“I know the program is in great hands moving forward,” John Cook, former head coach of Nebraska, captured the essence of the leadership transition that has officially taken place. The 69-year-old’s storied legacy at Nebraska with four NCAA titles in 25 seasons marks the end of a historic chapter and the start of a new era for Nebraska Volleyball. Additionally, Cook took the team to 12 Final Four appearances, including the yesterseason where they lost to Penn State in the semifinals. Now as the page turns for Nebraska, it is to be seen if Cook’s then assistant can fare well under pressure.

Before embarking on a new chapter and formally initiating the Big Ten Tournament, Nebraska will conduct a trial run. And that will give fans an idea of what to expect and the Husker ladies? Well, some grounds on which they need to work. It’s even more necessary given how Nebraska has undergone significant changes. So what are they? Let’s find out.

New coach Dani Busboom Kelly’s debut

The Huskers are ready to raise their game and redefine dominance. After finishing last season with a 33-3 record, Nebraska is all set to elevate its future performance. And guiding them along the way? Well, it’s no other than Dani Busboom Kelly, a former Husker, who now returns to us as a coach with a championship vision. Her test for the debut? It would be when the Huskers take on Kansas in a spring matchup (6:30 PM CST) at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. But make no mistake that Kansas can pose a significant threat as they are coming after a second round of the NCAA tournament last season where they posted a record of 25-5. 

The 2021 AVCA National Coach of the Year also talked about how she is “fired up” for the exhibition game in a recent media appearance. She said, “This wasn’t on the schedule or planned to have a spring game in Devaney. But it was really important for me to get one under my belt with this team and with this staff. Against an opponent that is also in a new era adds another excitement piece to it.”

Before this, the 39-year-old, over eight seasons, built Louisville into a national contender, leading them to three Final Fours and the 2022 NCAA championship matchup. As a former Husker herself, she was a key player for the 2006 team that won the national championship in Omaha. So she knows the kind of stakes she is riding on. During her college playing career, she was a setter and libero. Further, she was also Cook’s assistant in 2015 when Nebraska won the NCAA title in Omaha.

And if her history is anything to go by, the Nebraska fans might not be up for an upset. But a lot relies on the players as well and they just got some new ones.

New additions to watch out for

As a new chapter begins, Nebraska recruited fresh talent: Keri Leimbach (libero), Teraya Sigler (outside hitter), Ryan Hunter (opposite hitter), Campbell Flynn (setter), and Manaia Ogbechie (middle blocker). The new talent lineup combines athleticism, experience, and raw potential. This squad is going to shape the Huskers’ next wave.

Keri Leimback from Lincoln may only be 5’4 but she possesses the mindset of a champion and that is evident in her four state titles and 2,000 digs she has amassed so far. Not just that, even John Cook has appreciated her calm command on the court and her explosive defensive instincts are well known.

Supporting her would be Tereya Sigler. And her resume? Oh boy, a stunning appearance with the U.S. Youth National Team as a six-rotation player. And the best part about her is her versatility in managing both the back row and dominating the net. This would explain how she managed to average 5.7 kills per set with a .371 hitting percentage, along with 54 service aces in her senior year in high school. Now that’s some volleyball IQ!

Then comes Ryan Hunter who is somewhat of an underdog. The Charlotte native charted an epic journey from dancer to right-side threat. And despite injuries causing significant trouble in her career, her poise and her fearlessness have earned her a spot in Lincoln. Her high school senior stats? Yeah, she managed to average a cool 4.3 kills per set and hit .317 with 169 digs, 51 blocks, and 49 aces. Now pair this with Campbell Flynn from Texas and that’s some elite firepower for the program. The 6’3 athlete has experience with multiple U.S. National Team camps and that’s bound to come in handy, right?

Lastly, we have Manaia Ogbechie, the 6’3 powerhouse. She represented the U.S. Girls U19 Team at the 2024 NORCECA Continental Championship in Honduras and was named the most valuable player after leading the U.S. to the gold medal. Even as a senior at Oaks Christian High School, she averaged 3.3 kills per set with a .307 hitting percentage and 87 blocks.

All the ladies bring uniqueness to the team and they will continue to build on the elite legacy of their program. In the same vein, the Kansas State game will be a wonderful opportunity for newcomers to blend in with the team and leave their mark.

Who will take over the leadership role after Lexi Rodriguez and Merritt Beason’s exit

The graduation of Lexi Rodriguez and Merritt Beason left a significant void in leadership and talent. Rodriguez was the backbone of Nebraska’s defense, earning recognition as a four-time AVCA All-American and the program’s all-time digs leader. On the other hand, Beason brought clutch firepower and calmness, which helped the Huskers win several victories through dominance.

Now the responsibilities shift to rising stars like Harper Murray and Bergen Reilly. Murray showcased offensive brilliance and earned titles like AVCA All-America Third Team honors and Big Ten Freshman of the Year. Reilly established her presence in her freshman year by winning awards such as Big Ten Setter of the Year, which reflected her offensive performance. 

However, leadership will not be limited to returning stars. Keri Leimbach is ready to step up as the team’s new libero this spring match. All eyes will be on Leimbach’s poised, composed, and vocally commanding back row. Fans will also eagerly anticipate Harper’s performance in an offensive role.

Same stadium, new name: Bob Devaney Center changed to John Cook Arena

The Bob Devaney Center has officially been renamed John Cook Arena upon the approval from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. This is a heartfelt tribute to the man who made Nebraska Volleyball a national success. Under Cook’s leadership, Nebraska won four national championships and appeared in 14 conference championships. But, this is not all. The project also includes a bronze statue honoring Cook on the north side of the Devaney Sports Center. Taking charge of the statue would be sculpture artist and Nebraska native George Lundeen.

The change is more than just a name; it reflects respect for his philosophy and vision, which shaped a generation of championships. After all, he had the fifth-best winning percentage all-time for a Division I volleyball coach, with a record of 883-176 (.834). He had a record of 722-103 at Nebraska which is the best winning percentage (.875) for any DI program over the last 25 years. Fans and players will remember the volleyball foundation he built as they walk around the arena. It was all rooted in a legacy and driven to motivate a new era.

Nebraska Volleyball’s performance under a new coaching era

Introducing new coaching, Dani Busboom Kelly brings a new philosophy that creates a balance between aggression and possession. Her guidance empowers the player to lead on the floor and create a fast-paced volleyball game that excites Husker fans. Affirming her abilities, Troy Dannen, director at Nebraska, stated, “She has demonstrated outstanding leadership at the highest levels of the sport, and I am confident that our program will remain among the nation’s elite for years to come. This is a special place that needs an exceptional coach, and we have her. Welcome to Dani and her family!”

Recently, the fourth-ever coach in Nebraska history was present in a media interaction before the exhibition game and she detailed how she has been leading the program for nearly three months now. She’s brought forth changes that include shifting responsibilities for the assistant coaches. Kelly Natter is now set to work with Liberos and defensive specialists while Jaylen Reyes is in charge of the pin hitters and Brennan Hagar will be with the middle blockers.

The upcoming spring game against Kansas State will mark the first on-court glimpse of the Huskers’ new chapter. This game will test the team’s coordination with the new coach and fresh talents. It will also offer fans a preview of Nebraska’s team in the post-John Cook era. Do you think they will deliver a stunner?