Nebraska Huskers’ Coach John Cook Turns Honest to Reveal Real Feelings About Maryland Volleyball’s Gym Situation

Nebraska Huskers sought redemption against Maryland after their disheartening loss to Penn State just a day earlier. Facing harsh criticism from trolls, the team responded with resilience, coming back from a one-set deficit to conquer Maryland and claim a share of the Big Ten title. Yet, beyond the thrilling game itself, a different narrative emerged, one that captured the attention of thousands.

The match between Nebraska Huskers and Maryland broke a historic record for the highest attendance ever at a Maryland home game, with an astonishing 13,071 people filling the arena. This shattered the previous attendance record of 4,522, set by Maryland against Penn State back in 2014. Such a significant turnout isn’t just a number—it represents a growing interest in Maryland’s volleyball program, spurred largely by Nebraska’s influence.

The Nebraska Huskers’ dominance in the NCAA volleyball landscape was a key reason why so many fans turned up. Nebraska’s head coach, John Cook, addressed this at the press conference following the game. He acknowledged the impact of Nebraska’s presence and praised the audience that showed up. According to Cook, the coaches were “blown away” by the number of people who had gathered to watch the match. The senior night celebrations added to the atmosphere, making it even more special. “They have like eight or nine seniors, and they’re all out there. A lot of people stayed. So what a special night for them,” Cook said.

Cook expressed that this kind of record-breaking attendance could serve as a beacon for Maryland, helping them attract better recruits and potentially enhancing their program. “I mean, that’s huge. We can go around and say, ‘Hey, we got 13,000.’ Now they’ve seen it, and they can do it,” Cook commented, underlining the immense potential for growth this newfound attention could bring to Maryland’s volleyball team.

But not all of Coach Cook’s comments were celebratory. He also took the opportunity to point out a glaring issue that Maryland needed to address—their gym facilities. “Maybe it will help them build a new facility or something. That’s what I’m hoping happens,” he said, candidly. Cook went on to explain that Maryland deserves a dedicated volleyball facility, instead of the current venue, which, in his words, is essentially “an add-on gym” with “metal bleachers.” His honest remarks were a call to action—if Maryland wants to capitalize on their newfound popularity, upgrading their facilities should be a priority.

Big Ten Records Nebraska Huskers Have Broken Alongside Other Teams

The Nebraska Huskers have earned a reputation for setting records and elevating the sport of volleyball, not only for themselves but for their opponents as well. A perfect example of this was their high-profile match against the Wisconsin Badgers in 2023. During that match, TV viewership soared to an incredible 612,000 impressions, making it the most-watched NCAA volleyball match in history. This was a groundbreaking achievement for the sport, bringing volleyball closer to mainstream attention. Remarkably, the Nebraska volleyball game outperformed the Huskers football team’s clash against the Northwestern Wildcats on the same day, which speaks volumes about the immense popularity and influence of the Nebraska volleyball squad.

Another attendance milestone came during the NCAA final the previous year, where the Huskers faced the Texas Longhorns. The game drew a crowd of 19,727 spectators, marking the second-highest attendance in women’s volleyball history. Tampa, Florida—the host city—had never seen such an electric volleyball atmosphere since then, making the game a monumental event not just for Nebraska, but for NCAA volleyball as a whole.

The Nebraska Huskers have become a powerhouse in the volleyball world, setting new standards, drawing unparalleled crowds, and helping the sport grow beyond traditional boundaries. Their impact on teams like Maryland and Texas Longhorns demonstrates that volleyball is more than just a game; it’s an experience that brings people together, ignites passion, and leaves a lasting impression. As John Cook and his talented team continue their journey, fans can only hope that their influence inspires further growth and opportunities for all teams within the Big Ten and beyond.