This season can be best described as a ride full of great moments for John Cook‘s Nebraska Volleyball and a bitter end. The No. 3 Huskers came very close in the five-set NCAA semifinal match against No. 2 Penn State, 3-2 (25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 26-28, 13-15). It was a battle of titans that took place in front of an exciting record-breaking attendance of 21,726 at the KFC Yum! Center—the largest indoor NCAA volleyball crowd ever. The night was tough and full of stunning moments as the Huskers fought for their chances to stay in the game.

Harper Murray was particularly brilliant with 20 kills, 15 digs, 6 blocks, and 3 aces, while Andi Jackson gave her career high of 19 kills with a hit rate of .630. Lexi Rodriguez went down in history as she surpassed the school career digs and finished with 1,897. The stat sheet tells one story—Nebraska led in blocks, while Penn State outpaced them in service aces—but the heart and hustle spoke louder. Now as the dust settles and the seniors prepare to bid farewell to their collegiate careers, even Coach John Cook has reflected on the bittersweet journey post-loss.

In a heartfelt post-game conference, John Cook was asked about the senior class and what they’ve meant to him over the years. His response? Pure gold. With a smile and a hint of nostalgia, he shared, “I told them in the locker room that the senior class has done some amazing things. They’ve been in three Final Fours. They’ve played for two national championships, and they pretty much have inspired a generation of volleyball, young players, volleyball players, a generation of fans that have really come to love volleyball and follow this team.”

John Cook went on to sprinkle in some jaw-dropping highlights: “We broke attendance records at every place we played this year. We broke the world attendance record. We have the sellout streak attendance record, and this team actually played at the highest level of any team I’ve ever coached statistically in how we measure things, and um so it’s been an honor to coach them, and they’ve, done an amazing job, and they’re also just great people to be around.”

Cook wrapped it up with a mix of pride and reflection, saying, “They’re fun, and so just really proud and happy for what they’ve accomplished that, you know, we’ll get over this in time.” Cook is emotional, and so are the players. Look how Lexi Rodriguez could not hold back after the Penn State game.

“All the people, all my teammates, and all the coaches. Just everyone, every single person part of this program. Just truly amazing people and they just really changed my life and they just believed in me every single person, every single day from the moment I stepped on campus and you can’t find that anywhere, you truly can’t. I’m just so grateful for everyone and I’ll say it for my entire life that this program was the best thing that ever happened to me,” a tearful Lexi said. She had also posted an emotional farewell note last month.

Lexi was named one of four finalists for the AVCA National Player of the Year, along with Olivia Babcock of Pitt (who eventually won it), outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye of Kentucky and outside hitter Sarah Franklin of Wisconsin. Referring to that, John Cook had said, “The fact that a libero is considered for National Player of the Year, one of the four finalists, I think is epic for the sport because you don’t know how many little girls want to be Lexi Rodriguez right now.”

This team didn’t just play volleyball—they changed the game. Last year, the Nebraska Cornhuskers etched their place in history, setting the world record for the largest attendance at a women’s sporting event with over 92,000 fans packed into Memorial Stadium.

They not only dominated their match against the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a 3-0 sweep but also created a moment that will go down in the books. This program is undeniably historic, and it’s bittersweet for the seniors as they say goodbye and move on. And they were even given a heartfelt farewell, recognizing the lasting impact they’ve made on the team and the sport.

John Cook gives a heartwarming farewell!

In the last home match on November 23, Coach John Cook maintained the tradition of celebrating his seniors before their last match in Nebraska. To honor their hard work and efforts for the program, Cook gave each senior, Lexi Rodriguez, Lindsay Krause, Kennedi Orr, Merritt Beason, and Leyla Blackwell, a red rose. There was also much intensity in the Bob Devaney Sports Center, and the fans responded to the moment perfectly.

Throughout the game, they carried the same spirit and determination that had defined their careers. Whether it was Lexi’s tenacious defense or Lindsay’s powerful hits, they gave their all. At the end of the match, the seniors were not only players but legends of John Cook’s volleyball team. People cheered for the team, for their passion and dedication they have to the team and the university.

As the post-game ceremony unfolded, each senior received a framed jersey as a way of celebrating their memorable run with John Cook and his Nebraska volleyball. The moment was emotional, filled with hugs, tears, and memories. For these seniors, it wasn’t just about the wins or losses—it was about the bond, the journey, and the legacy they left behind.