Omaha Supernovas’ newest addition, Norah (Sis) TeBrake, has opened up about facing the Nebraska Volleyball team during her collegiate volleyball career.
Nebraska Volleyball Legend John Cook’s Heartfelt Interaction With Norah TeBrake
TeBrake played for Creighton University from 2021 to 2024, earning several accolades, including back-to-back BIG EAST Tournament MVP honors in 2021 and 2022, as well as AVCA Second Team All-American honors in 2024. She joined the Orlando Valkyries for her rookie pro season before signing with the Supernovas for the 2026 season.
Growing up in Papillion, Nebraska, TeBrake shone at Papillion-La Vista High School. Her mother played volleyball at the University of Kansas, while her father competed in track at Nebraska-Kearney.
For 25 seasons, John Cook led the Huskers with unmatched passion, steering them to four NCAA National Championships and 15 conference titles. Beyond the numbers, Cook inspired generations of players, including Harper Murray and Dani Busboom Kelly, helping them grow into leaders on and off the court.
TeBrake spoke with Hurrdat Sports‘ Ana Bellinghausen about many topics, including the time Cook praised the former Creighton star.
Bellinghausen: “One of my favorite John Cook quotes about you is, “Norah has tormented us for four years.” He clearly holds you in high regard for your abilities. Did you have a certain “next gear” when playing Nebraska? Why does John Cook feel this way?” she asked.
TeBrake: “He said that to me too, and I was like, ‘You beat us all four years’ But playing Nebraska was always next level. We always got extra pumped up for that game – so many familiar faces for me being from Nebraska. The in-state rivalry was always fun and exciting,” she replied.
Following Cook’s retirement ahead of the 2025 season, Dani Busboom Kelly took over as the team’s head coach. She led the Huskers to a conference title and to the regional final, where they lost to Texas A&M.
Cook Speaks On Life After Retirement
After the end of his coaching career, Cook took over as the general manager and a co-owner of the Omaha Supernovas. This move kept him close to the state where he had spent years coaching, and enabled him to spend more time with his family, something he hadn’t been able to do for a while.
“I was going to go as hard as I could, and when the day came and I felt like I’ve done enough,” Cook trailed off, “– and that’s what happened [when I decided to retire]. I don’t know if we’ve ever celebrated our anniversary [with wife Wendy] because it’s right in the middle of two-a-days,” he said, as per Nebraska Public Media.
John’s wife, Wendy Cook, was a standout two-time All-America setter at San Diego State University. Their daughter, Lauren, followed in her parents’ athletic footsteps, earning National Freshman of the Year honors at UCLA before transferring to Nebraska.
