All the work that former Nebraska coach John Cook has done to promote volleyball and women’s sports in general made him an easy choice for the Aksarben Foundation’s 2026 most honored citizen.
His selection was announced Saturday night at the group’s annual ball at the CHI Health Center. It’s held to honor and celebrate families in the Midlands who have achieved excellence and give back to the community.
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John Cook, shown last year, was selected as the Aksarben
Foundation's most honored citizen for 2026. "Aksarben
wanted to recognize John's pursuit of excellence in women's
sports, as well as the development of women leaders well past their
collegiate volleyball careers," said Alicia Edsen, chair of
the Aksarben Ball Committee.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
The event attracted a sellout crowd of around 2,000 people. Funds raised allow the Aksarben Ball to award 200 scholarships totaling close to $1 million to students attending two-year and four-year colleges in Nebraska and western Iowa.
Alicia Edsen, chair of the Aksarben Ball Committee, said Cook’s career has been defined by extraordinary leadership and a legacy that reaches beyond the volleyball court.
Through leadership, mentorship and an unwavering belief in what Nebraska can accomplish, the foundation said in a release, Cook has elevated athletes, expanded opportunities for women’s sports and inspired generations to dream bigger about what is possible in Nebraska.
"Aksarben wanted to recognize John's pursuit of excellence in women's sports," Edsen said, "as well as the development of women leaders well past their collegiate volleyball careers."
Also on Saturday, five people were inducted into Aksarben's Court of Honor, one of the organization's most prestigious awards.
The recognition is given annually to individuals who have excelled in agriculture, arts, business and industry, community service, education, philanthropy, professions, public service, sports or youths.
Those inducted into the Court of Honor Saturday include:
• Col. Tom Brewer, a former state senator, for public service and military leadership.
• Terence “Bud” Crawford, a champion boxer, for youth development and philanthropy.
• Gene Klein of Project Harmony for child advocacy.
• Brenda Smith, the first black female police officer in Nebraska, for law enforcement and education.
• Paul Younes, owner of Younes Hospitality in Kearney, for business and community.
During his 25 seasons at Nebraska, Cook guided the Huskers to four NCAA championships, 14 conference titles, 12 NCAA semifinal appearances and a 722-103 record. He retired in January 2025 with 883 career victories and three AVCA National Coach of the Year honors.
Cook’s impact stretched far beyond wins and championships, however.
Under his leadership, Nebraska volleyball became a national model for fan support and the growth of women’s sports.
The program’s record-setting sellout streak began during his tenure and Nebraska has consistently led the nation in attendance. In 2023, 92,003 fans filled Memorial Stadium for Volleyball Day in Nebraska, setting the world attendance record for any women’s sporting event.
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John Cook, former Nebraska volleyball coach, poses for photos
after a ceremony unveiling a statue of him outside the Bob Devaney
Sports Center in Lincoln. He won four national titles with the
Huskers.
NIKOS FRAZIER, THE WORLD-HERALD
Cook, now co-owner and general manager of the Omaha Supernovas professional volleyball team, said it feels good that Aksarben is acknowledging the work he and the university have done to promote women’s volleyball.
He’s proud of the fact that the young women in his program have also been great role models as well as athletes.
“I think it’s validation and recognition of all that’s gone into Nebraska volleyball,” Cook said. “Nebraska volleyball is the epicenter. With that comes a lot of responsibility.”
Cook and his wife, Wendy, have built a life around family, competition and Nebraska.
Their daughter, Lauren, played volleyball at UCLA before transferring to Nebraska to play for her father. Their son, Taylor, shares Cook’s enthusiasm for what he calls the “Cowboy Life.”
Cook was enjoying some time at the family home in Wyoming before returning to Nebraska for the ball.
He agreed it’s not his usual thing, but he recognizes what it means to him and the university. Aksarben has been around since 1895, founded by Omaha business leaders to support the state’s economy and workforce development as well as the higher education scholarships.
“Looking at some of the people who have received the award,” he said, “it’s kind of a state award for people who have made a difference in Nebraska.”
Here are the Omaha World-Herald's All-Nebraska volleyball teams through the years!
