Edge Magazine April 2026

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LETTER from the EDITOR

Mycollege-aged sons have reached the point where they offer me unsolicited advice on anything from pop culture (what exactly is a Labubu?) to business apps (my projects are now color-coded in Excel!) I welcome and respect the knowledge and perspectives they bring. This issue is full of examples of how Gen Z is making an impact on our community.

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Our cover story features Creighton University’s current cohort with J. Blue, a full-service student-run marketing agency. These young adults are pitching web site creation, social media management, and re-branding ideas to local businesses and non-profit organizations, and they have a leg up because they are the very demographic their clients are trying to reach.

When 13-year-old Ava Reinert underwent 800 days of chemotherapy for B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age four, she wished for an easier treatment for other kids facing the same diagnosis. That’s why her family started Ava’s Army—a local non-profit dedicated to raising funds for research to find newer treatments. Through annual events like the Sugar Plum Ball and the Color Run, the organization has raised more than $700,000.

As a three-sport athlete, Skutt Catholic High School senior Laini Michaelis knows how to face, and overcome pressure situations. Her teammates look to her as a leader and mentor, illustrated by the fact she was one of only 48 seniors across the state to receive the Believers and Achievers Award from the Nebraska School Activities Association. Despite a recent surgery and 4-month recovery for a torn medial patellar femoral ligament, she’s ready to prove herself once again when she attends the University of South Dakota this fall on a softball scholarship. Looking for a unique event to attend for the whole family? Check out the first annual Best Fest in June. It will feature some of the best chefs in town where you can enjoy a meal prepared in the Heartwood Preserve greenspace by a chef of your choice.

Be sure to read Worth the Haul for additional upcoming local events, as well as the concoction, business, and health spotlights. Enjoy spending time with the inspiring younger generation in your life!

Kathy Rygg Executive Editor

APRIL 2026

PUBLISHER

Carole Sprunk (402) 884-2056 // Carole@EdgeMagazine.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Kathy Rygg (402) 490-3213 // Kathy@EdgeMagazine.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Kasie Wilcox (402) 957-8780 // Kasie@EdgeMagazine.com

ACCOUNT COORDINATOR

Dave Trouba Dave@OmahaPublications.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Shelly Nosbisch, Mike Watkins, Natalie Veloso, Andy Williams

DESIGNER

Kelly Murkins (402) 980-0607 // hello@kellylainedesign.com

PHOTO STAFF

Omaha Headshot Company (402) 677-3096

Yum Omaha (402) 541-8457

CONTACT US P: (402) 587-2259 Carole@EdgeMagazine.com

Edge Magazine is published six times annually by Omaha Magazine, LTD, 5921 S. 118th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska, 68137. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, without permission in writing from the publisher. Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of the information provided, Edge assumes no responsibility therefore. Some sections of this issue were contributed by preferred partners. Contact us to become a preferred partner.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Edge Magazine, 5921 S. 118th Circle, Omaha, Nebraska, 68137

CLASSROOM TO Boardroom

Student-led J. Blue Agency Serves as Marketing Masterminds

Monday morning, 8am, inside Creighton University’s Heider College of Business at the Harper Center, 15 students are already in a team meeting—reviewing client deliverables, workshopping pitches, acting like they run a real marketing agency. Because they do.

Meet J. Blue, a full-service marketing agency run entirely by Creighton students. Started in 2020 with one bank client and eight students, it’s now in its 11th cohort, with nine active clients ranging from a scholarship foundation for athletes to a woodworker who carves stories into his pieces.

These students are convincing established business owners and start-up entrepreneurs to trust them with their brands, and it’s working. “I feel like I’m ready for a job at this point,” said Belle

Adams, a senior from Stillwater, MN, and general manager of the firm. “And I attribute it to this agency because it is a real workplace.”

“Agency Practicum I & II” are anything but typical college classes. Running for two semesters with three credits each term, students first join a team under an account manager. Second semester, they step into a leadership role in an agency infrastructure that includes scope-ofwork documents, client pitches, skill workshops, mid-semester presentations,

Spring 2026 J. Blue Agency cohort (pictured back to front) Leo Syslo, Raoul Djidjoho, Elijah Vargas, Charles Sexton, Juan Pablo Garcia Flores, Katie Carlson, Gia Bucci, Matthew Blair, Jena Robertson, Sophia Shaneyfelt, Lucia Euteneuer, Belle Adams, Mary Pelan, Wilson Munsterman, Megan O’Brien

courtesy of J. Blue Agency

Story

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ANDY WILLIAMS

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and all the client work happening outside of class. “We get so much real-world experience working with clients that you can’t get from anything else,” said Matthew Blair, a junior from Omaha, NE, who serves as the firm’s director of Internal Promotions and Public Relations. “Working with other like-minded individuals who want to get that experience is awesome. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.”

Heider College of Business dean Dr. Anthony Hendrickson pitched the idea of a student-run marketing agency to Associate Professor of Practice Tim McMahon, the same faculty member who launched the world’s first fully student-run Apple store at Creighton a decade earlier. The experiment worked, so McMahon was asked to stand up another student

venture. “You can teach marketing but that doesn’t mean students are ready to perform in the real world,” McMahon said. “It is all about the practice.”

Clients drive everything for J. Blue. The firm has served businesses ranging from a home remodeling company in Nebraska to a professional dog walker in New York. “That was probably our most random client,” Adams said of the canine business. “They’re not using our agency anymore, but it was fun while it lasted.”

For the Soraya Foundation that benefits athletes pursuing high education, J. Blue designers created a logo that took eight iterations. The group has also developed Soraya’s full website, launched Instagram and Facebook pages, created a brand book, estab-

lished a donor program, and even helped market a partnership with an Olympic gold medalist.

For Village Woodworking in Omaha, the team is recording a storytelling video focused on the artist behind the pieces. The owner was baffled when J. Blue students suggested the self-focused video: “Why would I talk about myself? I have all this awesome wood,” he told his account team. The students’ response: “Your products speak for themselves. People want to see the heart you bring to the product. That’s the differentiator.”

These students don’t apologize for their age—they weaponize it. They grew up in the digital world their clients are desperate to crack. They are the market many clients are trying to reach, and they understand it better than anyone. “A lot of people have to spend a lot of hours studying it,” Blair said. “We’re just immersed in it.”

For a Creighton-based client, J. Blue recently latched onto the nostalgic “2016 Trend” and produced a TikTok video by scraping together Bluejay fraternity photos from 2016. The client didn’t exactly get it but they rolled with it and got strong results. “We’re not trying to act like we’re more qualified than we are,” Adams said. “But we bring a perspective that a lot of people can’t bring.”

In the real world, clients say no. A lot. To logo concepts, to social media ideas, even to long-term relationships. A three-year J. Blue client recently hired

an in-house marketer and walked. The business lesson stung. The life lesson landed harder. “You don’t get told ‘no’ much in some aspects of your life as a college student,” Adams reflected. “Having to pivot and deal with that disappointment has definitely been my biggest learning experience.”

Last semester, the team transitioned leadership midway through the semester, taking on new roles and responsibilities. It wasn’t their most successful semester in terms of client numbers. But the team grew closer and laid the foundation for the payoff: This semester has been one of the most successful ever, with a thriving team culture and three new clients since January. “None of us were going to let it slip through the cracks,” Blair said of last year’s pivot.

J. Blue is just getting started, and its students are entering the workforce more battle-tested than most. The group is sporting a new sweatshirt around campus that sells their brand with the slogan: “Student minds. Great impact.” They are launching a podcast this semester—possibly a first among student groups at Creighton. They are learning to market themselves while doing the work. And the relationships forming across clients, cohorts, majors, and class years? No classroom can build those. “It never feels like work,” Adams said. “It’s always just kind of fun to meet with our group.”

NESTLED IN NEBRASKA COLORADO ELEGANCE

tucked into the heart of Omaha, 840 Loveland Drive stands as a rare example of what happens when architectural excellence, thoughtful engineering, and refined design come together. This custom District 66 ranch home built by McDaniel Wallquist Construction in 2015 blends luxury with livability, offering a serene retreat on a meticulously landscaped lot that feels both private and expansive.

“This home, which sits on 1.35 acres, is spectacular in every way you look at it,” said Pam Beardslee, one of the listing agents, along with Deb Cizek, with Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Ambassador Real Estate. “It has so many special features and elements in its 8,887 square feet of living. You really have to see it in person to appreciate all that it offers.”

What makes this home unique is its unmistakable Colorado feel. The steeply pitched DaVinci roof (replaced in 2025), the generous overhangs, the interplay of wood and stone and the cozy, lodge like interior and exterior ambiance all contribute to a sense of rustic sophistication.

Every inch of the outdoor environment has been intentionally designed, from the manicured plantings to the flowing hardscape to the hand-laid patio stone, all to complement the home’s architecture and provide a peaceful backdrop for daily living.

One of the home’s most charming features is the enclosed sunroom, complete with a brick fireplace and built in grill. This space allows for year round enjoyment, blending indoor comfort with the tranquility of the surrounding landscape.

Stepping through the front door, you’re immediately greeted by the warmth and richness of walnut woodwork that runs throughout the home. The top of the line craftsmanship— highlighted by majestic arched wood beams throughout the first floor—sets a distinctive tone for the interior: elegant, refined, and built to last.

The main floor centers around a stunning great room anchored by a floor-to-ceiling fireplace. With soaring ceilings and abundant natural light radiating throughout the living room, the space is ideal for gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

“This is a home that works for a large family with kids as well as empty nesters who need

room for when the family returns for holidays and gatherings,” Beardslee said. “The size is what makes this such an attractive property for everyone.” The large open kitchen is a dream for anyone who loves to cook or entertain. Outfitted with top of the line appliances, expansive countertops, and custom cabinetry, it blends functionality with beauty. The adjacent dining room includes a sophisticated chilled wine closet, a perfect touch for collectors or hosts who appreciate the finer details.

The primary suite is designed as a true retreat. It includes a spacious office, dual walk in closets, and a spa like bath that invites relaxation. The same beams as those on the main floor frame the ceiling with old-world

PRIMARY SUITE

MULTI-SEAT THEATER ROOM

charm. Three additional bedrooms on the main floor provide comfort and privacy for family or guests, each with its own thoughtful design touches.

“While it’s a large house in a densely populated part of town, it was designed and built to be very private and secluded,” Beardslee added. “From the stone facing to the stone patio and walkways to the wonderfully large but intimate downstairs theater room, it’s a really unique property.”

The lower walkout level expands the home’s living space. Complete with an expansive, multi-seat theater room for movie nights, a well appointed wet bar for entertaining, and a dedicated workshop area, this level offers versatility and comfort.

One of the standout features of this residence is its four car garage. The heated environment protects vehicles and equipment, while the generous space ensures storage and workspace coexist effortlessly. Inside, the home’s five-bedroom, six-bathroom layout offers flexibility for entertaining. The floor plan is open yet thoughtfully segmented, allowing each space to feel purposeful and inviting.

The home was also engineered with sustainability

and efficiency in mind. The HVAC system is powered by nine geothermal wells across three zones, ensuring exceptional climate control and reduced energy consumption. A whole house generator provides peace of mind, keeping the home running smoothly no matter the weather.

With its luxurious finishes, open floor plan, and serene outdoor environment, this massive property is more than a home, it’s a lifestyle. “Properties of this caliber, especially in such a sought after location, are truly rare,” Beardslee said. “Every detail has been considered, every space crafted with intention, and every feature designed to enhance daily living.”

MAJESTIC PROPERTY

A SEAT AT THE BEST TABLE in town

the city’s culinary and music culture has grown increasingly collaborative. The lines between creative disciplines have thinned, and their audiences have followed. That spirit of collaboration will be celebrated at Heartwood Preserve in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 20, 2026, where Omaha Magazine’s Best Fest will gather some of the city’s most recognized culinary, musical, and visual talent into one structured night. The format is ambitious, placing the evening in the hands of a host comfortable navigating both food and music.

For Tay Westberry, designated host of Best Fest, the event concept feels aligned with the way Omaha already operates creatively. “There are so many artists and culinary talents around Omaha who have been honored with awards, but it'll be a chance for people to more than just read about them,” he said. “They get to see it on full display, and they’ll be able to experience a personal connection.”

At most large-scale dining events, the audience shares a single vantage point, Westberry said. Best Fest takes a different approach. Long tables will stretch across the outdoor space in 10 distinct sections as musicians perform on a stage, while bleachers and food trucks for additional guests will

surround the perimeter.

Guests purchase tickets tied to a specific dinner table section of their choice—and with it, a particular chef and live musical pairing that aligns with their table’s themed identity. One pairing might lean into a certain culture’s cuisine and traditional music, while another might stretch into something experimental.

Uniquely suited to host the evening, Westberry’s own career moves easily across both culinary and performance spaces. As a chef, DJ, and content creator with a strong local following, he’s accustomed to reading an audience and shaping an experience in real time.

Best Fest will hold two dinner flights to serve a total of 100 guests. Each chef will prepare dishes for 10 people per flight, as timed seatings allow the experience to reset for the next session of ticketed attendees. Musicians will take the stage in segments to allow each musical pairing a moment to shine as guests enjoy their meals.

“We're going to highlight these artists’ talents like no other and give them a platform to shine as the stars they are, all the way down to the people putting the table sets together,” Westberry said. Designers from the Omaha community will act as table artists, shaping the visual aesthetic of each unique dining experience. While guests commit to their table of choice, they’ll remain connected to the larger atmosphere building across the space.

“Food and music correlate for a lot of reasons,” Westberry said. “It’s like having a really good bite of food and you kind of just do a dance. With all the chefs we've selected, I've personally had moments where I've thought, ‘Wow, this food makes me feel something.’”

LUXURIOUS LIVING THAT HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES

Elevated amenities and finely tuned elegance are instrumental to the Symphony Pointe experience. Whether you’re enjoying morning water aerobics in our heated indoor pool, spirited afternoon pickleball matches, or sharing cocktails or a delicious meal with friends, it’s easy to find your rhythm here.

Ready to start planning for life’s next beautiful verse? Scan the QR code, reach out to us at info@symphonypointe.com, or call 402-502-8577 to schedule a visit.

As June 20 approaches, Sarah Lemke, co-founder of FASTER Digital Studios is producing a video series that builds familiarity with the 10 participating chefs. The goal of the series is to give audiences a clearer sense of who they’re sitting down with. Inspired by Chef’s Table, chefs will share their origin stories and what being part of Best Fest means to them, Lemke explained. “These videos are meant to feel cinematic,” she said. “We want people to get a sense of what they’ll experience before the event.”

Filming the Best Fest chefs in their kitchens offers context that won’t be visible once the tables are set and the performances begin, Lemke said. The evening will act as a showcase of their expertise and a rare chance for diners to see these culinary experts side by side.

Lemke looks forward to Chef Clayton Chapman in particular, a five-time James Beard Award nominee. “I’m thrilled to have Clayton at Best Fest,” she said. “Like every chef here, he’s created his own path and helped put Omaha on the map in the Midwest.”

Westberry highlights Chef Joel Hassanali of Salted Edge and Pivot Prime, whose work takes influences from his Trinidadian heritage. “What amazes me about Chef Joel is how he plates African foods—it’s an elegance I hadn’t seen before,” he said.

Lemke sees Best Fest as a rare opportunity to experience elevated dining on a more expansive scale than is often possible. Performances and the dining experience will be streamed on a live screen, allowing all guests to watch the music and see the chefs in action no matter where they are seated.

For Westberry, the event’s success won’t be measured solely by attendance, but by engagement. “I want Best Fest to be the food festival everyone talks about in Omaha,” he said. “When people hear the name, they’ll think, ‘Wow, I can’t wait for the next one. We need our tickets early. We want to be there.’”

June 20 will mark the first ever iteration of Best Fest, and first impressions matter. Westberry is confident the night will make its own case. “Best Fest is everything you want an upscale dining and entertainment experience to be,” Westberry said. “Come ready to experience culture, because it'll be on full display from everyone.”

Dr. Lance Kugler, MD, refractive surgeon and CEO of Kugler Vision, and Kugler Vision

Surgical Manager

Jolene Palmquist

INDEPENDENCE DAY

KUGLER VISION’S SURGICAL MANAGER RECLAIMS HER VISION

Story and photos contributed by KUGLER VISION

Jolene Palmquist, RN, CRNO, has spent over 40 years guiding patients through some of the most personal decisions of their lives. As Surgical Manager at Kugler Vision, she’s the steady, knowledgeable presence patients lean on when nerves run high—answering questions, calming fears, and walking people toward a clarity they never thought possible.

“I’ve watched people gain a level of independence and freedom they didn’t think was possible,” Palmquist said. “Being able to see clearly without glasses or contacts can truly change how you live your daily life.” In the fall of 2025, it was her turn.

For years, Palmquist managed her own vision the way millions of people with presbyopia do—contacts, readers, and quiet frustration. After radial keratotomy

“I PUT MY TRUST IN DR. KUGLER AND THE TEAM, KNOWING THEIR EXPERTISE, PRECISION, AND COMMITMENT TO OUTCOMES.”

JOLENE PALMQUIST, RN, CRNO

surgery in 1992 gave her good vision for decades, time had other plans. “The birthdays kept coming,” she quipped. “Once I got into my 40s, it’s natural progression for your near vision to continue to decrease. I became more and more dependent on glasses with each passing year.”

The contacts that once felt effortless had become a daily battle of dryness, irritation, and a ritual she dreaded. “The minute I would get in my car to go home from work, the first thing I would do is take the contacts out. The highlight of my day! The parking lot was scattered with my contacts.” For someone who had spent four decades telling patients there was a better way, her moment had arrived. “This felt like the right moment to finally practice what I’ve been preaching.”

With guidance from surgeon and Kugler Vision CEO Lance Kugler, MD, Palmquist chose Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE), a procedure that replaces the eye’s aging natural lens with a technologically advanced artificial one, correcting near and distance vision, and permanently eliminating the risk of

cataracts. Her lens of choice was the Light Adjustable Lens, a premium implant that can be fine-tuned after surgery using UV light treatments, allowing the prescription to be customized as the eye heals. “The adjustment process is really pretty easy,” she shared. “You just have to hold really still and stare at the light for about 90 seconds. The doctors are so good about talking you through the whole process.”

While her years of experience made the decision to get RLE clear, the emotions were still human. “I really wasn’t nervous about the surgery itself. What’s natural, no matter how much experience you have, is thinking about your results. At that point, it becomes an exercise in trust. I put my trust in Dr. Kugler and the team, knowing their expertise, precision, and commitment to outcomes.”

Being a patient herself reminded her of something she already believed deeply: the power of patient experience.

“The team kept things lighthearted and made the experience enjoyable, while maintaining a level of professionalism that never wavered. My questions were always met with patience and genuine concern.”

The results arrived in small, perfect moments. Clearer night driving. Reading the menu before her husband finds his glasses. Storybooks with her grandkids—no searching for readers, no interruption, just presence. Ask Palmquist what RLE gave her back and she doesn’t hesitate, “My independence.”

To learn whether RLE is right for you, take Kugler Vision’s 60second self-test at lasikomaha.com or call 402-558-2211.

A family business within a family

business

When John and Janet Sutera first met as bank tellers in 1985, they didn’t know what was in store for the rest of their personal and professional lives. After working together at the same bank for over 20 years, marrying, and raising their children, they continued to expand their scope of financial services, giving them a strong banking foundation. However, all roads eventually led to a shared home: Union Bank & Trust (UBT). Today, they work together in the new Omaha, Nebraska, UBT building at 144th & Dodge, and they’re joined by their daughter, Megan Sutera.

Janet Sutera spent the first half of her career expanding a large branch network in Omaha. She joined UBT in 2008 as a vice president and immediately played an instrumental role in building the bank’s customer base and relationships. UBT had just opened its first branch in Omaha three years prior, and she developed the bank’s operation and customer service team from the ground up, starting with just two employees.

Meanwhile, John Sutera worked in human resources before his mentor encouraged him to explore wealth management. He then became a vice president and wealth advisor at two other banking organizations. During the pandemic, significant organizational changes at his previous employer began to limit his ability to provide the level of service he’d always delivered. Then, a longtime client asked him, “Is it time to make a change and play for another team?” It was just the push he needed to join his wife at UBT as a VP and senior wealth advisor, and his client book followed him, a testament to decades of trust.

After graduating from college, Megan Sutera, like her parents, joined UBT and started her career as a teller. She advanced to a personal banker role before joining her father on the Omaha Wealth

Management team. She now serves as an associate wealth advisor who works closely with her dad’s clients and the next generation of families that he has worked with for more than 30 years.

You can see the legacy is already in motion. Recently, John Sutera opened an account for a fourth-generation client, and Megan Sutera will be able to serve the families for generations to come. With longstanding relationships such as these, the Suteras take a holistic, personal approach. “We travel and attend each other’s family weddings, celebrations, and funerals,” Janet Sutera said. “They’re part of our family.”

UBT has been family-owned for more than 60 years, spanning three generations, and the Suteras take pride in functioning as what they call a “family business within a family business.” Together, they cover all the facets of financial services. John Sutera advises clients on investments and wealth strategies,* Janet Sutera assists with traditional banking solutions (Member FDIC), and Megan Sutera helps with both. Whatever the banking need, the Suteras are here to take care of their clients, now and in the future. After all, it’s the kind of service you’d expect from Union Bank & Trust and a family of bankers who treat you like one of their own.

*Investment products: Not FDIC Insured—No Bank Guarantee—May Lose Value

• 1.5 oz. gin

• 1 oz. fig oleo syrup

• Splash of prosecco • Lemon peel

• .5 oz. lemon Combine first three ingredients in shaker with ice

THE BAR: The Hollows THE BARTENDER: Lee THE DRINK: Figgy Stardust

Ava’s ARMY

Story By SHELLY NOSBISCH

Ava’s Army began as a dream to make a difference in other children’s future. When thirteen-year-old Ava Reinert was diagnosed with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age four, she underwent 800 days of chemotherapy and treatment, finishing in June 2019. Although she’s cancer-free, she continues to deal with neuropathy and severe dental issues due to the long-term effects of chemotherapy. She’s also at a higher risk of developing other cancers in the future due to the outdated treatment she received. There have been no advances in standard Pediatric Leukemia protocols for 25 years, but Ava’s Army hopes to change that.

Edge: What was the inspiration to start Ava’s Army?

Ava: Chemotherapy was very rough on my body, and as a family, we wanted to find a better way, so other kids don’t have to go through the same things that I had to go through. My dream is that we find a better cure for cancer—that is my big goal—and also to raise a million dollars in total for fundraising.

Edge: What do you like to do outside of volunteering for Ava’s Army?

Ava: I do All-Star Cheer and I compete in pageants. This will be my third year doing International Young Miss. It’s in Orlando, Florida this summer, and I’m really excited.

Edge: Tell me about the Ava’s Army fundraising events.

Ava: I really love the Sugar Plum Ball. There’s a lot of dancing. It’s a very kid friendly place for all the survivors and warriors. They get to just be a kid and have fun for one night, and they don’t have to worry about the needles or the medicine or the pokes they get. I also love the Color Run, because you get absolutely dumped with color. My family loves to dump buckets of it on me, and it takes forever to get out.

Edge: How big do you imagine Ava’s Army will grow?

Amanda (Ava’s mom): When we started Ava’s Army, the idea was to have the Sugar Plum ball and raise maybe $2000 to donate to research. And then it just exploded. So the fact that we even have a paid staff blows my mind. We’ve raised over $700,000 now. It’s just that is so beyond my wildest imagination.

Edge: What was it like to meet with the researchers Ava’s Army funded in person?

Amanda: It was life-changing to speak with researchers and hear what they have accomplished. I cried a lot. The solution is there, but they need funding for FDA clinical trials to be FDA approved so that this can become mainstream treatment. They rely on private organizations like ours because there’s so little federal funding. What we’re doing and the money we’re raising, it’s going to make a huge difference in the next five to ten years. We are so close!

Edge: Ava, what are your hopes and dreams for the future?

Ava: I want to be an occupational therapist when I grow up. I want to go to the University of Iowa and be a Hawkeye cheerleader.

Amanda: When Ava was in the hospital, the only time she’d smile was when the OT came in. She was working, but she didn’t know she was working.

Ava: Yeah, she’d even let me throw putty at her face!

TRIFECTA OF TALENT

Laini Michaelis | Senior | Skutt Catholic High School

Story By SHELLY NOSBISCH

Photos by KATIE TROUT AND TONE TORREZ

Skutt Catholic High School senior Laini Michaelis bubbles over with spirit. “I have always liked to be involved and try new things,” she said. “My parents recognized at an early age that I needed to be busy and had a lot of energy.” She began playing basketball in pre-K and started t-ball at age 5. “I volunteered to play catcher when no one else wanted to put on the gear. It started my love for the catching position.” A three-sport varsity player in softball, basketball, and track all four years at Skutt, Michaelis has set a goal for herself to earn twelve varsity athletic letters.

Being a multi-sport athlete is both challenging and rewarding. “As I got older, more of my teammates started to specialize in one sport, but I wanted to play multiple sports as long as possible,” she said. Unfortunately, when high school started, she had to decide between volleyball and softball. “I will say that having to give up volleyball was one of the hardest things I have had to do.”

Michaelis believes there are benefits to playing alongside different personalities. “Even if we may differ in style or opinions, we are all working on similar goals. Being part of a team has allowed me to figure out what traits I have that can help and hurt a team. I have learned to modify what I say or do for a teammate based on their personality. In the future I will know how to read and then respond to people in my job.”

Michaelis is proud of all her teams. “This past summer our Nebraska Gold 16U National softball team surprised a lot of people by finishing third at the Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF) Nationals, which is the most competitive and highest level tournament in the nation. I’m also proud of my Skutt

Catholic softball team because we made it to state and finished third. Our team of many seniors had been on a mission of making it to state, and we did all things, both on and off the field, to make it happen. No one was selfish. We knew it was about the team.”

The 2025 Girls’ Class B State Basketball Championship game came with a lot of pressure. “The senior starters knew I could be counted on for my defense and rebounding,” she said. “I have always been a vocal leader. Coach Kip counted on me to yell out things to help the others on the floor. I knew the defenses, offenses, and inbounding plays like the back of my hand. I helped the subs find out where and what we were doing. I wasn’t the leading scorer or rebounder. However, I like to think that I was an integral part of our success. That day we achieved the goal of the first Girls’ State Basketball Championship for Skutt Catholic High School.”

Former Skutt Catholic girls varsity basketball coach Kip Colony believes Michaelis is special. “Laini plays with a high level of effort, focus, and competitiveness that sets the tone for our team,” he shared. “Whether it’s hustling for a loose ball, getting a board, or stepping up in a big moment, she consistently puts the team first. As a teammate, Laini is just as valuable. She encourages others, leads by example, and holds herself and her teammates accountable in a positive way. Laini’s attitude, leadership, and selflessness make everyone around her better.”

In the fall, Michaelis was one of only 48 seniors across the state to receive the Believers and Achievers Award from the Nebraska School Activities Association. The award was designed to reward high school students who show a commitment to citizenship, school involvement, and community projects. She was also selected as First Team All-State and earned a school record for career fielding percentage.

Michaelis is facing a new challenge following a recent surgical repair for a torn medial patellar femoral ligament. She said, “Will I be the same athlete after surgery? As I begin my fourmonth rehabilitation, I am dedicated to the grueling physical and mental process. I need to trust God’s plan and do all I can to recover as quickly as possible.”

Following graduation, Michaelis will play Division I softball at the University of South Dakota on scholarship. “I am going to major in medical biology and apply for medical school in the future. I plan to be fully healed and ready to challenge for a starting spot on the team.”