SkyCoach was introduced at the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) volleyball championships this season through a new partnership exploring how replay technology can support the conference during postseason play.

The tournament marked the first live use of SkyCoach for NWAC volleyball, with Columbia Basin College Assistant Director of Athletics Spencer Roland serving as the primary operator throughout the event.

Columbia Basin received the equipment in October, allowing time to prepare ahead of championships. Roland ran the system during a home match environment and a practice session to get comfortable with setup and workflow before using it live.

“We were satisfied with what we saw,” Roland said. “So we just went straight to the championship tournament.”

SkyCoach was used across eight matches during the event. Roland noted the platform’s reliability and the SkyCoach team’s hands-on support as key factors in the smooth rollout.

“One thing I appreciated was SkyCoach’s commitment to technical support,” Roland said. “No matter the situation, there always seemed to be an answer.”

Once competition began, the workflow quickly felt natural.

“After learning the iPad and setup, it was pretty straightforward,” Roland said. “We didn’t face any wireless or connection issues.”

That consistency allowed officials to use replay as a supplemental tool without slowing match flow.

SkyCoach played a decisive role late in the championship match during a fifth-set challenge on an attack near the end line. Officials reviewed the play using the center stationary camera.

“The stationary camera showed the ball was about two inches in or on the line — clear as day,” Roland said.

The replay confirmed the call and ended the match.

This season also marked the first time NWAC volleyball coaches were allowed to challenge calls at the championship level. Despite initial concerns, challenges were used sparingly and efficiently.

“We were nervous it would be a challenge-fest,” Roland said. “But they used it appropriately.”

Most reviews — including net touches and fingertip deflections — were resolved in under 45 seconds, with several calls overturned after clear video confirmation.

Officials responded positively to the added clarity. Looking ahead, the conference could add a dedicated net camera to further improve touch reviews.

The NWAC volleyball championships represented SkyCoach’s first postseason collaboration with the conference. From training and setup to live match execution, SkyCoach delivered reliable, efficient replay support without disrupting the flow of the game.

As the partnership continues, SkyCoach looks forward to supporting NWAC volleyball and basketball championships with flexible replay solutions designed for postseason environments.