On Wednesday, August 30 , the 2023 Nebraska Women’s Volleyball team beat Omaha 3-0 in front of a crowd of 92,003 people, setting an attendance record for the largest women’s sporting event in all of history. This game was not only one for the history books, but an eye opener for the world of women’s sports, specifically volleyball. 

 In 1977, Terri Peditt was the head coach of the program, his leadership changed the trajectory for the program and volleyball in general. By scheduling the games after football, students would stay and watch, boosting volleyball’s attendance records. These strategies helped the program gain popularity and establish itself as a program. 

Flash forward to 2023. There is a deep seeded rivalry between Nebraska and Wisconsin. Wisconsin holds the previous record for the highest attendance record at a NCAA volleyball game. Because of the rivalry, Head Coach John Cook wanted to beat the highest attendance record so he took his team to the football stadium. 

 The usual numbers of attendance for the volleyball was 8,000 people, Cook wanted to ensure the game would sell. So he decided to add a musical act. Before the act was even announced, the game already sold 91,648 tickets. Once the whole stadium sold out the record was broken for the highest attended women’s sports game in history. This was a big step for female sports. 

“When we’re talking about 6 on 6 volleyball in the huge football stadium, I think that’s just amazing how much volleyball has grown over the last few years,” Ms. Sanacore said. 

Volleyball at Hereford doesn’t get nearly as much attendance as Nebraska, but good attendance can make a difference in the way athletes compete. 

“When you’re on the court or on the field, the athletes like to feel the energy from the crowd, so if it’s a quiet crowd I feel like the athletes aren’t as motivated to win,” Ms. Sanacore said. 

Womens sports still lack attendance compared to men. Being underappreciated can be demotivating and disappointing to teams who work hard for their success. Nebraska making history and having a giant crowd can hopefully spark support for other volleyball teams.

“I thought it was absolutely incredible to witness volleyball get the recognition that it deserves,” Kobi Herb (‘25), varsity volleyball player, said. “I feel like a lot of people glamorize volleyball and don’t take it seriously due to stereotypes, but the reality is that volleyball takes extreme dedication and mental toughness.” 

Hereford’s Volleyball program continues its season this fall and is currently undefeated.