Press Conference #2 • Nebraska • Dec. 13• Qwest Center Omaha
Head Coach: John Cook
Student Athletes: Dani Busboom, Jordan Larson, Dani Mancuso, Rachel Schwartz
Head Coach John Cook
Opening Statement and on playing in Omaha, Nebraska
We are checking to find out if our 10 a.m. practice was an all-time Nebraska record for attendance at a practice. The hardest thing today was everytime there was a good rally, we would get an ovation, it's hard to ignore that. But once we got going it was a fun practice.
On the four players at the podium all coming from Nebraska
Nebraska volleyball has been built on finding athletes from the state ... the girls come from small towns so they are involved in everything. Our players are great athletes, we've done a great job of training them and its been the model for success at Nebraska
On the impact of this weekend on Women's Volleyball.
This certainly raises the bar on what volleyball can be. We are just very fortunate and proud that Omaha and the state of Nebraska has supported this and sold it out. This is a major statement for the support and hopefully it will provide a major lift and raise the bar for the next place that hosts the final four.
On getting to the final four and the additional pressure of it being in Nebraska
If we hadn't been living with this for the past year, it would be a shock to our system. We have been mentally preparing for this all season. I'm very proud of our team and our staff, it feels very good to be here and we are all just soaking it in.
On UCLA and preparing for the semi-final match
I think neutralizing Meriweather is a key, but I think we can prepare as well as any team in the country. We've done a great job of preparing, that might have been one of the easier things this week, since we didn't have to travel we probably got some more time to prepare. The thing is, UCLA is a very balanced team, they are not a team that is going to give up points, we are going to have to earn points.
Junior Libero Dani Busboom
Playing in her home state
Obviously it is an amazing feeling. Dani and I were talking about being interviewed in high school about this event. That is how long this event has been building up. It is definitely a relief to get here, we did have a lot of pressure. Now that we are actually here, we can play, have fun and everything will work out the way it is supposed to.
Senior OH Dani Mancuso
On growing up in Omaha and playing in the Final Four
It's definitely a dream come true, just to have the support of the whole state behind our backs and behind our team with what we are trying to accomplish this weekend.
Sophomore defensive specialist Rachel Schwartz
On balancing academics with team preparations
I was actually studying before I got here, because I have a test coming up here at 2 p.m. But this is a once in lifetime event, so I am trying to focus on enjoying this. I try to manage my time and get my schoolwork done so I can focus on this.