​John Cook, retired head coach of University of Nebraska volleyball, is Aksarben Foundation’s 2026 “Most Honored Citizen.” In this photo, taken a year before Cook retired, testified before a Nebraska legislative committee in favor of an update of the state’s “Good Life District Economic Development Act.” (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)OMAHA — A 131-year-old nonprofit devoted to boosting Nebraska’s economy and workforce has named former University of Nebraska volleyball head coach John Cook its 2026 “Most Honored Citizen.”The Aksarben Foundation revealed the award winner at its annual ball this weekend at the CHI Health Center in Omaha.“John Cook represents the kind of leadership Aksarben seeks to celebrate: leadership that develops people, creates opportunity and leaves Nebraska stronger for the next generation,” said Mike Cassling, foundation board chair. “He has challenged people to think bigger about what is possible here.”In 25 seasons leading Nebraska volleyball, Cook developed student-athletes and state pride, the foundation said. He guided the Huskers to four NCAA national championships and 14 conference titles.The volleyball program’s sellout streak began during Cook’s tenure, Aksarben leaders said, noting also the 92,003 fans that in 2023 filled Memorial Stadium to set a world attendance record for a women’s sporting event.Raised in southern California, Cook’s journey to the volleyball court was “anything but conventional,” Aksarben leaders said. After returning to his former high school to teach and coach, he was assigned girls’ volleyball and began studying a game he knew little about but was guided by his wife, Wendy, a former two-time All-American setter.Retired early last year, Cook is co-owner and general manager of the Omaha Supernovas “helping to grow the sport and its future from right here in Nebraska,” Aksarben said in a statement.  In 2025, the home of Nebraska volleyball was officially named John Cook Arena.Since 1895, Aksarben business and community leaders have sought to invest in talent and grow state economic opportunities.SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX.