Off The Page with John Cook '75

In this episode, we sit down with John Cook  '75, whose legendary coaching career began at Parker and culminated in a historic tenure as head coach of the Nebraska Cornhuskers women’s volleyball program. For more than two decades at Nebraska, John led the Huskers to four national championships, numerous conference titles, and consistent Top-10 finishes, becoming the winningest Division I volleyball coach of this century. A three-time AVCA National Coach of the Year and 2017 AVCA Hall of Fame inductee, John reflects on his journey, leadership philosophy, and the experiences that shaped his remarkable career.

John also talks about his experience leading a team that helped set a world record for attendance at a women's sporting event, with over 92,000 fans at Volleyball Day in Nebraska, and discusses Parker's current education-based athletics programming with Director of Athletics Mahina Hannemann-Gago and Associate Director of Athletics John Herman.

What is Parker Podcast: Perspectives Off the Page?

Founded in 1912, Francis Parker School is an accredited independent school recognized for its academic excellence and welcomes students from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. The School’s depth and variety of academic, art, and athletic offerings provide students with opportunities to discover their unique passions in an environment where each child is known and valued. Parker prepares students to successfully navigate the world we anticipate tomorrow, and a future we cannot yet fully imagine. Learn more at francisparker.org.

The Parker Podcast returns with a refreshed format and a renewed focus. Across the series, listeners can expect engaging discussions spanning STEM, music and the arts, military and community service, athletics, and more. The Parker Podcast highlights the many ways a Francis Parker School education continues to resonate long after graduation.

This revamped series spotlights Parker alumni award recipients, bringing their stories to life through thoughtful conversations and interviews. Each episode offers a closer look at the journeys, challenges, and defining moments that connect Parker experiences to meaningful work beyond the School.