End of an era: John Cook retires, Dani Busboom Kelly takes the helm at Nebraska.

By: Alise Reschke

Three-time AVCA National Coach of the Year and four-time national title winner John Cook announced his retirement January 29 after twenty-five seasons. “It’s been a great run,” Cook said. Cook leaves behind a legacy of record-breaking achievements, including Volleyball Day at Nebraska, which drew 92,003 fans to Memorial Stadium. The event gained worldwide attention as it set the record in attendance for any women’s sporting event in the world.

Shortly after the University of Nebraska announced John Cook’s retirement, the school announced Dani Busboom Kelly would fill the role. Troy Dannen, Athletic Director at Nebraska, called the decision “a no-brainer.” She has signed a six-year contract as head coach at the University of Nebraska.

Busboom Kelly, a former player and assistant coach at Nebraska will only be the fourth head coach in history at Nebraska. “I am excited to get to work,” she said. She held a 203-44 record as head coach at Louisville. In 2006, Busboom Kelly was a player on the Nebraska team that won the National Championship in Omaha. During her career at Nebraska, she played as a libero and setter. She became the head coach at the University of Louisville in 2017 where she led the team to their second NCAA finals appearance.

Busboom Kelly, born and raised in Cortland, Nebraska was a three-sport athlete at Freeman High School in Adams. During her Freshman season, she led her team to a state volleyball championship and two state basketball championships. Adding to her gold medal collection, she won the Class D state title in the 100-meter hurdles. She committed to play volleyball at Nebraska during her sophomore year of high school.