A packed John Cook Arena, 8,592 fans buzzing with anticipation, and a freshman stepping onto the court for her first-ever match as a Husker. That was Ryan Hunter on Saturday, April 26, stealing the show in Nebraska volleyball’s 4-0 rout of Kansas during the inaugural Husker Games at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. Just 13 months after a torn ACL, the opposite hitter didn’t just play—she dazzled, proving she’s ready to leave her mark.

The match wasn’t a straight shot to victory. In the first set, Nebraska fell behind 9-5 after a 4-0 Jayhawk run. But the Huskers, true to form, clawed back, tying the score at 12-12 and again at 14-14. Then Mauch took over, serving a 5-0 run that flipped the momentum, putting Nebraska ahead 19-15. Kansas battled back to knot it at 20-20, but the Huskers answered with a 4-0 surge, sparked by a Leimbach ace and sealed by Murray’s fifth kill of the set on Nebraska’s third set point, clinching the frame 25-20. That grit set the tone for the 25-18, 25-21, and 25-22 wins that followed.

Head coach Dani Busboom Kelly, who also made her debut, couldn’t hold back her excitement and was impressed by Hunter’s performances. While talking in post-match press conference, she said, “Just super aggressive. For a freshman to come out there and swing away, and some of those out-of-system swings were pretty insane. And that sets the tone for her. Like, she’s going to go after and go for kills.” Ryan Hunter, who hadn’t touched competitive volleyball in over a year, came out swinging in her debut. Playing the final three sets, she racked up 11 kills on a scorching .563 hitting percentage, added two blocks, and sprinkled in two digs. While veteran middles anchored all four sets, it was Hunter’s fearless energy that had everyone talking.

Hunter’s journey wasn’t easy. Sidelined by injury, she skipped beach volleyball and focused on what she does best: blocking and killing balls. “And I told her, she didn’t play beach. So we did some training with her. Your job is to block balls and kill balls. And let’s not worry about anything else. And she did that tonight. So it was good to see her do her job.” Busboom Kelly told while talking to the press. Nebraska hit .285, out-blocked Kansas 8-4, and served six aces. Fresh off a 33-3 season, the Huskers look fierce, and Hunter’s debut was a statement: she’s here to swing for the stars.

Hunter’s debut, paired with Nebraska’s relentless fight, signals a bright future. With her fearless swings and the team’s championship pedigree from a 33-3 season, the Huskers are poised to chase another NCAA title, and Hunter’s just getting started. As the Huskers celebrated, some might’ve caught a familiar voice in the commentary booth, with a former Nebraska volleyball ex-coach swapping it for courtside commentary.

Nebraska Volleyball Ex-coach swaps courtside huddles for courtside commentary

After 25 years of sculpting Nebraska volleyball into a dynasty, John Cook has traded his courtside clipboard for a broadcaster’s headset. The legendary coach, who handed the reins to his former player Dani Busboom Kelly, isn’t fading into retirement. Instead, he’s embracing a fresh role with the same passion that defined his tenure. On April 26, Hail Varsity shared an X post capturing Cook’s debut on the Big Ten Network’s broadcast team, calling Nebraska’s match against Kansas at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. “A little different POV for John Cook tonight!” they wrote, showcasing the coach’s seamless shift to commentary. The moment was made even sweeter as Cook shared a heartfelt exchange with rising Husker star Andi Jackson, a nod to the deep bonds he’s forged.

Cook’s transition comes as Nebraska volleyball enters a new chapter under Busboom Kelly’s leadership. The spring match against Kansas marked the dawn of this era, with the Huskers dominating all four sets in a display of their trademark grit and precision. Played before a roaring crowd at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, the victory underscored that while the coaching seat has changed, Nebraska’s relentless spirit hasn’t. Busboom Kelly, mentored by Cook, is carrying forward his legacy while carving her own path.

For Cook, the move to the broadcast booth isn’t just a career pivot—it’s a chance to stay connected to the sport and program he loves. His debut alongside Andi Jackson, a player he once coached, highlighted the continuity of Nebraska’s volleyball family. Jackson, already a standout, embodies the talent Cook nurtured over decades. As the Huskers gear up for another spring match, the win over Kansas sets a bold tone for Busboom Kelly’s tenure. Meanwhile, Cook’s voice—now narrating the action—remains a guiding force, blending nostalgia with excitement for what’s next. Nebraska volleyball is evolving, but its heart beats as strong as ever.