Wednesday hit Nebraska Volleyball fans right in the feels—a mix of pride, nostalgia, and maybe a few misty eyes. After an iconic 25-year reign, the legendary John Cook decided to hang up the clipboard, closing out a dynasty that saw the Huskers clinch four national titles. For players like Lexi Rodriguez, Harper Murray, and so many others who thrived under his guidance, it was a bittersweet moment.  Reflecting on his journey, Cook shared, “I’ve been here for 25 years. That’s a long time to do something. It’s been a great run.”

But for him, the wins and banners weren’t the biggest prize—it was watching his players grow beyond the game. “For me personally, the greatest accomplishment in coaching is seeing former players go into coaching or other careers and taking the lessons they’ve learned from being a Nebraska volleyball player and applying it to their everyday lives. There is no greater reward in coaching than that.” And just like that, the baton was passed to Nebraska alum Dani Busboom Kelly, bringing her expertise back home after an eight-season run at Louisville. But as Cook’s chapter closes, Harper Murray had some real thoughts on what this shift means for Nebraska’s future.

Harper Murray gets real!

When it comes to responding to John Cook’s retirement news, Harper Murray had no chill—so she went on TikTok to let it all out. In one post, she took a mirror selfie and cheekily called out her legendary coach, captioning it, “@coachjohncook1 one last video???” Fans flooded the comments, clearly in their feels, with one pleading, “Please stay! We love you!” And while Cook may have stepped away, Harper wasted no time dousing any fires, answering with a straightforward, yet assertive, “I’m not going anywhere.”

But wait, there is more! She posted a second video, and honestly, girl, you were owning that dramatics like nobody’s business. Lying flat on a footpath, totally out of commission, she hilariously played dead, captioning it, “me when coach told me he was retiring,” and adding, “no comment but this is lowkey what happened.” The cherry on top? The whole thing was set to the ultimate heartbreak anthem, Nothing here to care about. It is safe to say she has taken the news in the only way she can–with a little humor, a lot of vibes, and a lot of love for Nebraska.

And just like that, Nebraska fans got hit with another coaching curveball—because John Cook isn’t the only one saying goodbye. Jordan Larson has now resigned from her position as an assistant coach for Nebraska after having worked for two seasons, with Coach Cook breaking the news on Monday. Larson had been juggling coaching duties with her own playing career, repping Team USA on the Olympic stage and now making serious waves in LOVB!

But let’s go back to Harper Murray and her relationship with Cook—because she has not been shy about admitting just how much she has Cook to thank for. It is safe to say that he left his mark and she is taking that Husker pride forward with her!

Murray and her father figure

Last year, getting on the court was like getting into a storm for Harper Murray. She was drowning in doubt—what if the people rejected her? What if she messed up? But John Cook wasn’t about to let her sink. He pushed her, held her accountable, and kept his promise to her mom—he showed up for her, every step of the way. “He wasn’t happy with me. But at the same time, he promised my mom that he would be there for me. And that’s exactly what he did. He held me accountable. But he gave me grace.”

And that bond? It became unbreakable. “I have a lot of love and respect for him [John Cook]. I wouldn’t be the person or the player I am without him. And I know that I owe a lot to him.”

But before that bond was forged in fire, Harper hit rock bottom. It all began when Nebraska was defeated in the national championships in a very close match. She closed herself in a bathroom, unable to open the door to the world, understanding that if she came out to that press conference, there would be a tragedy. But with a deep breath and a lot of courage, she went—and after eight minutes of silence, she made a bold promise: “I think we’re going to win three national championships (in) the next three years.”

Rebekah Allick supported her with a proud ‘f—k yeah’—but the internet? Not so kind. The trolls criticized her abilities, insulted her, included her deceased father, and said she had no right to be here. The weight of it all sent her spiraling—skipping classes, making reckless choices, and landing herself in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.

The world watched in shock as her mistakes accumulated—an arrest for DUI, shoplifting, and the removal from the U.S. women’s U21 team. Her family was expecting the worst, but John Cook? He refused to give up on her. He put her through community service, therapy, and a lot of rebuilding. And, gradually, she came back to life.

Now, everyone knows—Cook and Murray? That’s a bond like no other. The TikTok videos, the inside jokes, the JC written on her fingertape before every match? It’s all proof. “He’s the closest thing I have to a father figure,” she says. And honestly? You can feel it.