What Does Harper Murray Write on Her Fingers? Nebraska Volleyball Star's Special Tribute to Fellow Teammate and Coach John Cook
When a volleyball player leaps into the air for a powerful spike, most spectators focus on the precision of the jump, the swing of the arm, or the ball’s trajectory. But for Nebraska Husker’s star Harper Murray, her hands tell a unique story that has captivated fans. The Outside Hitter has added her own spin to the seemingly mundane practice of finger-taping, transforming it into something both sentimental and motivating. Through social media, Murray’s followers have gotten curious—what do the words on her taped fingers mean, and why does she do it?
Murray herself decided to share the story behind this ritual. “I’ve gotten a lot of DMs about what I put on my fingers when I wear my finger tape. So I thought I’d just do that when I get ready,” said Murray, just before facing Iowa State on November 20th. Although she couldn’t recall the exact reason she started taping her fingers, she did mention being inspired by teammate Skyler Pierce. Still, it’s not the tape that has everyone intrigued; it’s the message she writes on it that speaks volumes.
Messages From the Heart—Harper Murray’s Finger Stories
The letters and numbers written on Harper Murray’s fingers may seem random at first glance, but their meaning is deeply significant, rooted in her connection to her team and her coach. For those who have followed her journey from Ann Arbor, Michigan, the inscriptions are a familiar sight. Harper writes the same set of symbols before every game, a practice she elaborated on while applying mascara during a casual 3-minute TikTok clip. The inscriptions are all tied to what motivates her on the court—and they reflect her journey alongside her beloved teammates, especially her head coach, John Cook.
Harper explained that she writes something meaningful on eight of her fingers. “I don’t do my thumbs,” she laughed, “but on my left pinky, I put the number eight for Lexi [Rodriguez].” Murray went on to talk about how important Lexi has been to her both as a player and as a person. “She’s helped me grow so much, and she’s just a very calming presence for me. So I like to put No. 8 for her,” the 19-year-old explained, her voice tinged with admiration.
Murray also writes the number ‘27’—her own jersey number—on one of her fingers. However, the significance of this number goes beyond mere identification. The number 27 represents her family’s sporting heritage, as her sister Kendall Murray, who also played for Michigan, wore the same number. The placement of ‘27’ next to ‘8’ symbolizes her bond with Lexi, both on and off the court. The fingers that bear these numbers tell a story of camaraderie, resilience, and familial pride.
But Murray’s inscriptions don’t end with numbers. On her right index finger, Harper writes, “I pick me.” It was a theme her team adopted last season, meant to inspire self-belief. “It’s basically just saying, like, I would pick myself, even on my worst days,” Harper explained. The message isn’t just about confidence; it’s a mantra that has bonded her entire team, pushing them to uplift themselves and one another on and off the court.
Locker Room Ritual—The War Paint of Champions
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While the messages on her fingers have become iconic, what’s even more captivating is the ritual behind their creation. For Harper Murray, finger-taping is more than just a superstition—it’s an important psychological tool that helps her prepare for every match. It’s her war paint, applied with the help of a teammate in a moment of shared focus and support.
“Lexi always sits on my lap in the locker room, and she writes on my fingers,” said Harper, recounting how the final-year defensive specialist meticulously writes “8, 27, and I pick me” on Harper’s designated fingers. Interestingly, there’s one set of initials that Lexi doesn’t write—Coach John Cook’s. Harper explained that writing “JC” is something she reserves for herself, retracing it carefully before stepping out onto the court. Why does she do it? Because the initials are more than just a tribute—they’re a reminder of the coach who never gave up on her.
John Cook—More Than Just a Coach
To Harper Murray, John Cook is more than just a volleyball coach. The initials “JC” aren’t merely a symbol of respect—they represent a deep, personal bond. “I do JC for Coach, and that also is because I’m really lucky to have a coach like him,” Harper admitted during her TikTok video. She shared that Coach Cook has dedicated immense time and effort into helping her not just as a player but as a person.
When Harper faced her toughest moments—moments that nearly derailed her promising career—it was Coach Cook who stood by her side. After Nebraska’s loss in the NCAA finals against Texas, Harper was devastated. She made a bold claim that Nebraska would win the next three NCAA titles, and while this sparked enthusiasm among some, it also led to harsh criticism. During the off-season, the pressure took its toll, and the volleyball star found herself spiraling, culminating in a DUI in April 2024. But during that dark time, John Cook didn’t turn away. He promised Harper’s mother that he would be there, and he kept that promise.
“He wasn’t happy with me… But at the same time, he promised my mom that he would be there for me. And that’s exactly what he did. He held me accountable,” Harper revealed. Coach Cook’s belief in her capabilities played a crucial role in Harper’s recovery. His mentorship wasn’t always gentle—he pushed her, held her to high standards—but it was precisely what she needed. It’s why she takes the time to write “JC” herself, and why she makes sure those initials are always with her on the court.
Harper Murray lost her father, Vada Murray, when she was only six years old. To her, what Coach Cook did—standing by her side during her lowest points—was reminiscent of what her father would have done. Though Coach Cook hesitates to call their relationship a “father-daughter” bond, the entire Huskers team knows just how close the two are. And it’s no wonder that Harper, who wears her emotions on her sleeves—or rather, her fingers—is so determined to honor the people who stand by her. Each symbol, number, and letter is a reminder of her journey, her struggles, and the people who have been there through it all.
