The possibility of seeing Nebraska win the national volleyball title could be low, but it’s never zero. Considered one of the best volleyball programs in the country, the Huskers are a force to be reckoned with in the collegiate circuit. And ever since John Cook has taken charge of the team, it has only flourished over time. And now, as another NCAA Championship season arrives, Cook once again looks to the fans to help the athletes on their national campaign.

The Huskers won its last national championship back in 2017. Last season, Nebraska had to settle for the runners-up trophy after being handed a defeat by the Texas Longhorns. With five of the seniors leaving the school at the end of the season, Cook understandably wants to part ways on a high note, and what better way to do that than by lifting the NCAA title together? But the fans need to do their part too, the head coach thinks.

John Cook has a special task for the Huskers Nation

In a recent presser, Coach Cook talked about how the 2024/25 season could finally be the year when the 7-year-old drought ends. In a YouTube upload by the official Nebraska Huskers account, the 4x NCAA winning coach talked about how the fans can help the players feel motivated to go all the way to the finals for the second time in a row. On December 6, Nebraska will take on Florida A&M at the Devaney Sports Center on home soil. Naturally, having the home crowd cheer for the team can be a big help, John Cook speculates.

Referring to how this year’s NCAA tournament will culminate at the KFC Yum! Center in Kentucky, Cook said, “I’m putting it on our crowd. They’re going to will us to Louisville. They better will us to Louisville,” claiming that it’s an assignment the Huskers fans would need to pay heed to. Moreover, highlighting team hasn’t played many matches in the last month, John also posited that the fans should be feeling hyped to return to the Lincoln home ground and show their support to the girls.

But Cook can rest assured. The Huskers are known for their enthusiastic cheering voices to give Merritt Beason & Co. an extra boost to the system. Over the years, Nebraska has racked up some serious records when it comes to the number of supporters attending their games. The Huskers’ fandom is so incredible that even some of their opponents have reaped its benefits this season. However, knowing the first hurdle that stands in Nebraska’s way to the top of the pecking order, the fans might still have to go into overdrive.

A towering obstacle to begin the NCAA run in style

The 2024 regular season has been an incredible one for the Huskers. Cook’s team finished with a 29-2 (19-1 in Big Ten) record, highlighting their dominance. After trouncing Maryland 3-1 at the final match of the collegiate season, Lexi Rodriguez & Co. lifted the Big Ten Conference trophy once again, sharing it with #1 Penn State. And yet, the highlight of the season would undoubtedly be defeating Wisconsin twice, a feat Nebraska hasn’t been able to achieve in quite some time. However, despite the incredible milestone, John Cook couldn’t help but reiterate the one thing that could make things even better.

After sweeping the Badgers 3-0 for the second time in late November, the Huskers HC said, “You know, it’s hard to put into words what this senior group means, and what they’ve done. If you look at their legacy, what they’ve done, I mean, they’ve literally done everything but win a national championship, and you know, we still got an opportunity to do that,” and the conviction in his tone couldn’t go unnoticed.

On the other hand, settling the score with Florida A&M is also an opportunity that’s suddenly on the horizon. The two teams met the last time in 2004 when the Florida girls won 3-1. This time, Cook is determined to get one back. But do you think it’ll be a walk in the park for John Cook and his squad? Share your predictions for Friday’s match in the comments!