Omaha Supernovas' president becomes co-owner of team

The Omaha Supernovas have added a familiar face to their ownership ranks.

Diane Mendenhall was announced Friday as a new co-owner of the professional volleyball team.

Mendenhall, who has been with the team since its inception and is the current president, will transition after the season to the role of franchise advisor.

“When we launched the Supernovas, we were truly building the airplane while flying it – chasing a dream that had never been successfully realized before in the United States,” Mendenhall said in a news release. “Looking back, I am incredibly proud of what this organization has become and the role it has played in shaping the future of our sport as a global leader in professional volleyball.”

Taking over for Mendenhall will be Amanda Sjuts, who has been hired as special advisor to the president and president-in-waiting.

Sjuts played for Nebraska from 2006-2009. She was then known as Amanda Gates and helped the Huskers win the 2006 national championship.

“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve, lead and make an impact on the Supernovas and the sport of professional volleyball,” Sjuts said in the release. “From wearing the Husker jersey to playing professionally to coaching, volleyball has been instrumental in shaping who I am. I am excited to give back to the game that has given me so much and honored to represent this trailblazing league, franchise, team and NovasNation as the next president of the Supernovas.”

The Supernovas’ announcement came one day after Omaha’s other professional volleyball team, LOVB Nebraska, announced it was adding five new owners.

By way of full disclosure, Nebraska Public Media has a broadcast partnership with the Omaha Supernovas.