John Cook, one of the most successful coaches in the history of college volleyball, has announced his retirement after 25 years leading the Nebraska Cornhuskers women’s volleyball team. Cook leaves behind an incredible legacy, with numerous titles, records, and contributions to the sport that have transformed Nebraska into a volleyball powerhouse.
A Career Filled with Championships and Historic Achievements
During his 25 seasons at Nebraska, Cook’s record stands at 722-103 with a .875 winning percentage, the best among Division I volleyball programs over the last 25 years. His overall coaching record of 883-176 gives him the fifth-best winning percentage in Division I volleyball history at .834. Under his leadership, Nebraska won:
- 4 National Championships (2000, 2006, 2015, 2017)
- 12 NCAA semifinal appearances
- 9 Big 12 titles
- 5 Big Ten titles
- 8 NCAA finals appearances
Cook led the Cornhuskers to their first national championship during his debut season in 2000 when they went undefeated, becoming only the second team in NCAA history to achieve that feat. His influence on the sport extended far beyond wins and titles, as Nebraska consistently broke attendance records and increased the national visibility of women’s volleyball.
Cook Reflects on His Legacy
In his retirement statement, Cook reflected on his time at Nebraska and the relationships he built:
“I’ve been here for 25 years. That’s a long time to do something. It’s been a great run,” Cook said. “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.”
Cook emphasized that his greatest joy came from seeing former players succeed in coaching and other careers, applying the lessons learned during their time as Cornhuskers.
“There is no greater reward in coaching than that,” he said. “Lastly and most importantly, I want to thank the fans for always supporting Nebraska volleyball. I’ve always said to ‘Dream Big’, and we’ve dreamed bigger than any volleyball program in the history of the world.”
Growing the Popularity of Volleyball
Cook’s contributions to Nebraska’s program didn’t just involve winning games—they helped the sport reach unprecedented levels of popularity. Starting in 2001, Nebraska began a 337-game sellout streak, the longest in NCAA women’s athletics history.
In 2023, Nebraska set the world record for attendance at a women’s sporting event with a volleyball match held in the Cornhuskers’ football stadium. The match drew over 92,000 fans and further solidified Nebraska’s status as a leader in women’s volleyball.
Dani Busboom Kelly to Take Over
Following Cook’s announcement, Nebraska quickly revealed that Dani Busboom Kelly, the current Louisville volleyball coach, will succeed him as the Cornhuskers’ fourth head coach. Busboom Kelly has a strong connection to the program, having played and coached at Nebraska before leading Louisville to a national runner-up finish this year. Her experience and ties to the Cornhuskers make her a natural successor to continue Cook’s legacy.
Final Thoughts
John Cook’s retirement marks the end of an era for Nebraska women’s volleyball, but his impact will be felt for years to come. His vision and dedication helped elevate the program to national prominence while helping volleyball gain more visibility in the U.S. As Nebraska looks to the future under Busboom Kelly’s leadership, Cook’s influence will continue to inspire both the program and the sport as a whole.
