Lexi Rodriguez discussed how former Nebraska Volleyball head coach John Cook transformed his coaching style over the years to adapt to the new era with the arrival of Andi Jackson and Harper Murray in 2023. The libero concluded her collegiate career with several honors and as the school’s all-time career leader in digs with 1,897. She then entered the League One Volleyball, turning professional with the Omaha team.
Lexi Rodriguez Reveals John Cook’s Re-Invention With Murray and Jackson’s Arrival
Rodriguez arrived at Nebraska with an impressive résumé, having helped lead the U.S. U21 National Team to a fifth-place finish at the 2021 FIVB U20 World Championship. She wasted little time making her presence felt at the college level, earning AVCA National Freshman of the Year honors while also being named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in her debut season.
During her freshman and sophomore years, she played under a tough Cook, who had a somewhat anger-driven approach, though it was much milder than in his early days. However, as the years passed and younger players like Murray and Jackson arrived, Cook brought a new perspective to his role as a mentor, unlocking his softer side to better connect with the players and bring out the best in them.
Speaking about the same with Hurrdat Sports, Rodriguez commended Cook for reinventing himself, something most coaches refuse to do. She also shared that she saw two sides of her coach during her four years at Nebraska. She said:
“It was really cool to see. I mean, the shift was when Harper’s class came in, obviously. More like the sarcastic side of him and press conferences, and that definitely came with the integration of Harper Andy that class, I think he had talked to Merritt and me that he knew he kind of had to change a little bit just with the way that these girls have been coached.”
“I think from my freshman and sophomore year and going into the junior senior like two different John cooks, but it was really cool to see, just because a Lot of coaches aren’t willing to kind of put in that work.”
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Cook stepped down from the head coaching role in 2025 after leading the Big Reds to the NCAA Semifinals in 2024.
Cook Once Admitted He Didn’t Want to Take Rodriguez On His Team
Rodriguez set school records of single-match digs, single-season digs, and career digs during her early years. She also received several honors and made her mark as a formidable player at the global level.
When she attended Dream Team Camp in the presence of Cook and his then-assistant, Kayla Banwarth, she demonstrated her prowess, but was not initially offered a spot by Cook due to her shorter height. The Nebraska head coach preferred a libero who could cover the entire court. It was Banwarth who ultimately convinced him to offer Rodriguez a spot in the Huskers program.
The 22-year-old won the AAU Sullivan Award in the 2024-25 season, earned the Big Ten Medal of Honor, and became Nebraska Female Athlete of the Year.
