The Nebraska volleyball team is on a roll. With their third consecutive victory at the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championships, the Huskers have qualified for their third consecutive quarterfinals since 2023. The Big Red will be competing against the Texas A&M Aggies tonight, who have qualified for their first Regional Finals (also known as quarterfinals) in 24 years.
The Big Red, under head coach Dani Busboom Kelly, has transformed into a fighting unit capable of both tactical defense and sudden offensive bursts. The Huskers aim to repeat the historic streak of 2000 with a clean slate throughout the season.
Meet the Figures Behind Nebraska Volleyball’s 2025 Success
Following the 2024 NCAA Championships, longtime head coach John Cook announced his retirement. Cook had served as the Huskers’ head coach from 2000 to 2025 and led the team to four NCAA Championships, including a title with an undefeated streak in his very debut season in 2000.
Cook was replaced by his own protégé, Busboom Kelly, who represented the Big Red as a player from 2003 to 2006 and contributed to the championship victory for the Huskers in her final season. She aims to pay the perfect tribute by becoming only the second coach to lead the Huskers to an NCAA Championship with a perfect debut season.
Previously, Kelly served as head coach of the Louisville Cardinals from 2017 to 2024. She led the Cardinals to two historic finals in 2022 and 2024, after which she was called back by her alma mater.
As Nebraska’s head coach, Busboom Kelly has maintained a perfect balance on the team. She has given freshmen their due while retaining faith in veterans, especially those who led the Huskers to the finals in 2023. Her efforts paid off when Nebraska won the Big Ten Conference title for the third consecutive year since 2023, completing the season with a 30-0 undefeated streak.
As the Huskers face the Aggies tonight, Kelly will be looking to maintain the perfect streak. The head coach has repeatedly stated that she won’t rest until the Huskers win the NCAA Championship.
Coaching Staff of Nebraska Volleyball Roster
Following is the administrative setup of the women’s volleyball team at Nebraska:
- Head Coach: Dani Busboom Kelly
- Assistant Coaches: Jaylen Reyes, Kelly [Hunter] Natter, Brennan Hagar
- Director of Operations: Lindsay Peterson
- Video & Administrative Coordinator: Nate Wilson
- Volleyball Administrative Assistant: Joni Duff
- Associate Athletic Trainer [Volleyball]: Jolene Emricson
- Director of Olympic Sports Performance [Volleyball, Bowling]: Brian Kmitta
- Deputy AD [Senior Woman Administrator [Sport Administrator]]: Kristen Brown
- Assistant Director of Life Skills [Secondary Sport Administrator]]: Kate Frazier
