Published in “Living Well” magazine Fall 2025

I wasn’t born here, but I really feel like I’m a Nebraskan, and it was by choice.”
– Coach John Cook

It’s safe to say former Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook left a lasting legacy, inspiring generations
of young girls to dream of wearing Husker red. The California native fully embraced Nebraska’s culture and values, becoming one of the most iconic and recognizable figures in the state while cementing his place not just in the record books, but in the hearts of fans across Husker Nation.

“Dr. Jeff Gold said it best: I’m a Nebraskan by choice,” Cook said. “I wasn’t born here, but I really feel like I’m
a Nebraskan, and it was by choice.

Cook grew up in Chula Vista, a community near San Diego, California. After earning his degree from the
University of San Diego, he returned to teach at his high school alma mater, Francis Parker School. The position included coaching responsibilities, including junior high boys’ basketball and girls’ basketball, softball and volleyball.

With little knowledge of volleyball, Cook studied books to learn the fundamentals. His rapid success led
to a role as head assistant coach at the University of California San Diego from 1983 to 1984; and in 1987, he
co-founded the San Diego Volleyball Club. A year later, Cook met legendary Nebraska volleyball coach Terry Pettit in San Diego.

Cook made a strong impression; and a few months later, Pettit called with an offer for him to join Nebraska
as an assistant coach. The timing was right, and Cook and his wife, Wendy, took the leap that would ultimately change everything.

The Cooks set off for Nebraska in a Toyota pickup and U-Haul, arriving first in Ogallala to face 105-degree August heat, thick humidity and a south wind carrying the scent of nearby feedlots.

“We were questioning if we made the right decision,” he laughed.

Cook spent three years as Nebraska’s assistant coach before returning to San Diego to coach the U.S. Men’s National Volleyball Team. Following the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain, he was named the University of Wisconsin head coach. In the 1998 NCAA Division I women’s volleyball tournament, Nebraska defeated Cook’s Wisconsin team in the Elite Eight, advancing to the Final Four and ultimately winning the national
championship. At dinner after the match, Pettit told Cook he planned to retire and wanted him back at Nebraska.

The Cooks took their time with the decision. With two young children in elementary school and a home on a quiet cul-de-sac, they had every reason to stay. In the end, it was the people of Nebraska who drew Cook back.

“They are friendly and will do anything for you,” he said. “Lincoln is a great community with good schools,
an ideal place to raise kids. Everyone across the state bleeds Husker red. I tell recruit families, if you’re going to work hard, why not be somewhere where they care? This is the pinnacle place to coach because everyone loves Nebraska sports.”

Cook emphasized Nebraska’s unique culture that fuels athletic success.

“There’s a level of respect and a great work ethic in this state,” Cook said. “Those are some reasons volleyball is successful not only at Nebraska, but other colleges and high schools across the state. There are great
coaches, a love for sports and a strong sense of pride in the community.”

Building Upon Husker Volleyball Legacy

Cook became Nebraska volleyball’s head coach in 2000 and quickly found himself facing what he describes as the toughest challenge of his career — sustaining success amid high expectations. The team in his first year went undefeated and won the national championship.

“It was only the second time ever in college volleyball that happened,” he said. “Then, everyone expects you to do that again. The expectations and pressure on the athletes and myself to be great every year can bring out the best, but it can also wear you down.”

Cook persevered, drawing on lessons he learned from watching Coach Tom Osborne work with the football team during his first time at Nebraska. “He’d have four stations and 150 athletes training,” Cook said. “I was
blown away, but that helped me be a better coach by knowing how to train and maximize time to make sure
everyone’s moving.”

The approach resulted in Cook having a very disciplined team — both on and off the court.

“Our culture was based on very few rules, but we wanted player-led teams in the locker rooms,” he said. “That doesn’t just happen because you say it. I learned you have to work hard at developing leaders. Our team and coaching staff will outwork anyone.”

Another key aspect of the culture was having an attitude of gratitude.

“Nebraska volleyball can change people’s lives, including the student-athletes,” he said. “They should be
grateful and thankful for what they’re given here. We have the best facilities, athletic training and coaches. A lot of athletes think it’s like this everywhere, but transfers come in from other top programs and note the differences.”

Cook retired in January 2025 with an overall record of 883-176, making him the fifth-winningest Division I volleyball coach of all time; and a Nebraska record of 722-103, making him the winningest Division I coach of this century. He led the Huskers to four national championships in 2000, 2006, 2015, 2017; 12 Final Four appearances and 14 conference titles. Cook’s leadership contributed to the longest sellout streak in NCAA women’s athletics history, with more than 339 consecutive home matches sold out; and record-breaking
attendance at matches in Ord, Nebraska, and in Memorial Stadium for Volleyball Day, drawing a historic crowd of 92,003.

Cook received the AVCA National Coach of the Year in 2000, 2005 and 2023, as well as Big Ten Coach of the
Year eight times. He’s also had some remarkable experiences — riding on the USS Nebraska submarine, flying with the Blue Angels, and taking a Blackhawk helicopter ride with the National Guard.

“Not every volleyball coach is able to do those things, but I’ve fully embraced what it means to live and coach
in Nebraska,” he said. “Everyone calls me ‘Coach,’ and that’s a sign of respect you don’t find everywhere. We had the opportunity to take Nebraska volleyball up another level, and we’ve done incredible things with the program,” he said. “Thanks to all the fans who have supported us.”

Cook looks forward to watching the program move forward under his successor Dani Busboom Kelly, former
2006 Nebraska national champion player.

Coaching Transformation

Cook intends to eventually detail the evolution of his coaching throughout his 25 years at Nebraska in a book. Starting with an intense, “in your face” approach, his style transformed over time.

“I made several adjustments to the full spectrum to where I call it ‘coaching with love,’” he said. “I tried to come in with an attitude of coaching with love and support each day.”

Cook has several theories about why those changes were necessary. He notes today’s athletes are substantially different from those he coached in 2000.

“They’re wired differently, brought up differently — social media has changed them,” he said. “You have to
make adjustments as a coach to stay successful as the athletes change.”

Cook believes his 2008 team came closest to reaching its full potential during his 25-year tenure. However,
from 2009 to 2014, Nebraska failed to reach the Final Four, leading fans to question what had gone wrong and whether the program was meeting its high expectations.

Reflecting on his career, Cook considers 2015 to 2024 his most successful stretch.