John Cook, the legendary University of Nebraska volleyball coach, left behind a remarkable legacy upon his retirement, having led the team to four National Championships and achieving an impressive career record of 883-176. His final season concluded with a 33-3 record and a Big Ten Championship, setting a robust foundation for the incoming head coach, Dani Busboom Kelly, who took over in this season.
With a strong team molded under Cook’s guidance, Busboom Kelly, a former Nebraska player herself, was set to lead the program. Contrary to any doubts, she demonstrated her capability in her first season by steering the Huskers to unprecedented success. Recently, the team achieved a remarkable milestone by defeating No. 25 Penn State with a dominant sweep, celebrating their third consecutive Big Ten Championship. This was an astonishing feat as it marked the first time Nebraska has swept Penn State twice in a single season.
Following this, Nebraska continued their winning pattern with another sweep against Ohio State University, concluding the regular season undefeated with a record of 30-0. This perfect record is not only the first for the Huskers in 25 years but also marks the first unbeaten Big Ten season in their history. Coach Busboom Kelly made history herself by becoming the first volleyball coach in Big Ten history to win the conference title in her debut season.
The Huskers’ exceptional run has been characterized by a formidable defense and a balanced offensive strategy. Individually, players like Andi Jackson, Harper Murray, and Bergen Reilly have shone brightly, with Reilly as a strong contender for the AVCA Player of the Year award. Jackson has also had a standout season, achieving the most efficient hitting percentage in Big Ten history at an extraordinary .559.
As Nebraska heads into the post-season as the top seed, they stand on the brink of possibly making history. Should they maintain their momentum and win the NCAA tournament, they could join an elite group of teams that have finished both undefeated and claimed the national championship, a feat last accomplished by Penn State in 2009. With a relatively young team, having only four seniors, one of whom is a starter, the Huskers are well-positioned for continued success in the future.
If Nebraska can capture six more wins, they will not only affirm this season’s greatness but also embark on a path to chase down Penn State’s record of consecutive perfect seasons, showcasing the potential that lies ahead for this talented team. Excitement surrounds this Nebraska squad as they aim to etch their name into the annals of volleyball history.