LINCOLN, Neb. - A new statue honoring longtime Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook now stands on the north side of the Bob Devaney Sports Center. The tribute recognizes his 25 seasons leading the Huskers, a career that included four national championships and 12 Final Four appearances.

For those who knew him best, though, the statue represents more than trophies and titles. It symbolizes the impact he had on the athletes he coached and the relationships he built.

“John Cook is an amazing human being who spent a quarter of a century here bringing out the best in other people,” NU President Dr. Jeff Gold said.

Nebraska head coach Dani Busboom Kelly added: “One of the most important things that John has done for our sport is create a lineage of assistant coaches, club coaches, high school coaches and people who are passionate about staying in the sport of volleyball.”

Cook himself said the honor is about more than one person.

“This is all about Nebraska volleyball, what it’s done in this country and how we’ve set the standard for everyone else,” he said.

The arena inside the Devaney is also named after Cook.