Oh, to have a homecoming like Dani Busboom Kelly! She became the official head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers team after John Cook’s sudden retirement, which took the volleyball community by surprise. The time was perfect; lights were dim, music was loud, and the audience in the Devaney Center stood up to cheer. And right there in the second row, her biggest fan, Lane Kelly, sat with pride. Like the former football special teams ace he is, he played his part flawlessly—guiding their 2-year-old son, Boone, to the front for those unforgettable snapshots.

The night was all about Dani, and Lane ensured that she could feel all the love and admiration that was coming her way. But the celebrations didn’t stop there! As Dani embraces this grand new chapter, the ‘best wishes’ messages continue to pour in. And now, her very special someone has stepped up to add their voice to the chorus of love and support. Looks like this Nebraskan feat just got even sweeter!

Dani Busboom Kelly’s husband, Lane Kelly, posted a sweet Instagram post that melted the hearts of fans. The first slide? A lovely photo of Dani, Lane, and their mini-me. The next? A solo of their son, eyes locked on the action from the stands. And the grand finale? A full-on family love fest, featuring Dani, Lane, their adorable 2-year-old Boone, and both sets of proud grandparents. It was the kind of post that makes you pause, smile, and maybe even wipe away a tiny happy tear.

Lane’s caption was straight out of a romance movie—just with a volleyball twist. “16 years ago, Dan took a chance and followed her heart to coach VB, moving almost a thousand miles away from home. Dating at the time, I knew I had to go along for the ride.. What a ride it’s been! Starting a family, meeting incredible life long friends.. Can’t wait for what’s to come! Love you @coachdbk #GBR🌽” From budding love to building a family, chasing dreams, and making a home away from home, these two have been through it all. And judging by that caption, the best is still yet to come!

Dani Busboom Kelly’s homecoming? Oh, it was nothing short of legendary! Back in January, John Cook walked onto the basketball court, and the crowd erupted, giving the 68-year-old coaching icon a roaring ovation. Nebraska’s Athletic Director, Troy Dannen, was there to greet him at center court, but the cheers didn’t stop there. Moments later, Dani Busboom Kelly made her entrance, and the fans lost it all over again, welcoming home one of their own in the most unforgettable way.

Hail Varsity perfectly captured the moment, sharing, “John Cook was honored for his retirement and Dani Busboom Kelly was welcomed back to Lincoln at tonight’s basketball game. What a moment.” As DBK joined Cook at center court, the two embraced in a heartfelt hug—a true passing-of-the-torch moment between the coaching legend and the former Husker star he once mentored. Lincoln Arneal said it most aptly, “Both received a standing ovation.” Goosebumps, anyone? But coming back to Dani and her husband, they are their biggest supporters and are adapting to this new shift from Louisville to Nebraska!

Dani Busboom Kelly and her biggest supporter!

If Dani is the new president of Husker volleyball, then Lane is the ultimate first gentleman. And the homecoming week? It was his homecoming, too! Lane is a Creighton Prep graduate who played 44 games for the University of Nebraska as a long snapper from 2003 to 2006. His parents, Doug and Kristi Kelly, plus his sister Lindsay Harm and her family, were all there to welcome him back. But before all that, he and Dani went to the Cayman Islands for one final vacation before their lives become even more hectic. With a move to Lincoln’s Firethorn neighborhood coming up and baby No. 2 arriving in May, the Kellys have their hands full.

These two have been a team from the start. They became friends when they were first year students in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in the year 2003 through their common experiences in the fall camp, study sessions at night, and training table lunch. “We started dating second semester,” Lane said. “That was it.” He watched Dani set and dig on the volleyball court, while she cheered him on as he snapped under the stadium lights. 

Indeed, Lane’s football journey was no joke. He rejected the opportunity to play for the Marquette basketball team to join Nebraska and later got a scholarship. He even took over snapping duties from Richie Incognito. He has had some glorious moments such as the Alamo Bowl against Michigan in 2005 and some low moments at the Texas couple of times. Of course, the NFL never knocked on Lane’s door, but he found his niche in supporting Dani, practicing golf and getting a playful call from the head of Nebraska athletic director Troy Dannen—“If you saw us last year, Matt Rhule may be calling you, Lane.”

But Lane? He is more than content to be a die-hard Dani fan, telling jokes and playing golf occasionally, of course.