OMAHA, Neb. – The Omaha Supernovas have added former Nebraska middle blocker Leyla Blackwell to their 2026 roster, strengthening a squad already poised for success.
Blackwell, a 6-foot-4 San Diego native, returned to Nebraska for her graduate senior year in 2024. In 13 matches with the Huskers, she helped guide NU to its second straight national semifinal, averaging 2.35 kills per set on a .417 hitting percentage and recording 29 blocks before turning professional.
“I’m thrilled and grateful to join the Supernovas this season,” said Blackwell. “Returning to Nebraska and playing in front of NovasNation—some of the best fans in the country—is a dream come true. I can’t wait to get started.”
After Lincoln, Blackwell was selected 26th overall by her hometown San Diego Mojo in the college player draft. As a rookie, she appeared in 10 matches (eight starts), tallying 47 points on 33 kills, 10 blocks, and three aces.
Across five collegiate seasons, Blackwell showcased her talent at three programs:
- University of San Diego (2021–23): Three-time All-WCC First Team; helped USD reach its first NCAA Final Four in 2022; set single-season block assist record (152) and logged 176 total blocks.
- Indiana University (2020–21): Led the Hoosiers with 61 blocks (0.94 per set) in her freshman campaign.
In total, she finished her college career with 718 kills, 513 blocks, 65 digs, and 25 assists in 118 matches, averaging 1.80 points per set on a .330 hitting clip.
Blackwell’s signing marks the 13th addition for the Supernovas during the Major League Volleyball free agency period. Fans can track all roster moves on the Supernovas Free Agent Tracker.
