Holding on to your ground firmly in the face of adversity is never easy. Even more so when the setback comes after almost a decade of dominating your field. But even from the tragedy, a new phoenix rises and reclaims its throne. On Saturday, the Devaney Center became part of volleyball folklore as Norris outwitted the Omaha Skutt Catholic team to end the latter’s nine-year-long reign in the Class B state championship. But it was the SkyHawk’s head coach, Renee Saunders, who stole the limelight at the end of the scintillating game.

This was the first time that the Titans took the SkyHawks to a fifth set. Before Skutt Catholic began its stellar campaign in the championship in 2013, Norris had lifted the trophy in the previous year, and naturally, their latest win makes it all the more gleeful. But former Huskers volleyball star Saunders knows that such defeats are part and parcel of the game, and the fans can’t stop gushing about her sporting spirit.

KETV’s Matt Sottile posted on X on November 10 highlighting the post-match scenes from the weekend match. Captioned, “This is what leadership looks like,” the accompanying video shows Saunders consoling the Skutt volleyball tars after their loss at the hands of Norris. The former Nebraska volleyball player has had enough experience during her stint with the Huskers and knows that one defeat doesn’t define a team, especially if the team has won every single state championship final in the last nine years.

The SkyHawks went into the match thinking they’d be the roster that would mark the decade-long triumph of the school in the Class B tournament. But their hopes were shattered, and the volleyball athletes couldn’t hold back their tears after the defeat. Saunder quickly took it up on herself to go around the court and deliver comforting words to the players, assuring them that this wasn’t the end of the road by any means.

Witnessing Saunders’ support for her team, fans came forward in flocks to hail the coach’s dedication and unwavering fighting mentality. One fan-run page on X lauded Renee’s actions, attesting to her leadership skills. “She’s a real MVP for this!” reads the comment on the page under Sottile’s post, underscoring why the Omaha Skutt’s HC deserves all the applause. Soon, others joined in.

Skutt Catholic’s volleyball head coach receives the fans’ acclaim

Over the years, the Nebraska Huskers have become a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA circuit. With an impressive national championship track record in recent years, John Cook’s squad revels in its glory, and being an alum of the program, it seems like Saunders also embodies the Huskers’ spirit to keep pushing forward. Citing how Renee is a capable leader to guide the emphatic SkyHawks program, another fan commented, “She’s absolutely the best coach,” as they also noted how the scenes from the Devaney Center made them emotional.

Nebraska’s fans are also some of the most passionate volleyball followers in the country. At every chance they get, the Huskers loyalists bring their best cheerleading skills with them to help their team bag another win over their opponents. Being a city in the state, it’s only natural that Omaha would also have fans who stand firm behind their teams even during their difficult times. Displaying a similar attitude as a Huskers fan, Ken also tried to say something to give the SkyHawks some redeeming points after their loss. “Such a tough loss, but these players have nothing to hang their heads about,” assured this Skutt Catholic fan.

“Impressive winning, more impressive after losing,” commented Monte Kratzentein, once again bolstering Saunders’ prowess and abilities as the coach of the Skutt’s volleyball program. Thomas also spoke similarly, reiterating what makes Renee and her team so successful, and commented, “This is why she is so successful. Coach Saunders also knows how to handle a loss with class.”

What did you think of the Skutt volleyball HC’s reaction to the loss last night? Tell us in the comments!