John Cook Joins Omaha Supernovas as Co-Owner and GM

A New Chapter for John Cook in Professional Volleyball

John Cook, a name synonymous with success in the world of collegiate volleyball, is once again making waves in the sport. Just months after stepping down as head coach at the University of Nebraska, Cook has taken on a new role as Co-Owner and General Manager of the Omaha Supernovas. This move marks a significant shift in his career, transitioning from coaching to a leadership position in professional volleyball.

Cook shared his excitement about this new chapter, stating, “After more than 30 years of coaching, I knew I wanted the next chapter to be just as impactful. Becoming the General Manager of the Omaha Supernovas is exactly that opportunity.” He emphasized that his goal is to leverage his extensive experience in college volleyball to help grow the sport at the professional level. “The energy around our sport has never been higher, and the Supernovas are at the forefront of that momentum. There's no better place than Nebraska, and no better organization than the Supernovas, to help take this sport to the next level.”

Cook will play a key role in overseeing all team operations, including player and coaching staff signings. With the free agency period set to begin soon, the Supernovas are preparing for an exciting season ahead.

A Full-Circle Moment for Diane Mendenhall

Team President Diane Mendenhall has played a crucial role in the growth of the Omaha Supernovas. Under her leadership, the team has maintained the No. 1 spot in the world for professional volleyball average attendance for two consecutive seasons. Mendenhall has a long-standing relationship with Cook, who hired her in 2000 as the first-ever Director of Operations at Nebraska.

“I’ve always cherished my relationship with Coach Cook, and it’s incredibly special to be reuniting with him,” said Mendenhall. “It’s a full-circle moment, as he was the one who brought me to Nebraska when he took over the volleyball program in 2000. I was there with him from the beginning and saw firsthand how he built it into the national powerhouse we see today.”

Mendenhall highlighted how Cook’s vision and experience have shaped the way the Supernovas were built. “His vision, experience, and winning mentality is unmatched, and I’m thrilled to be working alongside Coach Cook again as he helps elevate Major League Volleyball to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s most elite professional sports leagues.”

A Legacy of Excellence

Cook announced his retirement from Nebraska in January 2024. During his 25-year tenure at the University of Nebraska, he achieved remarkable success, winning four national titles as head coach. His record of 722-103 at NU is unmatched by any Division I volleyball coach this century. Under his guidance, the Huskers made 12 NCAA Semifinal appearances, won nine Big 12 titles, and five Big Ten titles.

The Rise of Professional Volleyball

The Omaha Supernovas made history by winning the inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation championship in 2024. After two seasons, the PVF is now unifying with Major League Volleyball (MLV). While all branding will transition under MLV, most teams will continue playing in the league. Some teams, like the Vegas Thrill, are undergoing ownership changes, while the league aims to expand to cities such as Dallas, Kansas City, Sacramento, and Washington, D.C.

Another Nebraska Connection

In addition to Cook’s new role, another former Husker, Jordan Larson, has joined the leadership group of LOVB Nebraska, which was previously known as LOVB Omaha. Larson, a former player and assistant coach at Nebraska, expressed his deep connection to the state and the sport. “Nebraska is home; it’s where I fell in love with the game. We have rebranded the team as a tribute to those communities that shaped me and so many others who play,” he said.

Kirsten Bernthal Booth, a former Creighton coach, has also joined the franchise as president of business operations, further solidifying the presence of Nebraska talent in the professional volleyball landscape.

Looking Ahead

With the continued growth of professional volleyball and the influx of experienced leaders like Cook, Mendenhall, Larson, and Booth, the future of the sport looks brighter than ever. As the league expands and evolves, the influence of Nebraska’s volleyball legacy continues to shape the path forward.