Penn State’s clinical victory against Nebraska volleyball failed to dent the latter’s confidence. On November 30, the Huskers registered a statement against Maryland. With a 3-1 over the opponent, the team built a record of 19-1 in the Big Ten volleyball season. Ultimately, the victory against the Terps made John Cook’s squad the champion of the Big Ten title. Although the squad will have to share it with the Nittany Lions, a victory is always a victory. And by claiming the title on Saturday, the Huskers entered history. 

For the first time in its collegiate history, Nebraska volleyball earned the title for two years in a row, and that too with such authority. Furthermore, the NCAA selection is on the cards and because of the title victory, Nebraska will earn the automatic qualification for the national championship. So there are multiple reasons for the Huskers to feel elation. They obviously did. After winning the game in College Park, the entire squad jumped into a wild celebration. 

In the locker room, they even douse the coach while circling him. They all wanted to cheer for John Cook, who just completed his 5th Big Ten Title victory as the Huskers’ coach. Naturally, there are many experiences for the veteran coach who has seen a lot of similar nights. That’s why he always counts on the effort that has been put behind. On Saturday as well, he did the same. In the locker room, he reminded Merritt Beason, Lexi Rodriguez, and others about the effort they put into winning the title. 

Cook eventually said, “I hope you are really proud of it because it’s not easy and we never won back-to-back either at Nebraska in the Big Ten. So you should feel really, really happy, and congrats to everybody who helped and who’s here and this is special.” The occasion is special by every means. How? The 68-year-old coach shared something to realize the importance. 

In the Big Red’s locker room, Cook took his time to share the aspects. He knows each team member like the back of his hand. Nonetheless, he didn’t want to let the moment slip to let them know about their achievement. In the team huddle, Cook said, “I also said way back that it might take the team of the century to go undefeated. We almost did it, but again we found a way to win it and again, this is the hardest conference, the toughest challenge.” The buildup makes sense. 

It has never seemed to be easy to remain undefeated over 10 weeks, throughout 20 matches. The changing environment, venues, and audiences are the parameters that can always bite. Now, add the issues like injuries, tantrums, and whatnot. Altogether, a cent percent effort may not be sufficient. But look at the Nebraska Huskers. 

It had its sole loss in its second-last game on the route and it still stood tall in the next game. What could have been better than this? An undefeated run in the Big Ten volleyball, maybe! But in the post-COVID era, no team has made that record. Even the last of its kind came in 2009 when Penn State finished its season without facing any loss (38-0). Now, with Penn State, Nebraska volleyball will enter the NCAA championship fight. But as we have mentioned before, the comeback fight never seemed to be easy. Then how did the squad make it? John Cook has an answer. 

John Cook had the special pep talk to motivate the Huskers 

After Friday night, the Nebraska volleyball had to taste fans’ wrath. The high-flying fans had expected to watch a thumping victory against the nemesis Nittany Lions. Huskers’ throughout record this season may have motivated them further to build their dream around the full-out performance. But in Rec Hall, Penn State handed the Huskers its sole loss in the Big Ten volleyball conference. Suddenly, all hell broke loose and fans demanded heads. Even Lindsay Krause had to intervene in the situation to stop the wildfire. So John Cook’s task to motivate his team had been slated to be extremely tough. 

But the 68-year-old coach knows how to use facts. He had just a few hours to gather mojo and engage in another volleyball battle. Well, he took a few minutes to warm the Red squad. In his interaction with Lincoln Arneal, the coach disclosed a few things regarding that closed-door meeting. He ultimately said, “We’re playing for the Big Ten championship tomorrow, and I reminded them that they went through nine weeks of the Big Ten—the hardest conference in the country, the hardest Big Ten Conference ever. We only lost five sets up until tonight. We got a lot of good stuff we’re doing, and we got to get back to doing that, and we got 24 hours to do it.” That pep talk seemed to work efficiently. Proof? Just look at the numbers.