week, praised the former Husker.

“Gina is coming off a strong season playing in the international professional league in Puerto Rico and will certainly add value to our Omaha team in many ways both on and off the court,” he said in a press release.

During her time at Nebraska, Mancuso-Prosoki earned All-American first- and second-team honors.

“Being chosen in the first-ever major professional women’s volleyball league in the United States is an incredible honor with immense significance, pride and excitement,” she said in the release. 

Hilley, who helped lead Wisconsin to a national championship in 2021, has been playing professionally since graduating.

“Sydney has many impressive personal qualities and volleyball skills, and having a high-level setter who has already led teams to championships on the biggest stage is a huge plus as we look forward to building the team around her and her leadership,” Collier said. 

While at Wisconsin, Hilley also helped the Badgers secure three Big Ten Championships.  She is also the all-time assist leader at the university.

“Nebraska fans are known for their immense passion and unwavering dedication to volleyball,” Hilley said. “Their support will undoubtedly be a tremendous source of motivation for me and the team.”

Omaha’s team is part of the Pro Volleyball Federation, which is expected to launch its first season in January.

So far, six teams have been announced: Omaha, Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando, Grand Rapids and Columbus.

Nebraska Pro Volleyball is owned by Omaha businessman Danny White and singer Jason Derulo.