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Nebraska announces Dani Busboom Kelly as next head volleyball coach after John Cook retirement

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•01/29/25•

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Louisville volleyball HC Dani Busboom Kelly
© Sam Upshaw Jr./Courier Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Nebraska has announced Dani Busboom Kelly as its next head volleyball coach. The news came shortly after John Cook shocked the volleyball world by announcing his retirement.

Busboom Kelly is a name Cornhuskers fans know well. She played at Nebraska from 2003-06 before venturing into coaching and served as an assistant under Cook from 2012-16. That’s when she became the head coach at Louisville, where she led the Cardinals to four ACC titles.

During her time at UL, Busboom Kelly amassed a 203-44 overall record and a 121-21 mark in ACC play. She won three ACC Coach of the Year awards, but will now return to her alma mater to succeed Cook, who retires as one of the most decorated coaches in Nebraska history.

“We are excited to welcome Dani and her family back to Lincoln to continue our tradition of excellence in our volleyball program,” Nebraska athletics director Troy Dannen said in a statement. “She has demonstrated outstanding leadership at the highest levels of the sport and I am confident that our program will remain among the nation’s elite for years to come. This is a special place that needs an exceptional coach, and we have her. Welcome to Dani and her family!”

Dani Busboom Kelly: Nebraska job is ‘more than a dream come true’

Cook leaves behind an incredible legacy after 25 seasons in Lincoln. He took Nebraska to four national titles, nine Big 12 championships and six Big Ten crowns while totaling a 722-103 overall record. The Cornhuskers remain one of the prominent programs in college volleyball, but will now call it a career after a national semifinal appearance in 2024.

Of course, Busboom Kelly knows just how big the shoes are she has to now fill. She also credited Cook for setting her up for success as a coach after playing for him and working on his staff.

“The opportunity to come home to Nebraska is more than a dream come true,” Busboom Kelly said. “I want to thank Troy Dannen, Dr. Jeffrey Gold, and Kristen Brown for their trust in me to continue the legacy of Nebraska volleyball. A huge thank you to John Cook. I would not be here without his mentorship and support. I’ve gotten chills listening to the roars in the Coliseum and now Devaney since I was nine years old.

“Nebraska is the greatest place in the world to play volleyball and I am honored to be a part of it once again! My family and I can’t wait to get to work and bring more championships home. Go Big Red!”