Nebraska Volleyball

“John Mabry digs deep and brings out the behind-the-scenes stories and characters. While reading his stories of the early days of Nebraska Volleyball, I felt like I was there in person. The timing of this book is so appropriate, with the fifty-year anniversary of Title IX. Anyone who loves volleyball will appreciate this book, and Nebraska volleyball fans will cherish it.”-John Cook, Nebraska volleyball head coach and coauthor of Dream Like a Champion: Wins, Losses, and Leadership the Nebraska Volleyball Way “John Mabry has documented the history of Nebraska Volleyball with details that will entertain the most enthusiastic fan and those who are interested in a good story. The focus of the book is the love affair the state of Nebraska has for great volleyball.”-Terry Pettit, Nebraska volleyball head coach (1977–99) and University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Famer “John Mabry has done a beautiful job seeking out people to tell the story of Nebraska Volleyball. John gives value to every story, big or small. A joy to read and relive… . Go Big Red!”-Cathy Noth, Nebraska Volleyball player (1981–84), University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Famer, and former U.S. National Team player “John Mabry has found a way to commemorate the Nebraska volleyball program and its history-not just from a facts-and-figures perspective, but from a human-interest perspective, for it is the people who truly are Nebraska volleyball… . It is a pleasure to remember, learn, and rejoice in the many stories John has uncovered.”-Karen Dahlgren Schonewise, Nebraska Volleyball player (1983–86), University of Nebraska Athletic Hall of Famer “Within these pages John Mabry reveals Nebraska Volleyball’s rich history, its now-legendary figures, and the stories that bring to life this magical fifty-year ride. Bravo, John, for capturing this quintessential Nebraska story of daily hard work building something great. The story of Husker volleyball should fill Nebraskans with pride and inspire all those who understand it.”-John Baylor, play-by-play radio announcer for Nebraska Volleyball since 1994 “How are great programs built? The bold ideas and big wins are always well known, but there are also hundreds of small decisions and personal stories powering any dynasty. Nebraska Volleyball digs into the details, offering a comprehensive look at why the Huskers are what they are-a program that stands among the greats in any sport.”-Brandon Vogel, managing editor of Hail Varsity and coauthor of Dream Like A Champion “Every chapter has one memory after another, after another, after another! There are so many human sides of stories that give so much depth to understanding Husker volleyball. The pages turn so easily, and the book is hard to put down. For those of you who love Husker volleyball, you will realize there are so many more stories to be told to add to our understanding of the recent years.”-John Strope, Nebraska History

John Mabry was the sports editor for the Lincoln Journal Star from 1997 to 2007. During that time he helped cover the Husker volleyball team at five NCAA Final Fours. He has written more than five hundred features for the Journal Star and its niche publications and is the author of Heart Felt: The Jenna Cooper Story.

Jordan Larson led the Husker volleyball team to the NCAA National Championship in 2006 and led the U.S. women’s team to an Olympic gold medal in 2021.