Bill

LR 39

Thank John Cook for his contributions to the State of Nebraska and congratulate him on his retirement

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Lonowski

Nebraska Legislature honors John Cook for leading Nebraska volleyball, celebrates his retirement after 25 seasons, and congratulates and thanks him in a ceremonial resolution.

Adopted

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · LR 39

LR 39 Summary — Thank John Cook for Contributions to Nebraska and Retirement

Overview

LR 39 is a concurrent legislative resolution adopted by the Nebraska Legislature in the 109th Legislature, First Session. Introduced on February 5, 2025, and subsequently adopted on February 12, 2025, the resolution honors John Cook for his contributions to the State of Nebraska and congratulates him on his retirement as head coach of the University of Nebraska volleyball team.

Purpose and Intent

To formally recognize and congratulate John Cook on his career achievements and retirement.
To express gratitude for his impact on Nebraska athletics and the university community.
To memorialize the recognition in a written copy sent to John Cook.

Key Provisions

The Legislature congratulates John Cook on his outstanding career and accomplishments.
The Legislature thanks John Cook for his contributions to the State of Nebraska.
A copy of the resolution is to be sent to John Cook.

Biographical and Career Highlights Highlighted in the RESOLVEAS

The resolution compiles notable achievements and milestones, including:
- Born April 19, 1956, in Chula Vista, California.
- Became head coach of the Nebraska volleyball program in 2000; led the team to the NCAA Division I National Championship in his first year.
- National championships under his leadership: 2000, 2006, 2015, and 2017.
- National and conference honors: AVCA National Coach of the Year (2000, 2005, 2023); multiple conference Coach of the Year awards; USA Volleyball All-Time Great Coach Award (2008); AVCA Hall of Fame induction (2017).
- Program impact: produced Olympians, multiple AVCA Players of the Year, numerous All-Americans, and academic award recipients.
- Notable event: Nebraska volleyball and the Omaha Mavericks hosted Volleyball Day at Memorial Stadium with a record attendance of 92,003—the highest attendance at Memorial Stadium and a world record for a women’s sports event.
- Retirement: Announced January 29, 2025, after 25 years as head coach.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduced: February 5, 2025.
Laid over: February 5, 2025.
Adopted: February 12, 2025.
Signed by President/Speaker: February 12, 2025.
Status: Adopted (ceremonial resolution, not substantive law).

Impact

Ceremonial recognition of a prominent Nebraska figure; formalizes appreciation from the Legislature for John Cook’s contributions to Nebraska sports, education, and the university community.
No fiscal impact or policy changes; purely acknowledgment and courtesy.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.