John Cook has had quite a long coaching career of about 43 years. Out of this, he has spent 24 years with the Huskers, showing the side utter trust in his philosophy. He has completely earned this, as he has been responsible for taking Nebraska to a new level ever since he joined as a coach. Cook has won four national titles and a .875 winning record, showcasing his worth.

He has achieved this through his great coaching style, which involves developing the team’s recruits to reach their full potential. The numerous testimonials from Huskers who credit Cook with elevating their game speak volumes about his exceptional success as a coach. Now, another player who won the gold medal at the 2020 Olympics with the national team has spoken about his influence in her career.

On December 23rd, former Nebraska Huskers libero Justine Wong Orantes talked to the NCAA’s Twitter page about the immense influence John Cook has had on her. The volleyball player felt indebted to him and his program for furthering her volleyball career to a great level, which helped her play at the international level. “I think John Cook and his whole program have really kind of prepared me for the international stage.”

According to Orantes, John Cook instilled her belief in her abilities and urged her to push herself to reach her potential. In fact, the libero firmly believes that without her former coach, she wouldn’t have been in the position to win an Olympic gold medal. This is why she never shies away from representing the Huskers on the big stage and crediting them for her career.

“I don’t think that I would be here without him. So, getting to represent him and his program on the Olympic stage is something that I will truly never forget,” she said. Thus, Justine Wong Orantes is one of the many people who believe that John Cook has done wonders for their career.

It is appropriate for them to think so, as the man has achieved numerous accolades in his long coaching career and deserves his flowers. The fact that Orantes, who is one of the greatest players in Huskers’ history, did so, shows the respect John Cook has. Alongside Lexi Rodriguez, Justine Wong Orantes can be considered the greatest Libero Huskers have ever had. Thus, it will be a great privilege for the fans to see both of them playing together on the same team soon.

Two former Huskers set to unite soon

Justine Wong Orantes, who has signed for the LOVB Omaha team, will be joined by another Husker, Lexi Rodriguez, on the team. Rodriguez, who just ended her career with the Huskers after a disappointing semi-finals loss against Penn State, decided to continue her career professionally, thus choosing the franchise to play. This news was provided by Lincoln Arreal, who said, “Lexi Rodriguez will continue her volleyball career with LOVB. She will join Justine Wong-Orantes, who she just passed for No. 1 on Nebraska’s all-time dig chart.”

He even talked about how she would be joined by further Huskers, saying, “Other teammates include former Huskers Madi Kubik, Lauren Stivrins and Jordan Larson, Rodriguez’s old assistant coach.” Thus, Lexi Rodriguez and Justine Wong Orantes would start the LOVB league dressed in white and neon green jerseys next year on January 10th against Houston. It will be quite interesting to see the equation between Lexi and Justine, as the former just broke the all-time Nebraska Huskers digs record in her last match ever, which was held before by Justine Wong Orantes for eight years. Thus, the fact that these two Huskers greats will unite to play together is great news.