When it comes to transforming a sport, few figures have left an imprint as profound as John Cook. For over 25 years, this Nebraska volleyball icon didn’t just coach the game—he elevated it to unprecedented heights. Cook’s influence was seismic, shaking the very foundation of collegiate volleyball and catapulting Nebraska into the global spotlight. His departure from the sport is nothing short of the end of an era. But, as the saying goes, legends never truly leave—they inspire generations to come.
It’s no wonder Nebraska’s rising football star, quarterback Dylan Raiola, captured the emotions of thousands in just two powerful words: “LEGEND!!!” and “G.O.A.T.” Posted on his Instagram story, these words honored a man whose legacy will echo through the halls of Nebraska volleyball forever. Raiola’s tribute wasn’t merely a nod to Cook’s achievements—it was a resounding acknowledgment of a life devoted to excellence.
John Cook: A Legacy Etched in Greatness
John Cook’s coaching résumé reads like an epic novel of triumph. Across 32 years—25 of them with Nebraska—he accumulated accolades most could only dream of. Four national championships. Twelve NCAA Semifinal appearances. Five Big Ten titles. Nine Big 12 titles. His astonishing career record of 883-176 places him among the winningest Division I volleyball coaches of all time, with Nebraska boasting an extraordinary 722-103 record under his leadership. No Division I volleyball program has achieved a better winning percentage during his reign.
But Cook’s impact extends far beyond numbers. He turned Nebraska volleyball into a cultural phenomenon. Under his guidance, Memorial Stadium shattered attendance records, hosting a jaw-dropping 92,003 fans in 2023—an audience size unheard of in volleyball history. Cook didn’t just build a team; he created a spectacle. Each game was a showcase of unparalleled skill, electrifying strategy, and the raw passion of Husker Nation. Even on the road, his team drew record-breaking crowds, cementing Nebraska as the epicenter of volleyball excellence.
In his farewell, Cook expressed heartfelt gratitude: “I want to thank my family for their support, and I want to thank Bill Byrne and Terry Pettit for giving me the opportunity to be the Nebraska volleyball coach. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some great coaches and staff over the years, and I’m forever grateful for how hard they worked and for how much they gave to Nebraska volleyball.”
As he steps away, Cook leaves behind a legacy that transcends wins and trophies. His influence lives on in every serve, every spike, and every roaring cheer from the stands. Nebraska volleyball isn’t just a team—it’s a dynasty, and Cook is its architect.
Enter Dani Busboom Kelly: The Torchbearer of a New Era
In the wake of Cook’s retirement, a familiar face emerges to lead the Huskers into the future: Dani Busboom Kelly. Raiola’s Instagram hinted at her arrival, posting, “Welcome Coach DBK!” This announcement marks the dawn of a new chapter for Nebraska volleyball, with a former Husker stepping into the spotlight as head coach.
Busboom Kelly is no stranger to Nebraska’s storied program. A native of Cortland, Nebraska, she is the embodiment of Husker pride. As a player, she helped guide the Huskers to a national championship in 2006. Years later, as an assistant coach, she contributed to another national title in 2015. Her coaching journey then took her to Tennessee before she assumed the role of head coach at Louisville in 2016.
At Louisville, Busboom Kelly transformed the program into a national powerhouse. With a remarkable record of 203-44, including an astonishing 120-15 record over her final four seasons, she elevated Louisville to unprecedented success. And now, she returns to her roots, bringing with her the knowledge, passion, and championship mindset that Nebraska thrives on.
“The opportunity to come home to Nebraska is more than a dream come true,” Busboom Kelly said. “I want to thank Troy Dannen, Dr. Jeffrey Gold, and Kristen Brown for their trust in me to continue the legacy of Nebraska volleyball. A huge thank you to John Cook. I would not be here without his mentorship and support.”
The Dani Busboom Kelly Era Begins
As the Huskers usher in this new era, expectations are sky-high. Dani Busboom Kelly inherits a program steeped in tradition, yet one that constantly looks to the future. Her journey from player to coach is a full-circle moment, a testament to the enduring power of Nebraska volleyball. She stands ready to build upon the foundation Cook laid, combining her experience, strategy, and unrelenting drive to write the next chapter in this storied program’s history.
This season promises to be nothing short of exhilarating. Will Busboom Kelly lead the Huskers to yet another national championship? Will she redefine what it means to be a coach, much like her predecessor? One thing is certain: with Nebraska’s unyielding fan base behind her, the possibilities are endless.
As John Cook steps into the annals of history, Dani Busboom Kelly steps onto the court, ready to carry the torch of greatness. This isn’t just a coaching change—it’s a passing of the flame, a transition from one legendary era to another. Buckle up, Husker fans. The ride has only just begun.
