Four months since the whistle went quiet and yet, the Huskers still feel that Cook-sized gap. Especially Harper Murray. And honestly, it hits different when a legend like John Cook says she was the one he worried about the most. Back in February, during a soul-stirring chat with the I-80 Club, Cook didn’t hold back. When asked about breaking the news to his team, he didn’t flinch. “My biggest worry was Harper,” he said. The bond they had? Deeper than game plans and sideline pep talks. So deep, he went to talk to her a whole hour before the official team meeting.

When the team finally gathered, emotions were straight-up spilling everywhere. Some players held hands, some teared up, and Cook? Well, he felt every second of it. “There were two of our teammates holding their hand… but they moved right on,” he said, admiring how quickly the team chose to rally behind new coach Dani Busboom Kelly. Still, the feelings didn’t just disappear. After all, Cook had been recruiting some of them since eighth grade; Harper for nearly seven years. And now? Even though he’s stepped back from the daily grind, John Cook opens up post-retirement, quietly stepping back from Harper Murray in a heartfelt Huskers reveal.

When the Journal Star crew tossed a heartfelt question Cook’s way: “What player are you going to miss not coaching, and trying to see if you can help them max out?” you could almost feel the weight of every name running through his head. And without skipping a beat, Coach Cook spilled the tea with that signature mix of honesty and heart. “I’ll say all of the returners. I mean I have my special projects. (Harper Murray) was a special project last year,” he shared, giving a quiet nod to one of his closest bonds. But then came the curveball; turns out it’s not just the stars he’s aching for. It’s the brand-new crew.

He laid it bare, letting the truth tumble out in a way only a coach with a full heart and an empty locker could: “But the group I miss the most right now is the freshmen, and you saw why (during a spring match against Kansas). This group is really talented. I was super-excited, and that was one of the hardest things in making the decision because I was waiting for three years to coach those guys. I built great relationships with them. I think it’s a great freshmen class. Those are the ones that I feel kind of like I let down a little bit and I miss not being able to coach them. I’ve told Campbell Flynn that I’d pay to watch her practice.”

Back in April, when the lights were bright, the Devaney was packed, and the vibes? Immaculate. Nebraska Volleyball hit the court for a spring showdown with Kansas, and let’s just say Dani Busboom Kelly made one heck of a Husker debut as they swept the Jayhawks clean in four sets (25-20, 25-18, 25-21, 25-22). Oh, and did we mention? This all went down in the freshly christened John Cook Arena.  And here’s the juicy part; those freshmen? Oh, they were cookin’. Ryan Hunter made jaws drop, landing 11 kills with a savage .563 hitting clip.

She wasn’t alone either; Andi Jackson and Rebekah Allick matched her kill count, absolutely lighting up the stats. Harper Murray sprinkled in 10 kills herself, still holding it down like a seasoned queen. Setter duties were split between Bergen Reilly and rookie Campbell Flynn, yep, the same Campbell Flynn about whom Coach Cook said he’d pay to watch practice. That girl served up 23 assists like it was no biggie. And get this-John Cook didn’t hold back when it came to gushing over the freshers as they stepped into the spotlight!

John Cook acclaimed the new class of recruits!

Back in November 2024, Nebraska Volleyball signed the class that had Husker Nation buzzing; five powerhouse recruits ready to shake things up. Coach John Cook was hyped as he welcomed the newest names to the squad: setter Campbell Flynn (Michigan), opposite Ryan Hunter (North Carolina), libero Keri Leimbach (Nebraska), middle Manaia Ogbechie (California), and outside hitter Teraya Sigler (Arizona).

Interestingly, while introducing the squad, Cook took a moment to highlight what the new Cornhuskers bring to the court. Sharing the encomium about Hunter, Coach Cook stated, “Ryan has a bubbly personality, but when the game starts she’s an intense competitor. Ryan wants the ball in the big moments and likes to take the big swings. She can play six rotations and has a pretty good block already at this age, which is important for a right side.”

Nevertheless, while Ryan Hunter brings her bubbly personality to the arena, Keri Leimbach leads the way with her calm demeanor. “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,” said ex Cornhuskers head coach.

And when it comes to Campbell Flynn? Oh, she’s not just another name on the list; she’s the name. A gold medalist at the 2023 U19 World Championships in Croatia, a Team USA rep at U21s in Mexico, and the Gatorade Michigan Volleyball Player of the Year. Even while missing 15 games to suit up for her country, she still dropped 553 assists, 137 digs, and 124 kills like it was nothing. Add in a state title, Under Armour All-America, top-ranked setter by PrepDig, and yeah… she’s already got a highlight reel that reads like a resume.

Cook couldn’t hold back the praise either. “Campbell is an extremely talented setter who plays with a poised demeanor on the court,” he said. “At 6-3, Campbell is a taller, left-handed setter. She’s very physical and athletic and can make sets from anywhere on the court… Her setting can be unpredictable for defenses in that way.” He added that “Campbell has been a setter for multiple U.S. Youth National Teams and led her high school to a state championship.” But perhaps the sweetest part? “We’ve been watching Campbell since she was 12 or 13 years old and she’s always wanted to be a Husker.”