Omaha Marian’s Kate Lampmann started playing sand volleyball in 2024. Three years later, she’s making history for the Crusaders.
The senior signed with the College of Idaho women’s beach volleyball team on Wednesday, becoming the first athlete in Marian’s school history to play the sport collegiately.
“I just love the sport so much, and to be able to play it at the collegiate level is just something I had honestly never dreamed of,” Lampmann told NebPreps. “So, I’m really proud of this accomplishment, but I’m just so excited to get to play the sport I love.”
Lampmann’s volleyball journey started by playing indoors, and she played until her senior year of high school. However, her focus has since shifted to the sand.
The senior started by playing recreationally in tournaments at Sinnott’s Sand Bar in Papillion. From there, Lampmann found a club partner who she’s worked with the past three years, with the two of them eventually advancing to perform on national stages.
The support from her family and coaches throughout the process has meant a ton.
“They’re like the most amazing people ever, and I really couldn’t do it without them,” Lampmann said. “Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am right now.”
Lampmann said she had reached out to both the indoor and beach team at the College of Idaho and heard back from the latter.
“Coach (Madison) Machurek reached back out to me, and she was like, ‘I’m interested in you, so let’s set up a meeting,’” Lampmann said. “So I did, and it was just a hit from there. She’s so nice.”
Women’s beach volleyball is a new addition to the school’s athletic department. The school — which is in Caldwell, Idaho — announced the addition in 2023, and they began competing in 2024. The program competes at the NAIA level.
In their first two seasons, the Yotes finished third in the Cascade Conference and ranked ninth nationally for eight consecutive weeks in 2025.
However, the opportunity to play beach volleyball wasn’t the only appeal for Lampmann.
Kate Lampmann made history today as the first Omaha Marian athlete to sign to play college beach volleyball.
Lampmann will play at an NAIA program, College of Idaho. pic.twitter.com/a79sIAbZUS
— nebpreps (@THEnebpreps) November 11, 2026
“Finding College of Idaho is like a gem,” she said. “They have everything I need, my major, and the sport I love, so what more could I want?”
Although Lampmann’s found everything she’s ever dreamt of in Idaho, playing beach volleyball has been an adjustment, and it requires some different skills.
“Communication’s really important on the court, but it is even more important in the sand because there’s only two of you out there,” Lampmann said. “If you’re not talking with the other person, you’re not going to be able to play well.”
For someone that didn’t consider playing beach volleyball collegiately until April, Lampmann’s come far, but she’s also just getting started.
She’s excited for this next chapter.
“I was like, ‘this is actually something I really want to go for,’ and I can’t imagine myself not playing volleyball,” Lampmann said. “It’s been a crazy ride, and I’m just so thankful for it all.”
