Nebraska Volleyball’s Rebekah Allick Reflects on Former Coach John Cook’s Training Approach Amid Team’s Dominating Streak
The Nebraska Huskers volleyball team is enjoying an impressive season, currently holding a perfect 20-0 record and boasting a streak of 34 consecutive sets won. This feat has already surpassed the program’s previous 31-set streak recorded in 2009. However, the team’s longest winning streak of 53 sets, set back in 2007, still stands.
So far this season, the Huskers have demonstrated dominance both at home and on the road, securing victories in 10 home games and seven away games. Amid this remarkable run, senior player Rebekah Allick recently shared her thoughts on maintaining focus, especially when facing the pressure of such success.
In a recent press conference, when asked about the team’s mindset toward possibly dropping a set in upcoming games, Allick emphasized the importance of concentrating on the process rather than the outcome. She credited former head coach John Cook’s philosophy for shaping her approach.
“Just keep playing,” Allick said. “I feel like if we become fixated on the outcome, it has never ever worked in anyone’s favor. So just staying in the moment is huge and a big takeaway that I have from John Cook, like just coaching me over the last few years. He almost used to come with a little bit of an attitude when we were ranked number one. He was like, ‘So you think you guys can just coast this week because you’re ranked number one?’ Just this and that.”
Allick also reflected on the significance of the winning streak, calling it an “accolade,” but downplaying its importance. “Yeah, it’s an accolade, but it’s nothing more than an Instagram post. It doesn’t decide if you want the national championship or conference title or anything. So it’s something to be cool and like, ‘Oh yeah, that’s nice,’ but it doesn’t determine your win on Friday or Saturday night.”
John Cook, who has been a pillar of Nebraska volleyball for 25 years, announced his retirement from coaching in January 2025. His leadership and training approach have clearly left a lasting impact on players like Allick.
Allick Opens Up on Her Mentality After Facing Setbacks
In the same press conference, Rebekah Allick also discussed her personal mentality when facing setbacks during games. She admitted to being tough on herself but stressed that she avoids dwelling on mistakes, as her teammates depend on her resilience.
“Kind of what I was speaking to earlier, like just being really hard on yourself when it doesn’t click right away, and just for her to feed you again, it really like snips that conversation down your head like over. It’s like there is no time for that. Like, there’s no pity party,” Allick shared.
Praise from Coach Dani Busboom Kelly
Nebraska volleyball head coach Dani Busboom Kelly praised Allick for her exceptional skills, referring to her as the “best out-of-system setter.” Allick’s ability to maintain composure and adaptability on the court has been a key factor in the Huskers’ continued success this season.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/olympics/news-nothing-instagram-post-nebraska-volleyball-s-rebekah-allick-weighs-no1-ranking-reveals-takeaway-ex-coach-john-cook
