The International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) has announced that John Cook, former head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers volleyball program and current general manager and co-owner of the Omaha Supernovas, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 IVHF Mayoral Award of Excellence.
The award will be formally presented on Friday, April 10, at the CHI Health Center during the Supernovas match versus the Grand Rapids Rise. The presentation will be made by Joshua Garcia, Mayor of Holyoke, Massachusetts – the Birthplace of Volleyball – and George Mulry, Executive Director of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame.
The IVHF Mayoral Award of Excellence recognizes individuals whose leadership has elevated volleyball as a powerful force within their community, driving civic pride, cultural connection and economic impact. John Cook exemplifies these qualities through his transformative leadership of Nebraska volleyball and his broader contributions to the sport’s growth across the state and beyond.
Over his distinguished career, Cook built Nebraska into one of the most successful and widely supported programs in collegiate athletics, helping to redefine the visibility and impact of women’s volleyball. His influence extends beyond championships and wins, fostering a culture that unites communities across Nebraska and elevates the sport as a central point of statewide identity.
In addition to his collegiate success, Cook has further invested in the future of women’s professional volleyball through his role as General Manager and Co-Owner of the Omaha Supernovas. The franchise has led the world in professional volleyball average attendance for the past two seasons, and finished 2025 with an average attendance of 10,925. Earlier this year, with Cook in the organization, the Supernovas set a new all-time U.S. professional volleyball attendance record, hosting a sellout crowd of 16,838 on March 14 in a five-set victory over the Indy Ignite, further reinforcing Cook’s impact and Nebraska’s position as a national leader in the sport.
“John Cook represents the very best of what volleyball can mean to a community,” said Joshua Garcia, Mayor of Holyoke. “His leadership has shown how sport can unite people, inspire pride, and create moments that bring entire regions together. From Holyoke—the birthplace of volleyball—we are proud to recognize his incredible impact.”
“John has not only built one of the most successful programs in the history of the sport, but he has fundamentally changed how volleyball is experienced within a community,” said George Mulry, Executive Director of the IVHF. “From record-breaking crowds to investing in the professional future of the game, his vision has elevated volleyball as both a cultural force and a civic asset. This award recognizes the lasting impact he has made well beyond the court.”
“I’m incredibly honored to receive this recognition from the International Volleyball Hall of Fame. Nebraska has always been a special place for volleyball, and everything I’ve helped build has been driven by the passion of our players, staff, and fans,” said Cook. “What’s meant the most to me is seeing how deeply this sport has connected with people in Nebraska and united communities across the state. To watch volleyball continue to grow here and beyond, and to be part of that at both the collegiate and professional levels, is something I’m very proud of.”
The award presentation at the Omaha Supernovas match will celebrate Cook’s enduring legacy and his role in elevating volleyball as both a sport and a civic asset.
