So, the torch has officially been passed from John Cook to Dani Busboom Kelly, and what a debut it was! On Saturday night, Nebraska volleyball hit the court for their spring match against Kansas, with the new head coach leading the charge in front of a packed crowd of 8,592 at the freshly minted John Cook Arena. The Huskers swept the Jayhawks in four sets (25-20, 25-18, 25-21, 25-22), but not without a fight. Kansas put up a good battle in the last two sets, even taking the lead at times. But the Huskers? They weren’t having it, powering through each challenge to keep the win on their side.

Nebraska’s stats were fire, hitting a solid .285 with eight blocks and six aces. And let’s talk players — Andi Jackson, Rebekah Allick, and freshman Ryan Hunter were straight-up balling, each tossing in 11 kills with some insane hitting percentages. Not to mention, Bergen Reilly and Campbell Flynn split setter duties like pros, while Laney Choboy and Olivia Mauch were all over the court at libero, piling up digs like it was their job. It was a total team effort, with every player stepping up and flexing their skills. Oh, and yeah, Coach Dani’s debut? Nailed it. And now, Nebraska Volleyball star gets real about John Cook in a heartfelt confession during Dani Busboom Kelly’s triumphant debut.

In a video shared by Hail Varsity, Nebraska’s star Rebekah Allick opened up about what it was like playing without John Cook for the first time in 25 years of the program. She admitted, “At first it felt really weird,” describing how it felt like something was missing without him there. “I was telling Olivia this, that being out there, you know, technically old experiences but with a missing piece, you know, without John Cook, like you’re used to him walking out having his pep talk and it’s like something feels like it’s missing.” It was a strange feeling to adjust to, but as the game went on, things started to feel more familiar.

Rebekah shared, “It started to feel like home again,” reflecting on how the experience started to feel like a fresh start. “Honestly, it was just like being a freshman all over again, knowing that I’m wrapping up my time here, I’m just trying to take it in.” She added, “So it felt really good to be back,” capturing that sense of nostalgia and growth as she embraced this new chapter.

Let’s talk about that unmatchable 25 years under John Cook. The guy spent a solid 32 years coaching college volleyball—seven of them at Wisconsin and the other 25 at Nebraska. Cook led Nebraska to four national championships, 12 NCAA Semifinal appearances, nine Big 12 titles, and five Big Ten titles. He racked up an incredible career record of 883-176 (.834), and his .875 winning percentage at Nebraska is the best any DI volleyball program has seen over the past quarter-century. That’s some next-level consistency. From Olympians to AVCA All-Americans, Cook’s program produced talent like no other. And the wise man that Cook is, it looks like he was right in placing his faith in DBK as his former pupils already seem to have taken to her. “Having a coach like Dani who has so much confidence in the team and so much trust in her players, it really inspires you as a player,” junior middle blocker Andi Jackson said after the game.

And mind you, Andi Jackson is as fond of John Cook as any other hardcore Husker. “I miss you,” she told the former coach as he thanked her for wishing him on his birthday this past 19th April. Wonder when and where the conversation took place? It was when John Cook stepped into a new role for Nebraska’s game against Kansas.

John Cook swapped his clipboard for a mic

John Cook’s 25-year legacy at Nebraska? Oh, it’s one for the history books. When he announced earlier this year that he was stepping down, it wasn’t just a coaching change—it was like handing over the keys to a dynasty. But, don’t think for a second that it’s the end of his Nebraska journey. Cook made it crystal clear: “I’m going to miss it, but I’m going to be the biggest cheerleader.” And sure enough, here he is, finding his new role. In an April 26 X post by Hail Varsity, Cook made his debut as a member of the Big Ten Network’s broadcast team, taking a front-row seat as the Huskers faced off against Kansas. “A little different POV for John Cook tonight!” And with a little wink, the Huskers’ arena is now forever tied to his name. The John Cook Arena? Yeah, that’s his legacy.

As the Huskers gear up for a fresh era, Cook didn’t hesitate to speak on his former player-turned-coach, Dani Busboom Kelly, and why she’s the perfect person to lead the squad. Cook wasn’t just all talk—he’s been around long enough to know greatness when he sees it. “She’s gone away from growing up here, playing here, being assistant coach here, and she went away and proved that she can do it in a place that needed a total rebuild,” he said, showing how much he trusts her to carry the torch.

The Huskers kicked off the 2025-26 season with a smooth 4-0 win over the Jayhawks. Of course, with the legacy Cook built, fans kind of expect nothing less. But Dani Busboom Kelly didn’t just prove herself capable—she showed she’s got the chops to bring Nebraska back to the top, much like she did at Louisville. For John Cook, handing the reins to someone who knows the program inside and out must’ve been a proud moment. After all, Kelly was part of the team that snagged that NCAA title back in 2005-06 and Cook’s assistant when the Husker clinched the National title in 2015. And knowing that the Huskers are in good hands? Well, that probably makes Cook’s transition into this new chapter feel just right.