Key Takeaways
- 20 athletes ages 9-15 participated in professional-led skills development clinic on September 20
- Olympic medalist Cassidy Lichtman directed the session ahead of AU’s Omaha championship
- Starlings Volleyball serves approximately 3,000 athletes annually across 70+ cities nationwide
- Professional athletes emphasized role model responsibilities and career pathway insights
- Community partnership demonstrates growing integration between pro leagues and youth development
Professional Athletes Lead Direct Community Engagement
Athletes Unlimited Pro Volleyball hosted a youth skills clinic with the Omaha Starlings on September 20, bringing together 20 local athletes ages 9-15 for direct instruction from professional players. The clinic took place ahead of the 2025 Athletes Unlimited Pro Volleyball Championship in Omaha, Nebraska.
AU Director of Volleyball and Olympic medalist Cassidy Lichtman led the session, supported by current AU athletes competing in the championship. The format included skills drills, development exercises, and one-on-one conversations between young players and professionals.
“Honestly, the reason why I play is to give back to a lot of these young athletes, show them that we can be their role models as professionals, now able to play in the States,” said AU athlete Brooke Nuneviller.
Athletes Emphasize Career Pathway Connections
Professional players participating in the clinic highlighted the importance of maintaining connections with youth development programs. Middle blocker Serena Gray, who previously played for a Starlings club, stressed the value of knowledge transfer from the professional level.
“It’s definitely important to continue working with the youth to promote the sport, just so we can pass down that knowledge from the pro level,” Gray said. “Getting to see their personalities was the best part of it.”
For the Omaha Starlings organization, the clinic provided athletes access to professional-level insights and career guidance. “It was awesome for our kids to get to work so closely with some professional athletes,” said Erin Golden, Assistant Director of the Omaha Starlings. “They were able to work on skills and also ask some questions about how their career formed.”
Starlings Volleyball’s National Reach and Mission
Founded in 1996 in San Diego by Byron Shewman and Olympian Kim Oden, Starlings Volleyball was created to provide high-level volleyball opportunities for girls from lower-income households and underrepresented communities. The organization now operates in more than 70 cities and Native American reservations, serving roughly 3,000 athletes each year.
As the nation’s largest junior volleyball club, Starlings combines competitive volleyball experiences with academic and personal support programs. The organization’s focus on affordability and accessibility has established it as a significant player in youth volleyball development nationwide.
Strategic Implications for Professional Sports Partnerships
The AU-Starlings clinic represents a growing trend of professional leagues creating direct connections with youth development organizations. These partnerships provide professional athletes with community engagement opportunities while offering young athletes access to elite-level instruction and career pathway insights.
For Athletes Unlimited, the timing of the clinic ahead of their Omaha championship creates local community connections that can enhance fan engagement and regional market development. The partnership also aligns with broader industry efforts to strengthen the pathway from youth sports to professional opportunities.
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via: AU Pro Sports
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