John Cook has led the Nebraska Huskers’ volleyball program with distinction for over two decades, capturing the NCAA title four times during his tenure. However, this year brings an added sense of urgency. With five senior athletes set to leave the Lincoln campus at the season’s end, Coach Cook is determined to make their final chapter one to remember. Yet, a familiar foe looms on the horizon, ready to challenge that goal!

Just days ago, after the Huskers’ second victory over the Wisconsin Badgers of the season, the HC noted how the seniors’ legacy is beyond reproach. And yet, the pain of not winning the national title together was evident in his statements. But as the 2024/25 NCAA Championships brackets are revealed, it looks like Cook & Co. will have to face a stiff task right off the bat.

John Cook is hopeful about getting one back

On December 6, the Huskers will begin their NCAA campaign by taking on Florida A&M in the first round of the tournament. In a YouTube upload by the official Nebraska Huskers account from December 1, Cook talked about how the game is likely to pan out this Friday. The Florida and Nebraska programs will cross paths for the second time ever later this week. The last time they met in 2004, the Rattlers swept the Huskers 3-1, and naturally, John Cook is eager to get one back this time around.

“We owe Florida A&M because they beat us in ‘ 04,” the HC said during the Huskers presser today. The journalists immediately questioned if Cook had told the team about the past, and bitter, experience, and he responded with, ‘Oh yeah,” with a grin. But for obvious reasons, the current group of athletes had a hard time trying to relate to their coach’s words. “They were all saying I wasn’t even born. Yeah, well, I was there, so I saw it,” John said with a chuckle.

But it was evident that he hadn’t forgotten about the fateful from twenty years ago. “Was over in the Coliseum, and they had it was an international team,” recalled the NU coach. However, he still noted that he and his team would go into the tournament with all guns blazing. “It’s gonna probably be the most dynamic, results-oriented tournament ever,” reiterated the veteran coach. If the Huskers beat their first-round opponents on Friday, they will be facing either Miami or South Dakota State the next day. But John Cook or the athletes won’t be left alone on their quest.

The Huskers Nation also rallying behind the team

The Nebraska Huskers came heartbreakingly close to securing the national title in the 2023/24 NCAA Division I Championship but fell just short in the finals against the Texas Longhorns in Tampa, Florida. Despite an outstanding performance throughout the regular and postseason, the loss was a tough blow for the team. Determined to make up for it, players like Lexi Rodriguez and Merritt Beason are leaving no opportunity to showcase their grit and resolve.

The Huskers capped off their regular season with an impressive 29-2 overall record, including a dominant 19-1 mark in the Big Ten. Sharing the conference title with Penn State, they now head into the NCAA tournament full of confidence and eager to redeem themselves.

Moreover, the Huskers fans are also going the mile for the team: flocking to home and away venues to cheer for the athletes to bring out the best in them. Their vehement support has been so audacious that even Nebraska’s opponents are reaping its benefits. At the team’s final regular season match against the Maryland Terrapins, the Xfinity Center sold a record number of tickets, and even the folks over at Big Ten were startled to see the massive numbers. But will that momentum continue in the post-season for the Huskers as well? Tell us your predictions for this Friday in a comment!