The Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball team has been riding a wave of positive energy recently, a welcome shift after a period of intense scrutiny and off-season drama surrounding the program. Fans and followers have been delighted to witness the team’s camaraderie and success, especially considering the cloud that hung over the squad just months prior. This positive turn is even more satisfying after a somewhat shaky start to the 2024 season, highlighted by a surprising defeat against SMU that initially raised concerns about the team’s trajectory. However, since that upset and a subsequent strong reaction from head coach John Cook, both on-court performances and team morale have demonstrably improved.
On the court, the Huskers have been dominant, showcasing their prowess against some of the nation’s top volleyball programs. Off the court, head coach John Cook has been engaging with fans and players in a lighthearted manner on social media, most notably through a much-anticipated TikTok video that finally addressed the burning question: what happened to John Cook’s eye? The video itself, featuring Cook alongside player Harper Murray, perfectly encapsulates the team’s current upbeat atmosphere.
In the TikTok reveal, Murray playfully initiated the explanation, setting up a humorous narrative about a supposed practice altercation. “Okay,” Murray began, “So like a week ago at practice, me and coach got into a fight because …why did we get into a fight?” she asked Cook, prompting a witty exchange. Cook jokingly responded, “Because Harper was being a brat,” to which Murray playfully questioned “Why?” Cook continued the jest, “She wasn’t listening,” and further elaborated on the fictional fight, “But then Merritt came in to defend her. Next thing you know, there’s some pushing, shoving, and I get decked.”
The punchline arrived as Murray, still smiling, shifted to the real story, adding to the comedic effect by saying, “Okay, and then I kicked his knee and now he has a knee brace. His knee’s all swollen,” before finally revealing the truth: “You can tell them what really happened. We didn’t get into a fight. I didn’t punch him. I didn’t kick his knee.” Cook then chimed in, “I’m just kidding,” and offered a more cryptic, yet telling explanation: “I’m going to say one thing. It ain’t easy being a cowboy and a coach. It’s all contact, full go all the time.”
When Murray playfully pressed for more context, Cook remained playfully vague, suggesting the mystery was essentially solved. However, the implication was clear: the black eye was far more likely the result of Cook’s ranching activities and his involvement with horses, rather than any volleyball practice mishaps or player conflicts. This humorous reveal not only clarified the origin of Cook’s black eye but also highlighted the positive and relaxed environment within the Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball program, showcasing a team that is not only winning games but also enjoying their time together.
