Former Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook has found his next challenge in retirement: general manager and co-owner of the Omaha Supernovas professional volleyball team.
Cook retired as the Huskers volleyball coach in January after a successful 25-year run leading NU volleyball. He led Nebraska to four national championships, 12 NCAA semifinals and 14 conference championships. He was named AVCA Coach of the Year three times. His .834 career winning percentage between Nebraska and Wisconsin in 32 years ranks fifth in NCAA Division I volleyball history.
Now with the Supernovas, Cook will be involved in all team operations, including the building of the roster and coaching staff. The Supernovas announced earlier this week that they would be a member of Major League Volleyball.
Cook made his first big move Wednesday, announcing that U.S. Olympic volleyball gold medalist Luka Slabe (slaw-BAY) would be the Supernovas’ head coach. Slabe is currently an assistant coach for the men’s national team. He’ll remain in that role while coaching the Supernovas.
Cook will be busy in his new role: The free agency period for Major League Volleyball opens Thursday afternoon at 4.