A Historic Program
Nebraska Cornhuskers head coach John Cook has built a dynasty in women’s volleyball. The following are just some of the team’s achievements during his 24-year reign:
- 4 national championships
- 12 conference titles
- 10 Final Fours
- 7th winningest coach in collegiate volleyball history
- coached six Olympians
- this current team includes the 2021 and 2023 top-ranked recruiting classes
- 306 consecutive sellouts meaning the Cornhusker football team does not have to pay for them. The women’s volleyball team is profitable.
A Historic Event
But what his program did on Wednesday, August 30th caught the attention of the entire sporting world. A world attendance record of 92,003 fans filled Memorial Stadium to watch their beloved Cornhuskers defeat the University of Nebraska-Omaha 3-0. This was the highest in-person attendance ever recorded for a women’s sporting event.
After reading Mitch Sherman’s article in The Athletic, I gleaned the following four leadership lessons from Nebraska’s record-breaking volleyball attendance match:
Talent Is The Lifeblood Of Any Successful Organization
Hall of Fame coach Chuck Daly said, “I’m a lot better coach when I have really good players.” Coach Cook would agree. A year ago, he hatched the idea of having a momentous event that would separate his program from all the others in the eyes of potential recruits.
Mission accomplished.
In addition to having the top-ranked recruiting classes in two of the last three years, Coach Cook has already received commitments from seven players ranked in the top-25 of the next two recruiting classes.
Watch the team’s entrance below. What high school recruit would not want to play for this university. This video will give you goosebumps.
Big Ten Network’s coverage of Nebraska Volleyball’s entrance into Memorial Stadium. @ConnorOnion (pbp), @emilyehman (analyst) & @LPunt (reporter) had the call.
The match set the world record for largest attendance (92,003) at a women’s sporting event. pic.twitter.com/vJLWzjvuta
— Announcer Schedules (@announcerskeds) August 31, 2023
Your Organization’s Culture Should Reflect Your Community’s Culture
The Pittsburgh Steelers’s playing style is tough and hard-nosed, just like the Steel City. The New York Yankees reflect the Bronx. The star power of the Los Angeles Lakers reflect the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Premier League soccer teams like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United are all a picture of their individual communities. The Dallas Cowboys reflect the big-oil money of Dallas, TX.
The Cornhuskers volleyball team is “a statewide treasure” and the embodiment of the Nebraska community. Sherman notes that Coach Cook has built a team based on “work ethic, fellowship, dedication and a spirit of fun that equates to success.” This resonates with those who call Nebraska home.
Two-time All-American Lexi Rodriguez said, “Part of putting on the Nebraska jersey is representing the whole state and trying to come out here and show these fans who have invested so much in us that it’s worth it.”
Coach Cook concluded, “I’ve always said if we’re going to work hard and put this much time and energy into a program, why not do it where people care? And Nebraska cares.”
Consistency Is The Wave Which Leads To A Tsunami Of Results
Consistent poor or exceptional performance gives you a picture of your future. You will eventually reap what you sow. Tomorrow’s success is determined by today’s actions.
Since 1982, the Cornhuskers volleyball has been included in every poll, an astounding 604 consecutive weeks and counting. 102 times they have been the top-ranked team in the country. Their program has also played in front of 13 of the 14-largest collegiate volleyball crowds in history.
The Cornhuskers have spent four decades positioning themselves for this historical event.
Accelerate Momentum By Leveraging Big Events
No matter what industry you are in, there are opportunities to create momentum by leveraging big events. For example, every pastor knows the value of Christmas and Easter.
Of the state of Nebraska’s 93 counties, only five have a population of more than 50,000. Therefore, anytime Nebraska has it sporting event, it is a tremendous event and point of civic pride.
Athletic Director Trev Alberts said, “In our state, people just really enjoy big events. So I get excited thinking about the energy in our stadium and doing something special for these young women. Doing something special for our fans. Doing something special for our entire state.”
Conclusion
To have a historic moment in your organization, assemble elite talent, reflect your community’s culture, have long-term consistency, and accelerate momentum with big events. If you do these four things, you have an opportunity to do something remarkable.
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