When John Cook finally called it a career in early 2025, a massive shudder went through Lincoln. We’re talking about a guy who was basically a monument in the state of Nebraska. But the panic didn’t even have time to settle before the news broke: Dani Busboom Kelly was coming home. Honestly, it was the only move that made sense. If you were going to replace a legend, you had to bring in someone who lived and breathed Husker red before they even knew how to coach a slide or a double-block.
Basically, the transition was faster than a 100-mph jump serve. Cook retired, and within about an hour, dani busboom kelly nebraska volleyball coach was the title every sports anchor in the Midwest was shouting. This isn't just about hiring a former player; it’s about a coach who has spent the last decade proving she’s arguably the best tactical mind in the college game.
Why Dani Busboom Kelly Nebraska Volleyball Coach Was the Only Real Choice
Most people think of Dani as the "assistant who did well elsewhere," but that’s kind of a huge understatement. While she was at Louisville, she didn't just win games; she dismantled the status quo. She took a program that was 12-18 and turned it into a team that went undefeated in the regular season in 2021. You’ve probably seen the highlights—that 32-0 run was the first time a woman ever coached a perfect regular season in NCAA history.
But why does that matter for Nebraska? Well, because the expectations at the Devaney Center are just... different. You don't just win; you’re expected to dominate. Dani gets that. She grew up in Cortland, Nebraska. She was a three-sport star at Freeman High School, winning state titles in basketball and hurdles. She literally knows the dirt of the state.
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When she stepped into the head coach role for the 2025 season, the pressure was suffocating. Following John Cook is like trying to write a sequel to the best book ever written. Yet, she didn't blink. In her first year back, she led the Huskers to a 30-0 regular season. Think about that for a second. 30-0. She became the first coach ever to win a Big Ten volleyball title in their first year at a school.
Breaking Down the Louisville Years
Before we get too deep into the Husker stats, you have to look at what she built in Kentucky. It was legendary.
- Total Record: 203-44 across eight seasons.
- The 2021 Breakthrough: A national semifinals appearance and an AVCA National Coach of the Year award.
- Championship Matches: She took Louisville to the finals in 2022 and 2024.
- The Culture Shift: She turned Louisville from a "good" ACC team into a destination program that could beat anyone, including Nebraska in Lincoln back in 2021.
The Tactical Shift: What Changed in 2025?
When Dani took over from Cook, people were looking for drastic changes. But she was smart. She didn’t blow up the system. Instead, she leaned into what her players call a "laid-back" but incredibly demanding style. Junior outside hitter Harper Murray mentioned in an interview that Dani just "understands us" because she’s been in every single seat—player, assistant, and now the boss.
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The defense got noticeably grittier. That’s probably the libero in her coming out. If you remember her playing days, Dani was a captain on the 2006 national title team. She actually started as a setter and switched to libero just to help the team. That "team-first" mentality is exactly what she’s drilled into the 2025-2026 roster.
The 2025 season was a masterclass. They went 20-0 in Big Ten play. They dropped exactly one set in the conference. That’s not just winning; that’s a demolition derby. She won the Big Ten Coach of the Year by a unanimous vote from both the media and the other coaches. It’s hard to get a group of rival coaches to agree on what to have for lunch, let alone who the best coach is, so that tells you everything you need to know.
Key Players Under the "DBK" Era
- Bergen Reilly: The setter who looks like she’s playing 4D chess while everyone else is playing checkers.
- Andi Jackson & Rebekah Allick: A middle blocking duo that makes the net look about 12 feet tall to opposing hitters.
- Harper Murray: A unanimous All-Big Ten selection who has flourished under Dani’s mentorship.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Transition
There’s this weird narrative that John Cook "hand-picked" her and she just walked into a finished house. That’s not quite right. While Cook definitely mentored her, Dani had to decide to leave a dynasty she built at Louisville. It wasn't an easy "yes." She had roots there. She had players she loved.
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The "secret-type stuff" that went on between Cook and Athletics Director Troy Dannen was basically a high-stakes poker game. They had to keep it quiet to protect both programs. When Dani finally met with Dannen, it wasn't a job interview. It was a strategy session. She didn't come back to Lincoln to "keep things going." She came back to evolve them.
She’s already proven she can recruit at the highest level. In her first year, not a single player entered the transfer portal. In today’s world of college sports, that is basically a miracle. It shows that the players weren't just loyal to the "N" on the jersey; they bought into her specifically.
Actionable Insights for Husker Fans and Coaches
If you’re following the career of dani busboom kelly nebraska volleyball coach, there are a few things you should be watching as we head deeper into 2026:
- Watch the Libero Play: Dani was one of the best liberos in Nebraska history. Watch how she develops her defensive specialists. The footwork and "read" of the game from the back row have become noticeably more precise since she took over.
- The "Busboom" Recruiting Trail: Keep an eye on local Nebraska talent. Dani has a deep connection to the small-town Nebraska volleyball scene. Expect more "diamonds in the rough" from places like Adams or Cortland to find their way to the Devaney Center.
- Tactical Flexibility: One of her hallmarks at Louisville was changing schemes mid-match. If a team is picking on a specific hitter, Dani isn't afraid to shift the entire offense.
- Big Ten Dominance: The conference is tougher than ever, but the 2025 season showed that Dani’s Louisville-honed grit is a perfect match for the Big Ten’s physical style of play.
The era of Dani Busboom Kelly isn't just a continuation of the past. It’s a complete modernization of a powerhouse. She has the rings to prove she knows how to win as a player and an assistant, and now she’s stacking the trophies to prove she’s the best head coach in the business.
To stay ahead of the curve, follow the official Huskers schedule for the 2026 season and pay attention to how Dani manages the bench during high-pressure matches. Her ability to stay "laid-back" while the stadium is shaking is exactly why Nebraska is back at the top of the mountain. Check the latest AVCA rankings regularly, as the Huskers are poised to maintain a top-three spot for the foreseeable future under her leadership.