League One Volleyball (LOVB) Nebraska has made a headline-grabbing announcement: University of Nebraska Volleyball head coach Dani Busboom Kelly is stepping in as the team’s ambassador. With her history as a star player and a national champion for the Huskers, Kelly’s leadership signals a strong connection between LOVB Nebraska and the state’s volleyball legacy.
Kelly was announced as head coach of the Huskers after the retirement of John Cook, who spent 25 seasons in the role.
Dani Busboom Kelly Shares Warm Interactions with LOVB Nebraska Players
Originally called LOVB Omaha, the team changed its name to LOVB Nebraska as volleyball grew in popularity in the state. The team was purchased by an ownership group led by former Husker Jordan Larson, a 4-time Olympic medalist. They reached the finals of the 2025 LOVB Pro season, losing to LOVB Austin, who won the championship.
In a video shared on Instagram, Kelly could be seen sharing heartfelt interactions with many of the players, including Larson, as she beamed with joy about becoming the team’s ambassador. Busboom Kelly stated that she was thrilled about her new role, cheering on from the sidelines with their season set to start on January 7, 2026.
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Though Kelly never played professionally, her coaching journey has been remarkable. As Cook’s assistant from 2012 to 2016, she helped guide the Huskers to the 2015 NCAA Championship. Now leading the Nebraska Volleyball team, she is determined to bring home the team’s first national title since 2017.
Kelly Reacts After Clinching Share Of Big Ten Title in Iowa
Under Kelly’s leadership, the Nebraska Volleyball team has achieved a flawless 27-0 record this season. Their recent victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes on November 20 secured a share of the Big Ten title, and with three matches remaining, just one more win will clinch the outright championship. In the 2024 season, they had fallen short in the semifinals, ending the season 33-3.
In a press conference after the game, Kelly lauded her team’s efforts over the season, celebrating their hard work and consistency: (4:24 onwards)
“Winning a Big Ten championship is extremely hard. You have to play great over a long period of time against great teams every single night. I’m just proud of this group to continue what they started and I’m proud that I got to be a part of it and continue to be a part of what they started,” she said.
This marked the Huskers’ third consecutive conference title and their 37th overall, adding to their decorated program history. Kelly also became the first volleyball coach in Big Ten history to win a conference title in her first year as head coach at a school, highlighting her tremendous impact so far.
