December 16, 2017—oh, what a day to be a Nebraska Husker. That was the night John Cook’s team rose to the occasion to win their fifth NCAA volleyball title in front of an electric, record-breaking crowd of 18,516 fans at the Sprint Center. In a historical moment, Nebraska defeated the No.2 Florida Gators 3-1 to become the third team of all time to claim five NCAA Volleyball championships. Mikaela Foecke had 20 kills, the most of any team, while Kelly Hunter set 37 assists and boasted an NCAA tournament record of 16-1- the Huskers dominated every stat! But that was years ago. Cut to 2024, and the vibe is a little different. After falling short in the semifinals this season, John Cook revisited that magical night in 2017.

In a YouTube video shared by the Nebraska Huskers on January 21, John Cook opened up about the 2024 season and the heartbreak that came with it. “I really believe we were the best team in the country. Statistically, it was one of the best teams we’ve ever had here,” Cook said, reflecting on their journey. But when it came to the semifinals, he admitted, “There was some type of divine intervention that happened for Penn State, and we’ve been there before. I know what that feels like for Penn State.”

He couldn’t help but recall 2017, saying, “In 2017, that’s what happened with us. We were down and out several times, should have been out with the famous trip play against Penn State, and then we came back and won that match and went on to beat Florida.” This time, though, it was Penn State’s turn to seize the moment. “In game five, it was just like, what’s happening here? Penn State took advantage of it, and we made a couple of passive plays, and they made us pay for it. That’s what championship teams do,” Cook admitted.

Despite the sting, Cook credited his team’s growth. “We were the best passing team in the country, and our serving improved dramatically. Everything else we were really good at. We just needed to find one more kill in game four, and we couldn’t do it,” he shared. It’s clear Cook knows the heartbreak, but he also knows how to channel it into something greater—just like they did in 2017.

As the team celebrated one triumph after another, it seemed this season of NCAA Volleyball was destined for John Cook’s Nebraska Huskers. was But the dream run met a heartbreaking end in the NCAA semifinals where they lost to Penn State in a close 3-2 game (25-23, 25-18, 23-25, 26-28, 13-15). And let’s face reality–this is not the first time that Coach Cook has spoken about that defeat.

John Cook confesses about the heartbreaking loss!

After the final whistle blew in the Huskers’ emotional showdown against Penn State, the seniors couldn’t help but feel the moment’s weight. They gave their all, leaving everything on the court, but fate had other plans. Even with the heartbreak of the loss, John Cook had nothing but admiration for his remarkable group of seniors.

“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,” Cook shared, his pride shining through his words. And why wouldn’t he be proud? This squad didn’t just play; they made history, drawing an awe-inspiring crowd of 21,726 fans at the KFC Yum! Center, setting viewership records.

Adding another feather to the team’s cap, Lexi Rodriguez etched her name into the record books with a jaw-dropping 1,897 career digs, becoming a beacon of inspiration for future players. As the curtain falls on this chapter, the Huskers’ legacy burns brighter than ever. Now, all eyes are on the next wave of players to see how they’ll pick up the torch and keep the fire alive.