The Nebraska Huskers’ spring match was among the last things John Cook worked on before shocking the volleyball world with his retirement announcement. The needle has moved a lot since then. With Cook retiring from coaching, one of his most successful proteges, Dani Busboom Kelly now helms Huskers volleyball. And the fans are ready to support the new head coach.

How did we come to that conclusion? Well, Nebraska fans convinced the volleyball community. The same fans were already in a celebratory mood after the Nebraska Board of Regents approved renaming the volleyball arena at Bob Devaney Sports Center to John Cook Arena. So they turned up in droves when tickets to John Cook’s final project went on sale in Ord, Nebraska.

Just a couple of years ago, more than 92,000 fans gathered at Memorial Stadium to cheer for the Huskers, thus breaking the attendance record for a women’s sports event. And now, they’ve set another example for the entire volleyball community. Ord High School, the venue for the spring match, sold out in minutes. Huskers Illustrated’s Lincoln Arneal revealed exactly how fast they mopped up the tickets. “The 1,400 tickets for Nebraska’s spring match in Ord sold out in 27 minutes this morning,” he wrote on X. Granted, that 1400 tickets pales in comparison to the other attendance records set by the Huskers, but once you realize that Ord is just a speck on the Nebraska map and has a population of just around 2000, it really helps put things in perspective.

What’s more? Fans couldn’t even buy online tickets to the Huskers’ first game without John Cook in 25 years. “Tickets were only available to purchase in person. Reports had people lining up as soon as late afternoon on Friday,” revealed Arneal. Thankfully, “Almost everyone who was in line was able to purchase tickets.” he added. An impressive feat? Or just another Tuesday for arguably the most passionate fan base in college volleyball?

Well, one thing’s for certain. While the Huskers supporters won’t see Coach Cook’s familiar face on the sidelines anymore, they’re excited to see how Coach Kelly honors the legacy that her former mentor spent 25 years building. The fact that this show of support comes just a day after renaming the arena at The Bob only makes it more special.

Nebraska volleyball has immortalized John Cook

April 11 became a day of celebration for every volleyball lover in Nebraska. With the Nebraska Board of Regents approving the renaming, Cook became the third legendary coach with a landmark named after them. “This is an incredible honor. I am truly humbled by all of it,” the 68-year-old later said. The retired coach thanked Athletic Director Troy Dannen, the Regents, and the Nebraska administration for the honor.

“The Bob Devaney Sports Center and Terry Pettit Court are named after two legendary coaches, and it’s an honor to be able to share the name of the facility with them,” added the four-time NCAA title winner. However, the Huskers didn’t just stop at renaming the arena after John Cook. NU is going to build a statue of Cook just outside the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

NU’s Athletic Director Troy Dannen also added his thoughts after honoring the retired coach. “John’s success as the leader of our volleyball program is unmatched,” said the AD. Dannen explained that Cook didn’t just win titles for Nebraska but inspired the entire athletic department, university, and fans across Nebraska.

And maybe that’s why the community continues to support and honor John Cook months after retiring in January. The coach acknowledged it last month, too. “I did not expect the amount of attention that it would get at Nebraska…” he said on Kicking Back with the Cooks. The 68-year-old’s endorsement of Dani Busboom Kelly is the other reason, besides her ability to create NCAA title contenders, that has the fans so excited.