Nebraska’s first win of the season featured not only a hopeful upswing for the team but also head coach, John Cook’s 500th career win at Nebraska. The win for the Huskers came against the University of Maryland-Baltimore County in straight sets.
The Huskers started the 2017 season with a tough first-week slate, taking on Florida and Oregon, each of which were ranked in the top-15 to start off the season, #12 and #18, respectively. Though none of the three teams the Huskers played this weekend were ranked, it could serve as a turning point for the team this season.
Cook began his coaching career with UC San Diego as an assistant coach from 1983-84, where he helped the team to the Division III runner up in 1983 and the national title in 1984. In between college stints, Cook coached for Francis Parker High School in San Diego from 1981-88, where he led the team to two California state titles and a 162-18 overall record, including a 90 match winning streak.
Before taking his first big head coaching job, Cook served as an assistant coach with Nebraska from 1989-1991. From there he was named the head coach at the University of Wisconsin from 1992-1999, compiling a 161-73 record in seven seasons. From here, Cook made the transition back to Nebraska, this time as head coach starting in the 2000 season.
With Nebraska, Cook led the team to a NCAA National title in his first season (2000), 2006 and 2015. In addition, he led the team to a runner-up position in 2005. Cook also brought his teams to six Final Fours (2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2015) with NCAA Tournament appearances in each of his coaching years with the team.
Cook now has a 502-133 overall record with Nebraska, following the conclusion of the second week of play. Up next for the Huskers are a pair of matches against UCLA at the Devaney Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.
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