Nebraska volleyball finds a unique way to boost team morale and fan engagement

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – When you think of a head coach, some might imagine a faceless tactician on the sideline, but Nebraska Volleyball’s John Cook has a leadership style that boosts fan engagement and team morale.

TikTok is more than just a place for viral dances, it’s a way for Cook to connect with his team.

Channel 8 spoke with Counter Read’s Erin Sorensen, who got a behind-the-scenes look at the team.

“John Cook joining TikTok was definitely not his idea, it came from Harper Murray,” Sorensen said. “Their bond with Cook and the entire team was very clear in the TikToks they created. And at some point the suggestion came that John Cook should join TikTok.”

With over 75,000 followers, Cook and the players’ positive content drove fan engagement.

Not just for current players, but also for future volleyball stars.

“People all over the country are talking about how they want to play for Nebraska, how Nebraska is their team, and this person is sitting in New Jersey or Oregon but talking about how they want to be at Nebraska, a dream.” “It would be for John Cook, just attending a Nebraska volleyball game would be a dream,” Sorensen said. “You create all these teenagers who want to grow up to be Nebraska volleyball stars, and for some of them, Nebraska Volleyball Day and then TikTok was their introduction to Nebraska volleyball.”

For Cook, TikTok isn’t just about being trendy.

It is a tool to build team culture, boost morale and keep communication open between today’s generation of athletes.

“He always strives to build a strong relationship and connection with his players,” Sorensen said. “And the same goes for his players: They really have to have a team bond because if you expect them to go far in a tournament and win a national championship, that’s a lot easier when you have a team that supports each other likes.” .”

What started as a fun experiment has become a part of the way Cook interacts with his players and the Husker community.

While the content may seem light-hearted, it creates a stronger bond between the coach, his players and their fans.