Husker volleyball reaches pivotal point in season

"Love has replaced fear."

Those words come from Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook, and he believes his team has finally turned a pivotal corner this season.

The emotional roller-coaster ride of 2009 has begun to pan out, Cook said. However, his team's future is still teetering.

"We're on the edge," Cook said. "We'll level out or tip over."

Whether it's freshmen playing on a Division I court or upperclassmen supporting new roles within the team, Cook's squad has gained confidence. At the core of the turnaround has been the mental focus of each player.

That reversal, Cook said, has changed from players worrying about their own game and the factors and consequences of each play, to a greater understanding and care for the team as a whole.

"These guys know you can't wrap your hands around it," Cook said. "You have to work at it, and everybody has got to be on the same page. It takes time."

Instead of each member worrying about disappointing the team and its coaches, Cook said they have learned to believe in their system, love each other and love playing as a team.

"That becomes much more powerful," Cook said. "The biggest thing is the investment we've made in our leadership, and it's now having the impact on our team. I think we've got everybody playing for each other, and that's where the love part comes in."

The momentum Nebraska has gained in its four-game winning streak has the team looking forward to a strong seeding in the postseason. Cook has made it clear, however, that his team is not there yet.

When asked whether his team had begun to reach its full potential, Cook said the Huskers had a ways to go. As far as his team's development and his take on the season-long process of coming together, Cook didn't want to give his team too much praise.

"I think our best matches are still ahead of us," Cook said. "I don't want to use the word ‘proud' yet."

NU's next test will come in Lawrence, Kan., as the Huskers take on the Jayhawks. With three games left on the schedule, Cook said his team is at a place where it can only take one game at a time.

NU libero Kayla Banwarth said the Huskers have been able to build relationships critical to continuing their success, but their care for each other has to keep growing.

"I think we truly want to play for each other," Banwarth said. "That's going to pay off in December."

Cook agreed and admitted the adversity his team has endured this season – and the strength they've shown to persevere – has been rewarding to him and his coaching staff.

"That's what you want as a coach, that's an exciting process to go though," He said. "You have to have love to be a great team."

davehoufek@dailynebraskan.com