Huskers Volleyball Team and Coach John Cook Garner Prestigious AVCA All-Region Awards

LINCOLN, Neb. — In a remarkable recognition of talent and leadership, six Nebraska volleyball players and head coach John Cook have received prestigious accolades from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) in the All-Region Awards announced this Tuesday.

Record-Equalling Honors

Nebraska’s six All-Region selections tie the 2016 team for the most in program history. This impressive feat highlights the depth and skill within the Huskers’ ranks. The honored players include Bekka Allick, Merritt Beason, Andi Jackson, Harper Murray, Bergen Reilly, and Lexi Rodriguez, all named to the AVCA North All-Region Team.

Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year

Adding to the team’s accolades, Merritt Beason was named the North Region Player of the Year, joining the elite ranks alongside Kelly Hunter (2017) as the only Huskers to achieve this distinction. Beason, a junior opposite hitter and a transfer from Florida, has demonstrated exemplary leadership and skill, leading the team with 3.83 kills per set.

Harper Murray, shining in her debut season, was named the North Region Freshman of the Year, becoming the second Husker (after Madi Kubik, 2019) to receive this title. Murray’s outstanding performance as an outside hitter has been crucial to the team’s success.

Coach Cook’s Leadership Recognized

John Cook, the architect behind Nebraska’s formidable volleyball program, was named the Region Coach of the Year for the sixth time in his career. His strategic brilliance and motivational leadership have been pivotal in leading a young team, without seniors, to their first Big Ten title since 2017.

Defensive Stalwarts and a Skilled Setter

Lexi Rodriguez, a two-time All-American libero, and Bekka Allick, a sophomore middle blocker, have been the defensive stalwarts for the Huskers. Rodriguez’s exceptional play has earned her the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year for the second time.

Andi Jackson, a freshman middle blocker, and Bergen Reilly, a freshman setter, have also been instrumental in the team’s impressive run. Jackson’s efficiency and Reilly’s setting skills have been key to the Huskers’ successful plays.

Upcoming Challenges

Looking ahead, the Huskers are set to host an NCAA Regional next Thursday and Saturday at the Bob Devaney Sports Center. They will face No. 12 Georgia Tech in one of the semifinals, a match that promises to be a showcase of top-tier collegiate volleyball.

A Season of Excellence

This season, under Cook’s guidance, Nebraska has displayed resilience, skill, and strategic brilliance, culminating in their impressive 30-1 record and the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament.

In Conclusion

The recognition of six players and Coach Cook by the AVCA All-Region Awards is a testament to the Huskers’ excellence in collegiate volleyball. As they prepare for the upcoming NCAA Regional, the team looks poised to continue their remarkable journey, aiming for the pinnacle of collegiate volleyball success.