The NCAA volleyball season is officially underway, and this year’s AVCA First Serve Showcase carries a special buzz in Nebraska. Not only does it mark the first Huskers volleyball game in the 15,000-seater Pinnacle Bank Arena, but it also signals the beginning of a new chapter — Dani Busboom Kelly’s debut as Nebraska’s head coach. With all eyes on how the new coach will shape this highly anticipated season, the excitement grew even further with a familiar face in the crowd — none other than Nebraska volleyball icon John Cook.

For those who watched her grow up in small-town Adams, this is a full-circle moment. “We love her, and we are so glad to have her back home,” said Jenny Lempka, Busboom Kelly’s best friend of 30 years. Busboom Kelly’s rise from local standout to nationally respected coach has inspired players and fans across generations, and now, the 40-year-old is leading the program she won the national championships as a player and an assistant coach, hosting the No. 3 Pittsburgh Panthers.

And it’s only fitting to see that an iconic figure like John Cook, who passed the torch to Busboom Kelly, had a front-row seat at Pinnacle Bank Arena to witness the start of his successor’s tenure. It all comes from a small clip shared by Hail Varsity on X, where John can be seen sitting alongside Nebraska staff, chit-chatting. While Cook’s presence is momentous, it still feels odd to witness the first serve of the season — and the first Nebraska game — that he isn’t coaching. No wonder, before the start of the game, the 69-year-old admitted how skittish he felt coming in and watching as a spectator.

“I woke up this morning wanting to coach. And of course, now I’m really nervous watching them because it’s a really tight game,” he said, while speaking with NCAA reporter Michella Chester. Then again, he expressed his pleasure to see the young talents showcasing what they’ve got in front of a substantial crowd. “But this is so awesome for college volleyball, starting the season like this. Anyway, I’m just excited for college volleyball and the opportunities these athletes get to play in front of a crowd like this,” added Cook.

No wonder after announcing his decision to step down as the Huskers’ head coach, the legendary mentor made it clear that leaving his post in Lincoln wouldn’t diminish his support for the Nebraska volleyball program. “I’m going to be the biggest cheerleader,” he said, making it obvious for Cook to be one of the spectators. And he certainly didn’t leave any stone unturned in making it sound obvious again!

John Cook will always have Dani Busboom Kelly’s back!

In the same interview with Michella Chester, Cook was asked whether he gave any of his wisdom and pep talk to DBK before this crucial NCAA opener. To which, the new Omaha Supernovas general manager and co-owner said, “I texted her last night, late, because I know she wasn’t sleeping. I reminded her to have fun, and she’s ready for this,” urging the Huskers coach to enjoy every moment out there and have fun.

According to the retired American volleyball coach, the last thing that he wants is for Dani Busboom Kelly to put pressure on herself. And it only took a few seconds for Cook to talk about how impressive the Nebraska side has been, advising them to keep pushing for greatness ahead of this crucial NCAA season.

“I have been watching them like in a video, and watched them in the alumni match; they look awesome. I think there’s going to be a lot of really good college volleyball teams this year. Huskers been one of them, and the level just continues to go up,” acknowledged John Cook, backing his former beloved side for the best.

Nebraska Volleyball closed out last season with an impressive 33-3 record, narrowly missing out on a sixth national title after falling in the semifinals. Now, with John Cook stepping away from coaching and passing the program to Dani Busboom Kelly, a new chapter has begun in Lincoln — and early signs suggest plenty of promise. As the season unfolds, it won’t be long before we see how this fresh era takes shape.