When John Cook announced his retirement as the Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team’s head coach, the immediate concern was who would be his replacement and then the concern was making sure players and commits would stick with NU.
Finding Cook’s replacement was surprisingly easy. Dani Busboom Kelly had agreed to leave Louisville for Nebraska before the retirement announcement was even made. Then the top returning player in Harper Murray announced she was staying. The Huskers were two-for-two.
So what about the Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team’s commitments? While it’s clear that some are going to think it over, Busboom Kelly appears to have nailed down one of the top recruits. Middle blocker Keoni Williams is one of the best players in the 2026 class and she’s not going anywhere.
Nebraska Cornhuskers lock down top 2026 volleyball commit
Speaking to On3’s Abby Barmore, Williams expressed enthusiasm about the future of the Huskers program under its fourth ever head coach.
"Dani’s a great coach so I’m excited for the change," she said. "I really believe that God has a plan for everything."
William’s got to know Cook when the recruiting period opened for the class of 2026 opened on June 15, 2024 and since then she’s built a relationship with both Cook and assistant coach Jaylen Reyes. She attended the Huskers’ Dream Team Camp in July of 2023 where Cook and Reyes coached her.
That Busboom Kelly is keeping the remaining assistant coaches (Jordan Larson left just before Cook’s announcement) is likely a big deal for Williams. And by her giving her pledge to stick with the Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team, Busboom Kelly can look forward instead of worrying about holding things together.