International Volleyball Hall of Fame to Honor John Cook with Mayoral Award of Excellence

The International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) has announced that John Cook, legendary head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers women’s volleyball program and general manager and co-owner of the Omaha Supernovas, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 IVHF Mayoral Award of Excellence.

The award will be formally presented on Friday, April 10, 2026, at the CHI Health Center in Omaha during the Supernovas match against the Grand Rapids Rise. The presentation will be made by Joshua Garcia, Mayor of Holyoke, Massachusetts - the Birthplace of Volleyball - and George Mulry, Executive Director of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame.

The IVHF Mayoral Award of Excellence recognizes individuals whose leadership has elevated volleyball as a powerful force within their community, driving civic pride, cultural connection and economic impact. Cook exemplifies these qualities through his transformative leadership of Nebraska volleyball and his broader contributions to the sport’s growth across the state and beyond.

“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the International Volleyball Hall of Fame. Nebraska has always been a special place for volleyball, and everything I’ve helped build has been driven by the passion of our players, staff, and fans,” said Cook. “What’s meant the most to me is seeing how deeply this sport has connected with people in Nebraska and united communities across the state. To watch volleyball continue to grow here and beyond, and to be part of that at both the collegiate and professional levels, is something I’m very proud of.”

Over his distinguished career, Cook built Nebraska into one of the most successful and widely supported programs in collegiate athletics, helping to redefine the visibility and impact of women’s volleyball. His influence extends beyond championships and wins, fostering a culture that unites communities across Nebraska and elevates the sport as a central point of statewide identity.

A defining moment of Cook’s legacy came in 2023, when Nebraska volleyball hosted a historic outdoor match at Nebraska football’s Memorial Stadium that drew 92,003 fans, setting the world record for attendance at a women’s sporting event. The event captured global attention and demonstrated the extraordinary power of volleyball to bring communities together on an unprecedented scale.

In addition to his collegiate success, Cook has further invested in the future of women’s professional volleyball through his role as General Manager and Co-Owner of Major League Volleyball’s (MLV) Omaha Supernovas. The franchise has led the world in professional volleyball average attendance for the past two seasons, including a 10,925 fan average attendance in 2025. Earlier this year, with Cook in the organization, the Supernovas set a new all-time U.S. professional volleyball attendance record, hosting a sold-out crowd of 16,838 on March 14 in a five-set victory over the Indy Ignite, further reinforcing Cook’s impact and Nebraska’s position as a national leader in the sport.

Cook’s recognition will extend beyond the April presentation, as he will also be honored during the International Volleyball Hall of Fame’s 2026 Induction Celebration, October 16–17 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, where the global volleyball community will gather to celebrate the sport’s highest honors.

The award presentation at the Omaha Supernovas match will celebrate Cook’s enduring legacy and his role in elevating volleyball as both a sport and a civic asset.