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Dream Like a Champion: Wins, Losses, and Leadership the Nebraska Volleyball Way
Since becoming the Nebraska women’s volleyball coach in 2000, John Cook has led the team to four national championships, seven NCAA semifinal appearances, and the nation’s top winning percentage in women’s volleyball. In Dream Like a Champion Cook shares the coaching and leadership philosophy that has enabled him to become one of the game’s winningest coaches.
Growing up in San Diego, Cook acquired his coaching philosophy from his experiences first as a football coach, then as a student of the sport of volleyball on the beaches of Southern California. After a stint as an assistant volleyball coach at Nebraska, he returned to Nebraska as head coach in 2000 and won the national championship in his first season. Even with a bar set so high, Cook saw at Nebraska’s tradition-rich program the potential for even greater growth and success. He decided to focus on higher expectations, training, motivation, goal setting, and other ways to build the strongest teams possible.
In Dream Like a Champion Cook shares the philosophy behind Nebraska’s culture of success and reveals how he’s had to learn, evolve, and be coached himself, even in his fifth decade as a coach. With openness and candor he delivers insights about his methods and passes along lessons that can be used by leaders in any field. Cook also shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes about Nebraska volleyball moments and players—and how he coaches and teaches his players about life beyond the court.
Growing up in San Diego, Cook acquired his coaching philosophy from his experiences first as a football coach, then as a student of the sport of volleyball on the beaches of Southern California. After a stint as an assistant volleyball coach at Nebraska, he returned to Nebraska as head coach in 2000 and won the national championship in his first season. Even with a bar set so high, Cook saw at Nebraska’s tradition-rich program the potential for even greater growth and success. He decided to focus on higher expectations, training, motivation, goal setting, and other ways to build the strongest teams possible.
In Dream Like a Champion Cook shares the philosophy behind Nebraska’s culture of success and reveals how he’s had to learn, evolve, and be coached himself, even in his fifth decade as a coach. With openness and candor he delivers insights about his methods and passes along lessons that can be used by leaders in any field. Cook also shares behind-the-scenes anecdotes about Nebraska volleyball moments and players—and how he coaches and teaches his players about life beyond the court.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published September 1, 2017
30 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 17, 2018
"You should never lose sight of the beliefs that lie at the heart of what you do. Often you will find the real reason you signed up for a position of leadership: to improve the lives of others. Giving what you have so that others may receive it is one of the noblest pursuits there is, no matter the endeavor. The job will challenge the idea time and time again, but it is important to continue to give."
December 18, 2023
I loved this book! Coach Cook is an incredible coach and an even better human being. I am in awe of his coaching journey and how he strives to always be better. I walked away from this book feeling inspired and even more in love with Husker Volleyball
April 17, 2024
Inspiring read.
March 5, 2024
This one has been on my TBR for a while, so what better time than the start of college volleyball season to finally get into it?
I am a biased girl. I love volleyball, especially college volleyball, and EXTRA especially Nebraska volleyball. Along with that comes the team's head coach John Cook, a titan in coaching who somehow stays grounded and modest day in and out. Every single year, Nebraska volleyball is a top 10 team in the NCAA, and obviously I was super excited to get a peek inside their head coach's process behind the scenes in running one of the most prestigious programs in the country.
The book is a balance of some of Cook's personal history, coaching philosophy, and insight into the world of modern college athletics. While it was cool to get a better feel for the coach through chapters on his background and extensive coaching job history, for me the real gem of the book is the incredibly creative ways the Nebraska staff has come to understand and tackle the holistic obstacles faced by the athletes. It seems like they cover every base, from dealing with self-doubt and building team trust by working with a sports psychologist to making sure athletes get their nutritional needs met through developing specialized supplements and taking them to cooking classes.
Some of the things they do for these kids is crazy, but I absolutely love it. It's incredibly refreshing to see a head coach go so far for their athletes. Cook even talks about going into an interview a few years back and talking about the facility the basketball team was vacating for a new building - bluntly stating to a reporter that if it isn't good enough for basketball, it isn't good enough for volleyball. It's SO nice to see all sports being fought for like that so fiercely!
It's also really nice that Cook discusses his transition from measuring success in wins to measuring it in how much his players grow into their best selves, as I think that's something anyone in a teaching position, academic or athletic, has to deal with at some point. It sounds a bit cheesy, but it's crystal clear throughout the book that Cook and his staff are extremely sincere in their care for the players.
Again, I'm biased by my love for volleyball and specifically the Nebraska team, but I adored this book and would recommend it to anyone coaching any sport at any level.
I am a biased girl. I love volleyball, especially college volleyball, and EXTRA especially Nebraska volleyball. Along with that comes the team's head coach John Cook, a titan in coaching who somehow stays grounded and modest day in and out. Every single year, Nebraska volleyball is a top 10 team in the NCAA, and obviously I was super excited to get a peek inside their head coach's process behind the scenes in running one of the most prestigious programs in the country.
The book is a balance of some of Cook's personal history, coaching philosophy, and insight into the world of modern college athletics. While it was cool to get a better feel for the coach through chapters on his background and extensive coaching job history, for me the real gem of the book is the incredibly creative ways the Nebraska staff has come to understand and tackle the holistic obstacles faced by the athletes. It seems like they cover every base, from dealing with self-doubt and building team trust by working with a sports psychologist to making sure athletes get their nutritional needs met through developing specialized supplements and taking them to cooking classes.
Some of the things they do for these kids is crazy, but I absolutely love it. It's incredibly refreshing to see a head coach go so far for their athletes. Cook even talks about going into an interview a few years back and talking about the facility the basketball team was vacating for a new building - bluntly stating to a reporter that if it isn't good enough for basketball, it isn't good enough for volleyball. It's SO nice to see all sports being fought for like that so fiercely!
It's also really nice that Cook discusses his transition from measuring success in wins to measuring it in how much his players grow into their best selves, as I think that's something anyone in a teaching position, academic or athletic, has to deal with at some point. It sounds a bit cheesy, but it's crystal clear throughout the book that Cook and his staff are extremely sincere in their care for the players.
Again, I'm biased by my love for volleyball and specifically the Nebraska team, but I adored this book and would recommend it to anyone coaching any sport at any level.
January 23, 2018
As a former athlete and a Husker volleyball season ticket holder from the beginning, I loved this book. I enjoyed hearing the stories of the players, since I watched all of them at Nebraska. It was fun to hear the names again. I also enjoyed the history of Coach Cook, going all the way back to San Diego, very interesting.
My two favorite quotes, which work in worlds beyond sports were; "if you remain open-minded, your ego will evaporate with experience" and from Top Gun; "never leave your wingman." My favorite chapter was 13; Is God a Coach?
The thing that made me the happiest was hearing Coach Cook talk about how he has learned over time to switch from coaching with anger to coaching with love. I've watched too many times him slamming his clipboard on the scorers table in frustration when he would call a time out. This season it was refreshing to see him smile and laugh and slap player's hands when they came off the court and actually hug his players. I can tell he is having fun and this team has gotten into his heart. I credit Kelly Hunter for this.
I've always been in awe of how regimented and committed Coach Cook is to his profession. His creativity in finding ways to motivate his team and finding a new & different theme each year is commendable. After reading this book, it makes me want to work on his team and be part of his program. He definitely brings out the best in everyone around him, or at least provides everyone that opportunity if they choose to take it.
My two favorite quotes, which work in worlds beyond sports were; "if you remain open-minded, your ego will evaporate with experience" and from Top Gun; "never leave your wingman." My favorite chapter was 13; Is God a Coach?
The thing that made me the happiest was hearing Coach Cook talk about how he has learned over time to switch from coaching with anger to coaching with love. I've watched too many times him slamming his clipboard on the scorers table in frustration when he would call a time out. This season it was refreshing to see him smile and laugh and slap player's hands when they came off the court and actually hug his players. I can tell he is having fun and this team has gotten into his heart. I credit Kelly Hunter for this.
I've always been in awe of how regimented and committed Coach Cook is to his profession. His creativity in finding ways to motivate his team and finding a new & different theme each year is commendable. After reading this book, it makes me want to work on his team and be part of his program. He definitely brings out the best in everyone around him, or at least provides everyone that opportunity if they choose to take it.
February 26, 2018
Loved this. It won't be for everyone. But it has some fantastic stories, excerpts, and ideas for the old school-to-modern coach. And it's not just about coaching, but about life in general.
December 29, 2017
If you're a fan of Nebraska Volleyball and the sport of volleyball, this book is for you. It was so much fun reading and learning more about some of the different players I grew up watching, about some of their struggles they went through and how it helped John Cook learn more about coaching and how to be a better coach.
I also loved learning more about his coaching philosophy. If you thinking about coaching, not just volleyball but any sport, I would recommend reading this. Coach Cook talks about different coaching techniques and how to approach different situations as a coach.
Overall, I loved this book! (And it's not just because I love Nebraska Volleyball.)
#GBR
I also loved learning more about his coaching philosophy. If you thinking about coaching, not just volleyball but any sport, I would recommend reading this. Coach Cook talks about different coaching techniques and how to approach different situations as a coach.
Overall, I loved this book! (And it's not just because I love Nebraska Volleyball.)
#GBR
August 29, 2018
I wanted this to be better and maybe it’s just me being critical but I was expecting more than a lot of stats and a lot of game play by play.
I enjoyed the antidotes and the stories of John Cook’s past and history in coaching ... but I was hoping for more of that and more inspiration.
Overall a good read it just left me wanting more.
“Dream big. Set big goals and work to see it, believe it, and achieve it. Compete everyday to be the best. Develop ultimate trust in our team.”
I enjoyed the antidotes and the stories of John Cook’s past and history in coaching ... but I was hoping for more of that and more inspiration.
Overall a good read it just left me wanting more.
“Dream big. Set big goals and work to see it, believe it, and achieve it. Compete everyday to be the best. Develop ultimate trust in our team.”
September 29, 2021
It wanders a little. But descriptions of how Cook and his staff prepare each season's unique team was most interesting. I'll not ever forget the underrated 2017 squad which went into the volleyball season with few glowing expectations and the motto, "Why Us Us?" In the end in the title match, It Was Them after all.
July 24, 2018
Having watched the Husker volleyball team over the years Coach Cook talks about, it gave new insight to the inner workings. Particularly liked his thoughts on coaching - which could apply to many efforts, not just sports.
December 28, 2023
5/5. Can’t believe it took me this long to read it. Amazing read for any coach/volleyball fan. Great to read about his journey and evolution as a coach. It was cool to get his insight on different games/situations I’ve witnessed as a Husker volleyball fan. Go Big Red!
May 23, 2025
Excellent book. Learned a lot about coaching for others and being a servant leader. A lot of great stuff that makes me appreciate coach cook and the husker volleyball program and their consistent success.
December 29, 2017
This book re-charged my coaching outlook and helped re-vamp my philosophy. There is no secret that Nebraska Volleyball is the best in the nation!
February 28, 2018
Perfect for any Volleyball fan or coach of any type looking to gain insight on the success and culture of a top program.
March 11, 2018
Perfect
I could not put this book down. Great book. As I was reading the book, I could hear Coach Cook telling the story.
I could not put this book down. Great book. As I was reading the book, I could hear Coach Cook telling the story.
October 9, 2018
Great book! Very interesting to see behind the scenes of such a successful coach and team.
May 31, 2019
Wonderful book with volleyball, football, and leadership lessons to be applied to whatever workplace you are in. I totally plan to use a few ideas to enhance e the culture at the school I work at.
June 29, 2024
Two major take aways: Trust your training and be 2 points better.
April 9, 2025
The only time I really think about volleyball is when I remember my dad played it
June 9, 2022
Quote: “Life has a way of rewarding you if you are receptive to the opportunities it presents.”
Seals Culture Includes:
The strongest teams - have developed ultimate trust among each and every player.
Focus on balance.
“Almost everything in leadership comes back to relationships. The only way you can possibly lead people is to understand people - Mike Krzyzewski, Duke basketball coach.
Terry Pettit: “You need to hire people that are not like you.”
Surround yourself with people that will give you the truth, give you a different perspective, and maybe help you think outside the box.
Seals Culture Includes:
The strongest teams - have developed ultimate trust among each and every player.
Focus on balance.
“Almost everything in leadership comes back to relationships. The only way you can possibly lead people is to understand people - Mike Krzyzewski, Duke basketball coach.
Terry Pettit: “You need to hire people that are not like you.”
Surround yourself with people that will give you the truth, give you a different perspective, and maybe help you think outside the box.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews