The Hall of Fame Issue

Cola’s Senior Year at UNK

“Loper 4 Life”

Editors Letter - Life’s a Whisk, Take It!

If recipes have taught us anything, it’s that there are a plethora of ingredients you can select and a gazillion options that go far beyond the pages of any Julia Child cookbook. If you want to know how to make literally any recipe, you could dive into the old-fashioned route combing through the sticky pages of your great-grandmother’s handwritten notes to asking Alexa, googling a BBQ pit master on YouTube or relying on your favorite TikTok influencer.

But, and that’s a big butt and I cannot lie, that will only give you ingredients and instructions. It’s up to you to actually select the products or brands, lay it all out, measure it with accuracy, incorporate, stir, mix, knead, blend, get the temperatures right, yada yada yada. What I’m talking about here is time, taste, experience and of course, the big “L”...LOVE.

There is little anyone can offer to add the magic touch it will take you to concoct the ideal finished product like a master chef. No one is coming to save you from the way you infer the term, “fold it in.”

Martha and Snoop aren’t going to emerge in your kitchen and rap their way around your turkey baster. It’s up to you to embrace the love of cooking or baking or making of any culinary plate or dish on your own. I mean, let’s be real, people can screw up Rice Krispie treats! The secret to any successful recipe is YOU!!

I learned from my mother, that every recipe takes more than the directions on the page. She had a way with food that could make even the most humble ingredients sing. In the kitchen, she was nothing short of a culinary artist. Whether it was kneading bread to perfection or decorating cakes with intricate designs, she brought an artistry that rivaled professionals. Although she never sought to outshine anyone, in 1984, she entered the Nebraska State Fair baking championships—and won it all. Her bread had a golden crust and soft center that spoke of skill passed down through generations. Her cakes? They weren’t just beautiful; they were works of art, both in taste and design, delicate on the palate and pleasing to the eye. She had a philosophy that navigating your way around the kitchen was more than following a recipe. You had to practice, taste, feel the dough between your hands, and above all, love what you were making. That’s what made her dishes extraordinary: the care, the patience, and the love she poured into every single creation.

This is the ultimate lesson for the recipe of life. And no one stirs up the best dishes with the ingredients that are thrown at her than my daughter, Cola. Perhaps she and my mother missed their culinary calling and their own Food Network show. But, Cola is a master of conjuring up phenomenal results by processing everything through her shimmering and brilliant soul. If she’s got her passion behind her, then something remarkable is going to come out on the other side, regardless if the smoke alarms are sounding due to burning parmesan bread in the oven.

If you’re looking for the true recipe to living life at it’s fullest, then you’ve come to the right place. All soda aside, Cola is the “Real Thing.”

All in good taste, Angie H.

Gym Psychology 101

Growing up on the Court

She begged me to be a dancer. I considered it. But, my nanny at the time was unavailable to take her to the dancing lessons while I was coaching volleyball, so we had to decline the dance scene and Cola had to tag along with me to the gym. I also never had a nanny, which would explain why the nanny was unavailable. What could be so remarkable about coaching a sport in a smallish farm community in Nebraska? Why would we make such sacrifices from family and our personal lives to be dedicated to practices, planning, scouting and preparing for seemingly endless months for absolute meager wages? Because of art. Let me repeat that so you don't think it's a typo. Because of the beautiful artistry of the game. 

Let’s go way back for a moment. ..

X-rays. The birth of Cinema. The Radio. Gas-powered cars. The first U.S. Open Golf Tournament. Shirley you can see the connection between these? And don’t call me Shirley. Perhaps you need more clarity. Here’s a hint. Mintonette was also invented. The year was 1895. It’s not surprising you don’t recall these inventions or “firsts” since it was nearly 130 years ago. While all of these things are pretty relevant to life. The most relevant to this story is what later became the sport of Volleyball. Invented in Holyoke, Massachusetts by William G. Morgan, like me, he was a P.E. teacher. He also directed the YMCA and called the game Mintonette. He combined various sports such as basketball, baseball, tennis and handball to create a game that was less physically demanding than basketball, but, still required teamwork and athletic skill. It was created as an indoor activity for businessmen who wanted a game with less physical contact and could be played indoor in the winter months.

The game has come a long way since then, boasting as one of the most beloved sports worldwide with more than 800 million people hitting the courts or sand. That’s far more people than football and soccer combined. And of all those peeps out there volleying the ball around, nearly 80% are females.

I see it as artistry. But, really it’s just a game people play. On a court or sand. With a round ball that is somewhere around 260-280 grams. Two teams. One Net. So, where does the art come in you ask? And how much is 260 grams? I’ll let you look that one up since we all were supposed to understand the metric sytem forty years ago.

It’s artistry because this game has become one of the most beautiful experiences on earth. At least from my lens. It’s like a love language. It encompasses an array of mental, emotional and physcial skill sets that translate far beyond the 18 meter sidelines and 9 meter endlines. And if we don’t practice using metric beyond the running track and 2L bottles, we never will get it. So, like we say about most things, let’s at least try harder.

This game connects people. If it looks easy, it’s because it’s actually very hard to master. If you’re watching a televised match, you are seeing players that have been honing their skill sets over countless hours, contacts, workouts and mistakes. It’s ever evolving. Rules get modified, our bodies grow, our mindsets shift, the opponents are always different even if you have played them before, the goals are altered week to week and season to season, there’s highs and lows, surprises, laughs, disappointments, miracles, confusion, injuries, improvements, excitement, strategy, design, beauty, ugliness and WTF moments.

Pursue The Ball…

As I started my coaching career as an assistant and junior high coach for basketball and volleyball, I dodged a few coaching opportunities by schools seeking a Head Volleyball coach because I felt like I just wasn’t ready. What did I know? I had this little girl at home and I was dropping her off at my mom’s while I’d go to my practices and that already seemed like maybe too much. But, I knew once my mother had potty-trained Cola I could probably take her with me. And no, I’m not ashamed that I did not potty train either of my kids. Sally did it and then she gave me the rules of maintenance which were simple and finite and it worked. I did the assistant gig for a while and the summer that Cola turned six, I was offered, out of desperation, the head volleyball coaching position in August at Logan View High School and we were literally off to the races. I even was granted $250 per season for mileage since I didn’t teach at the school. Totally worth it right? And I had a teaching degree which I had to keep current to take the job. So why make all these sacrifices in small town Nebraska to help with the volleyball team?

I saw it as a chance to give back and to make a difference. I reached out to former coaches and teachers to gain their advice or perspectives or ideas to help me on my journey. I was convinced from great teachers I had in my past, that if I help elevate one area of the school, it will cause a ripple and everyone will continue to rise. And the program was in dire need of help, not having had a winning season since I had graduated in 1983, which was far too long. But, I had a lot to learn and while I gathered info, the biggest thing I had to carry with me was belief that I could truly do this, and I tasked myself at getting all of these kids in the Raider community to believe too.

What I didn’t realize is that with every step I was taking to soak up everything I could in this ever-changing game, I had little eyes and ears grasping each and every thing right along side me. Cola was developing her own skills and processing everything with me. She had an inside view on what it looked like to build a team and a program. From youth, club, junior high and high school, I was working with everyone and she was there every step of the way discovering the beauty and challenges that this game provides and inside her, a love and respect for this game was brewing. She was going to pursue this and maybe it’s because my first rule I taught every athlete I coached was that there are only two rules in volleyball. Rule #1 Pursue Every Ball. Rule #2 If the Ball is Too Far Away, See Rule # 1. Every player knew this. I wanted them to all believe they had another extension in their capacity for greatness if they just pursue it.

Making History

As a volleyball coach, raising a family while juggling a career and being active in my community was an enormous challenge. As I developed, little did I know, amid all the chaos, my daughter Cola was growing into one of the most exceptional setters in the state. Cola wasn't just along for the ride; she was absorbing everything. She'd come with me to practices, tournaments, and games, watching closely, helping with drills, and reading into the structure and dynamics of a team. She was a quiet observer, learning the game through experience and conversation, asking questions, and sharing her thoughts during long rides home.

Outside of the gym, she was curious and ambitious. From excelling academically to playing in the band, entering speaking and spelling contests, playing multiple sports, participating in 4-H modeling competitions and showing sheep and hogs, she was a gifted, well-rounded individual. Cola was the kind of person who lifted others up, who made the most of every moment. She knew how to be vulnerable, honest, and a loyal friend—qualities that also made her an incredible leader.

When she joined my high school varsity team as a freshman, alongside her two best friends, it was a dream come true. That season, we made it to the state tournament compiling a 25-3 record - The Class C-1 State Runner-Up Trophy—the best finish in school history. Cola earned her spot on the team, playing back-row defense and serving as my backup setter. She was never handed anything—everything she achieved, she worked for.

But the joy of that season came crashing down when I was fired. It wasn't about performance, but about politics—parents disgruntled over playing time. The impact on our family was immediate and devastating. Cola, still so young, had to navigate the confusion and pain. She was bullied during basketball season, with whispers that she only played because I was her mom. But through it all, she kept pushing. 

Eventually, we made the decision to leave everything behind—our home, my alma mater, and the life I thought we'd have forever. We moved to Elkhorn, Nebraska, to give Cola a fresh start. It was one of the hardest choices I've ever made, but I knew it was the right one. Watching my daughter persevere through adversity, I learned as much from her as she ever did from me. Her journey wasn't just about volleyball—it was about resilience, strength, and the courage to forge a new path.

From

Raider

to

Antler

The Art of Recovery

In volleyball, the space between mistakes and redemption is fleeting—just 6 to 8 seconds. That’s all you get. We call it the art of recovery, and it’s one of the most beautiful aspects of the game. Volleyball, at its core, is a game of errors. The rally only ends when someone makes a mistake, and then, in that short window of time, the ball is back in the server’s hand. The next play begins. That sliver of time—those 6 to 8 seconds—is where a player must recover, reset, and refocus. Mastery in volleyball comes from understanding this recovery window, and it’s a skill that Cola grasped early on in her career.

The ability to recover quickly isn’t just a skill in volleyball—it’s a life skill. Dwelling too long in the darkness of mistakes, in the weight of errors, only keeps you stuck. I used to tell my athletes about the “rule of holes”—if you find yourself in a hole, stop digging, or you’ll never get out. Life, like volleyball, is full of moments where you have to stop digging, put down the shovel, and look for the brightness on the other side. Cola learned this lesson on the court, and she applies it daily in her life.

There was always something special about Cola. I could see it in her and I had high expectations. I was real when it came to feedback and I worked very hard to honor her recovery time after games and matches in any sport. With both of my kids, I wanted to offer my genuine feedback, but, only if they wanted to hear it, so it was up to them to let me know if they were open to hearing what I had to say. They had to develop and work through their own thoughts first. Feel the moment without my contribution. And then, if they felt like it, they would ask me for my thoughts. Cola’s intellect on the court, paired with a sharp volleyball IQ, allowed her to play beyond her size. She had an uncanny ability to see the game develop in real time—to anticipate plays and execute with precision. At the net, she may have been small in stature, but her presence was always larger than life. But, every athlete has to develop their mindset over time. You don’t just put motivation or toughness in a person. They have to live and experience moments over time to find their own emotion around their goals and desires. Cola gradually built up her own momentum from her endless setting around the house and against every wall, to all the practices, wins and losses. She was thrown into a lot of situations to challenge her mindset and it always fueled her for more.

Ch Ch Ch Changes

After her freshman year at Logan View, with that silver medal around her neck, she was standing on the edge of the unknown. The next chapter was unwritten, and she was about to be tested—not just as an athlete, but as a person. Moving to a new school, stepping into a stellar program like the Elkhorn Antlers under the guidance of Coach Jenny Gragert, was both exciting and terrifying. Jenny, an exceptional coach and now one of our dearest friends, was leading a program filled with talent. Cola’s place in that story hadn’t been written yet, and we awaited the next chapter with hope and uncertainty.

Our move to Elkhorn wasn’t just a fresh start for Cola—it was for all of us. Jackie, her cousin and best friend, joined us on this new journey and lived with us until her family could move the following year. The two of them were each other’s anchor as they navigated the larger school, new teammates, and the pressure of proving themselves. Both of them flourished quickly, finding their place on the team and in the school. Cola earned her varsity uniform, and Jackie, just a freshman, secured her spot on JV.

I’ll never forget sitting in the bleachers alongside my sister, Cherie (Jackie’s mom) at Omaha Gross High School, my stomach in knots, as I watched both girls play in their first JV match. It was strange not being on the sidelines coaching, but, instead sitting there, just a fan, watching my daughter’s next steps unfold. I wasn’t used to feeling this kind of nervousness, this lack of control. And then it was Cola’s turn—she stepped onto the varsity court with that same quiet confidence she always carried. She was ready.

The lineup changed, and there she was, taking the first serve of the second set. Cola stepped into a 6-2 offense opposite an all-state setter and outside hitter. And yet, despite the intensity of the moment, she handled it with grace and grit. As I watched, it felt like an out-of-body experience—after all we had been through at Logan View, I was scared. I worried that other girls might resent her or that parents would be upset by her quick rise to the varsity team. But, I trusted Coach Gragert with everything in me, and in that moment, I knew this was the beginning of something incredible.

Life as an Antler was everything we hoped for and more. Cola’s skills on the court evolved even further, but it was her leadership and the deep friendships she cultivated with her teammates that truly defined her time there. As she thrived, so did I. I found my place among the other parents—an incredible group of people who shared the highs and lows of watching their daughters pour everything into this sport. It was more than just a team; it was a family.

By the end of the season, Cola once again found herself on volleyball’s biggest stage—the state tournament. But this time, she wasn’t wearing the blue and gold; instead, it was the bold red and black of the Antlers. Her previous experience was invaluable, as she had walked this path before. Yet this journey felt different. This time, it wasn’t just about making it to the finals; it was about finishing the mission and bringing home the gold.

The finals were held at the historic University of Nebraska’s Lincoln Coliseum, the heart of Husker volleyball. The energy was electric, and every second of that match was intense. The entire season had built up to this final moment. Lincoln Pius was a formidable opponent, and the match stretched into five grueling sets. When it reached 17-16 in favor of the Antlers, Cola stepped up to the service line.

My heart stopped. I could hardly breathe as she prepared to serve. In those 6-8 seconds that she approached that service line, the pressure was at its peak. As I sat in the stands, knees weak and breathless, I couldn’t help but wonder if all those years of drills, practices, and moments at home had prepared her for this very situation. I had to trust that she was ready.

With remarkable calm, Cola delivered a perfect serve. The rally that followed felt like it lasted an eternity, a tense back-and-forth with everything on the line. Finally, the moment came—a block by the Antlers at the net sent the ball to the floor on the Thunderbolts side of the court. The match was over. The Antlers were Nebraska Class B State Champions.

In that instant, all the hardship and challenges we’d faced since leaving Logan View melted away. The move to Elkhorn, which at one time seemed uncertain and risky, proved to be the best decision for our family. There was no bitterness toward our life in Logan View—those roots were strong, and many of our closest friends and family remained there. But it was time for a new chapter, and Elkhorn had become our home. The experience, the growth, the community—it was exactly what Cola needed to continue flourishing.

As the championship season came to a close, Cola’s growth as a student-athlete only accelerated. She balanced her love for volleyball with softball, playing both sports for a year before ultimately choosing to focus on the game she loved most. Her determination on the court mirrored her approach to life—driven, focused, and always eager to learn.

“Hello God? It’s me, Cola.”

With her volleyball career reaching new heights, the recruiting process began. It was a whole new world, filled with endless possibilities and exciting challenges. Cola’s club volleyball connections opened doors to incredible opportunities, and with each passing day, she gained more insight into what her future could look like. College athletics were on the horizon, and as we navigated this next phase, it became clear that her journey—though already so remarkable—was just beginning.

The experiences she had, the friendships she formed, and the lessons learned along the way all played a role in shaping who she was becoming. It wasn’t just about the wins, the titles, or the accolades—it was about the strength she had gained from every trial, and the joy she found in every moment on and off the court.

Throughout Cola’s journey, she remained a constant source of support for her younger brother, Trevor. Despite being 6 ½ years apart, the bond they shared was incredibly close. Cola was more than just a big sister—she was his mentor, role model, and biggest fan. Whether helping with his baseball or basketball teams, challenging him to improve his golf game or cheering him on from the sidelines at a cross country meet, she was always there for him. Their mutual respect was profound, never tainted by sibling rivalry. I credit Cola for her maturity and devotion from a young age—after all, she prayed for a sibling for years, and when Trevor arrived, she embraced her role with open arms. She taught him so much, from leadership to mindset, and to this day, Trevor will be the first to say that many of his successes were influenced by her.

As Cola’s volleyball career continued to flourish, so did her clarity about the future. After exploring several collegiate opportunities, she found herself drawn to the University of Nebraska Kearney. What started as a possible path toward Wayne State took a quick turn when a spot opened at UNK, and in a matter of minutes during her campus visit, she knew it was where she was meant to be. The vibe, the energy—it all clicked, and she committed without hesitation.

She’d already played in four state tournaments with two silvers and a gold, and her final club season leading into college was full of twists and turns. Even after a difficult setback during club tryouts, where her commitment to a mission trip caused her to be cut from the top team, Cola found a way to rise above. She was set for her final season of club and here she was sitting in her bed asking me, “Is this what happens when you put God first?” I had no immediate answer, but, I knew, eventually we would see the true purpose in all of this mess. She joined a new team, worked harder than ever, and ended that season in the best shape of her life.

Boundless Horizons

Her collegiate career as a Loper was nothing short of extraordinary. As a freshman at UNK, Cola exceeded all expectations, earning accolades that we hadn’t even anticipated. She set her heart and soul on fire with every serve, every set, every play. By the end of her first season, she was named All-Conference Setter of the Year, Co-Freshman of the Year, and a member of the All-Region team. She quickly established herself as one of the top setters in Division II volleyball, helping the Lopers secure spots in the top 5 of the AVCA rankings throughout the season.

But, no journey is without its challenges. Early in her sophomore year, Cola hit a rough patch. It was during a match at the University of Nebraska Omaha when Coach Squires made the decision to pull her from the setting role—a choice I agreed with as I viewed from the stands. Cola wasn’t herself that night, and something was off. As her mother, I was concerned. As her former coach, I wondered if she needed a push, or if something deeper was going on.

After the match, I hugged her tightly before she headed back to Kearney. That night, I sat down and wrote her a letter—one that was raw, honest, and full of love. I needed her to reflect on what she truly wanted from the game, from herself, and from life. In that letter, I reminded her of her gift, her responsibility to her teammates, her coaches, and the game itself. Being a setter is like being the quarterback on the court—you run the offense, you lead, you see plays before they happen. And Cola was a master of that. She had a vision that set her apart, and I wanted her to rediscover that fire.

It was a turning point for both of us. While we never deeply discussed what went through her mind after that night, something changed in Cola. She came back stronger, more determined, and never let anything hold her back again. From that moment on, regardless of the challenges—whether it was other players, tough matches, or personal struggles—she only got better. A Division II National Title may have eluded the Lopers during her time at UNK, but the pursuit was always worth it. Every year, they were nationally ranked in the top five, she became an All-American surrounded by other All-Americans. Cola capped her career with too many accolades to write down, becoming one of the best setter in Division II volleyball in the country. She credits her team and coaches of course.

As her college career came to a close, I reflected on how incredible the experience had been, not just for her, but for our entire family. Trevor, who had always looked up to her, watched her rise with immense pride. The community we built with the Lopers became a second family, and the bond we shared was unbreakable, especially for Cola and her teammates. Once Cola earned her business degree, she stayed involved with volleyball as a UNK graduate assistant, but there was a part of her that still longed to be on the court.

That longing took her across the world to Split, Croatia, where she played professional volleyball. It was an unbelievable opportunity, one that spoke to her relentless drive and passion for the game. And though an injury brought her playing days to an end sooner than expected, it was another chapter in her remarkable story.

The Keys to the Car

One of the best descriptions of a team came from my biggest influence in coaching when I began. The late Jean Groth, an incredibly successful and amazing coach from Wisner-Pilger High School. She believed in me long before I did and once gave me an infinity pin and told me I have infinite potential. That always stuck with me, literally I wore it on my lapel everywhere. But, she also remarked about one of her teams that were playing well early in the season, I asked how it was going since they were on a hot win streak and she said, “Well, my team is young and they are just playing the game without much thought, it’s as if they hopped in a car and stole it, they just took off and it’s a wild fun ride.” I held on to that and describe the start of our business the same way. In 2017, we made a bold shift—this time, Cola and I launched our business together, and it has been a continuation of everything we’ve learned through sports, coaching, and life. MYLO Brand Studio, originally called Soul & Swag, became the next step in our journey, and together, we’ve handled every challenge with the same perseverance and drive that defined Cola’s career.

And now, as if all of that weren’t enough, Cola’s name is forever etched in history as a member of the UNK Loper Hall of Fame. The youngest athlete ever inducted. It was a surreal moment to be there last Friday, October 11th, listening to coaches, teammates, and fans speak of her with such reverence. We never sought the spotlight—staying humble, always focused on getting better, on enjoying the journey. But the truth is, success follows those who approach life this way.

It was no surprise that this spring, Cola received that Hall of Fame call. The only one surprised by the call was Cola. She was dumbfounded really. This was never a goal. Her goals were team driven, never individual. But, UNK decided she deserved the recognition and they got it right. Because she is remarkable. And while we’ve celebrated her endless accomplishments on and off the court, this one felt like the ultimate tribute. Cola—underdog, doubted by some, underestimated by many—had risen above it all, proving time and again that her vision, work ethic, and heart are unmatched. Her story could inspire all those future players who seem underrated. Today she is not only a Loper legend but also a remarkable wife to Colby, a Hall of Famer himself at Morningside College, a loving mother to Reece and Rhett, and for me the best business partner and daughter anyone could ask for. 

A Hall of Fame Art Project

At this moment, I sit in gratitude and awe. The challenges we face, the victories and defeats, the highs and lows—they all shape us, building the wisdom we carry into the days ahead. Through faith, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in ourselves, we truly can achieve anything. Cola embodies this in every way. Her positivity, her drive to overcome, and her relentless spirit are ingrained in her very soul. She spreads that light to everyone fortunate enough to be in her midst.

Volleyball, for us, has always been more than a game. It offers a profound artistry—each match filled with intricate design, beauty in motion, and the connections forged between teammates. This sport creates communities, teaches resilience, and reveals the art of recovery in ways that extend far beyond the court. It reminds us that, no matter how many times we fall, we always have those precious 6 to 8 seconds to pick ourselves up, refocus, and try again.

The rise of volleyball, especially in women’s athletics, is something truly special. And I know that Cola sees her journey as part of a much larger tapestry—one filled with lessons that transcend wins and losses. For her, and for so many, it’s about the relationships you build, the trust you foster, and the memories you carry with you long after the final point is played.

While the game of volleyball may have been originally designed for men, it has become a stage where women have created something extraordinarily beautiful. And I am so proud that Cola has been one of the contributors to this incredible art project—an art that continues to inspire, challenge, and unite people in ways I could have only dreamed of.

Cola, we are so proud of you. Congratulations on your induction into the UNK Loper Hall of Fame—savor it and enjoy it - You Are The Real Thing!