When I learned Lance Vie had worked behind the scenes during Nebraska's historic volleyball match at Memorial Stadium, I instantly thought back to about five years prior.
Vie was in high school then — an Arlington senior. That October, he joined me in taking photos of an Eagles softball game during the state tournament in Hastings.
Vie wasn't all about the business at hand, though. He asked me a lot of questions, too. They were questions about my job and journalism in general.
Now, half a decade later — and a ton of sports-adjacent work behind him — Vie still remembered asking those questions when I talked to him on the phone last week. He's since, however, put together an impressive resume with his graduation from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) still ahead.
So, let's get into it.
After saying goodbye to AHS, Vie earned an associates degree at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, first. He discovered his appreciation for broadcasting there, working behind the camera with News Channel Nebraska.
“I'm a big tech guy,” he said.
Vie then transferred to UNL, majoring in broadcasting and looking to earn a minor in business administration. The former Eagle is smart, though, so he hasn't just applied himself in his studies. He's gone above and beyond, too.
Vie started with HuskerVision in 2022. It's the source of all of those camera views you see on big screens at Nebraska athletic competitions and much, much more.
He started there and earned his keep. Today, he directs Big Ten Plus broadcasts as well as all of the screen work you see at soccer, volleyball and men's basketball contests.
Notably, Vie started November with a four-game week due to the NU seasons' crossovers. It's all a lot of work on top of school, but the AHS grad isn't stopping.
“It's just the love for what I do,” he said, describing his overall motivation. “It doesn't really feel like I'm working a job.”
His biggest event to date — with the most pressure — was the record-setting volleyball match between the Huskers and the Omaha Mavericks on Aug. 30. Vie directed for HuskerVision that day, providing up-close views and replays — with the help of many, of course — for the 92,003 in attendance at Memorial Stadium that day.
“It was an absolutely surreal moment,” he said. “Every second, it felt completely unreal.”
So, it really was a rewarding day for the players and coaches, but also so many more behind the scenes.
“I was just so happy to have volleyball on such a big stage,” Vie said.
Altogether, the college senior is grateful to HuskerVision for all he's experienced in Lincoln. He, too, wanted me to mention Arlington teacher Shawna Koger for leading him to journalism and, subsequently, broadcasting through Future Business Leaders of America. He credited educators Amber Sims and Scott Parson, too.
Now, Vie is focused on his work, but also an upcoming college graduation in May. When asked what he plans to do next, the Arlington grad told me what he tells everyone who asks him.
“I'll just go where the wind takes me,” he said.
At the moment, though, he remains focused on the Huskers in Lincoln. If you attend a game, you're likely to enjoy his work.
