On Military Appreciation Night, the Nebraska volleyball squad started where it had left on October 26—a total authority over the ranked opponent. Two weeks ago, the Huskers had Michigan against them. And on November 14, the squad had Minnesota. On that evening, Harper Murray and Merritt Beason overpowered the opponent and took the 3-1 victory in Devaney Centre. On Thursday night, Bergen Reilly took charge and finished with a double-double. She scored her career-high of 20 digs with 40 assists. Rebekah Allick worked in tandem, finishing with 17 assists. Now guess the score of the Huskers against the Gophers. It was 3-1 again. It is the 22nd consecutive victory for the squad this season! A memorable run! And if you believe the coach, the fiery run will continue onto next season as well. 

But what propels that? On November 13, the Nebraska volleyball team completed the signing process of five prospects from the nation. They will join the squad in January. But their inclusion has already fueled a lot of curiosity. Well, fret not. Coach John Cook has handled that curiosity perfectly. 

John Cook throws his weight behind the new signees of the Nebraska volleyball squad 

On Thursday, coach John Cook sat in the press conference after the game between the Huskers and the Gophers. Expectedly, the 68-year-old coach had to face questions about the selection process of the five recruits. Initially, he was asked to share his thoughts on the new class of signings. Cook somehow expected the question. So he didn’t take much time to reply. Rather, he termed the class “stud,” displaying his unwavering belief in the recruits. He stated, “I’m really excited about that group and they’re those guys who are gonna come in and compete; I can tell you that right now.” That tops everything. But is there someone who gets an early limelight among the recruits? Someone from the journalists’ group had this question for Cook. Again, he responded gleefully. 

Among the five names, Teraya Sigler’s attracted the interest first. Nonetheless, the Nebraska volleyball coach had his justification ready for signing her. Initially, he narrated Sigler’s accomplishments as a player for Arizona. Additionally, Cook came to explain her technical supremacy. “She’s a great passer, and she’s a great competitor,” he added. Apart from those reasons, there was another one. 

In his further note, the Big Red coach claimed that Teraya herself wanted to join the Huskers. Reason? Teraya belongs to Arizona, as Huskers senior Lauren Stivrins does. So, a connection had always been forged. Moreover, Cook said, “A couple of years ago, I wasn’t sold on her right then, and then when they won Arizona two years ago, she put on a show; it’s pretty impressive.” Those words quenched the utmost curiosity. But apart from Teraya Sigler, there are four others. What worked for them? 

The prospects have a full vote from the veteran coach 

Apart from outside hitter Teraya Sigler, four prospects inked the deal with the Nebraska volleyball women’s team on Wednesday. They are setter Campbell Flynn (Rochester Hills, Mich.), opposite hitter Ryan Hunter (Charlotte, N.C.), libero Keri Leimbach (Lincoln, Neb.), and middle blocker Manaia Ogbechie (Santa Rosa Valley, Calif.). For all of them, coach John Cook has pleasant words to forward. For the setter, Cook says, “Campbell is an extremely talented setter who plays with a poised demeanor on the court. She’s got the calm presence you look for in a setter and never gets too high or too low.” Subsequently, he calls Ryan someone who is ‘bubbly yet an intense competitor.” And what about the other two? 

For Manaia Ogbechie, the mentor claims, “Manaia is very dynamic and has the ability to change a game with her offense.” However, for Keri Leimbach, Cook may have saved his best comment. Usually, the coach has kept the door open for the local Nebraska talent. Keri stands to that standard perfectly. Not just that, she can take Lexi Rodriguez’s place as the libero with more than 2000 digs in her career.

While talking about her, that impression may have worked on Cook, as he extolled her. Additionally, he admitted, “She’s calm and consistent on the court but not afraid to speak up and be fiery when it’s needed. Keri is a proven winner with four state championships in high school. We’re excited to have her come in and help us continue to be elite in the back row.” That explains Nebraska volleyball’s coach’s reason to include them in the squad.