While the legendary coach got exactly what he wanted, he wasn’t expecting the energy of the crowd to hit him so hard. That’s because you could argue that the fans cheered even louder for Coach Cook than when the Supernovas swept Vegas Thrill. “Man, I could feel the energy,” said the former AVCA Coach of the Year, before confessing that he struggled to control his emotions.

“I don’t know, I got a little choked up,” John Cook admitted while discussing how he felt at that moment with Hurrdat Sports reporter Ana Bellinghausen. Yet, this reaction may not be as uncommon as you may think. Huskers star Harper Murray, who just happens to be one of Coach Cook’s favorite pupils, spilled the beans.

“He always says he’s not going to cry, and then he always does,” said the Nebraska University junior. Although Murray didn’t pass up the opportunity to poke some lighthearted fun at her former coach, the moment meant a lot for the outside hitter. “It was adorable,” said the Huskers star with pride, especially because they asked her and a fellow Husker to be part of it.

“They asked me and Bergen (Reilly), to walk him out, and it was really special. So I’m glad we got to do that,” added the 20-year-old volleyball phenom. And while Murray didn’t cry, it reminded her of just how much the volleyball community adores the legendary coach. Even the players have shown their faith in a way no one else could.

Why Nebraska loves John Cook so much

Cook became universally loved and respected after leading NU volleyball as the head for 25 years. Through his prolonged career, the 68-year-old accomplished everything you could accomplish as a coach. Conference titles, national titles, Coach of the Year titles, and more; if you can name it, there’s a good chance Coach Cook has it in his cabinet.

Yet, while the accolades drew the top talents to Nebraska year after year, the culture made them stay. John Cook’s nature to mingle with the team, sharing in their triumphs and disappointments, while consistently adapting to their success, made Cook such a beloved figure in volleyball. And that became apparent when not a single player transferred even after Cook retired.

“It’s just the fact that we trust him to put us in good hands. So I think that just goes to show our trust for him,” explained Harper Murray. Despite losing the 68-year-old as their coach, everyone in Nebraska trusts that Dani Busboom Kelly will lead them in the right direction.

That confidence comes not only because the NCAA coach took Louisville to new heights, but because she is a former Husker who first played under Cook and then learned the ropes from him. So it’s no wonder the stadium erupted in cheer for John Cook.