On December 15, the Nebraska Huskers will play their season’s final match on home ground. The 2024 Big10 champions are on the cusp of becoming regional champions for the second year in a row. However, even if they overcome the Wisconsin Badgers, the victory will be bittersweet. Nebraska Coach John Cook revealed why December 15 will be an emotional day.

The regional finals at the Bob Devaney Center will mark the final career home match for several senior Huskers. Lexi Rodriguez, Merritt Beason, Lindsay Krause, and other key contributors on the current roster will not be returning next season. When asked about the bittersweet reality, Coach John Cook was visibly moved and momentarily at a loss for words. The departure of such an impactful group signals the end of an era for Nebraska Volleyball, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to follow.

“I don’t even want to think about it…” John Cook said while trying to keep the smile on his face. “So yeah. Not going there,” Coach Cook said after a brief pause, clearly trying to hold back a wave of emotions. Cook nurtured the athletes into match-winning standouts for four years. Knowing that the upcoming game might be the last time they play at the Bob is difficult to process for Cook.

“You know, it’s hard to put into words what this senior group means…” Cook said after Seniors’ Night in November. So, it seems the 68-year-old has decided to deal with emotions when they inevitably arise. However, the six-time Big10 Coach of the Year winner hopes their final game on home court, won’t be their final game of the season.

“If you look at their legacy, what they’ve done, I mean, they’ve literally done everything but win a national championship… We still got an opportunity to do that,” added the veteran coach. After landing just short of winning the title last year, Cook hopes the girls will end their careers on a triumphant note. The seniors also have the same goal.

What John Cook’s pupils feel about their final night of the season on home court

The final night at the Bob Devaney Center is set to be equally emotional for the players as it will be for Coach Cook. Lexi Rodriguez and Merritt Beason opened up about their mindset ahead of NU’s clash with the Dayton Flyers. “I think just trying to like to enjoy it as much as I can… Just trying to do whatever you can to get our team to the next game,” said Rodriguez.

“I think it’s sad obviously, but I think we obviously want to end our time here on a high note,” added the 2024 AVCA Regional Player of the Year. Beason shared a similar sentiment about their time at Nebraska coming to an end. However, the junior players hope to make the night a special one for their seniors.

“It’s going to be a really fun game, super fun environment… You know, last game in the ball for our seniors, and time’s flying,” Ami Jackson said during the presser. “I want to absorb it and just absorb the moment and play our best match of the year,” said the offensive specialist, while Bergen Reilly nodded in agreement. So while the emotions may be unavoidable, everyone at the Nebraska Huskers hopes they overcome Wisconsin and take another step toward the ultimate goal.