The hiring of Dani Busboom Kelly as the head coach of the Nebraska Husker volleyball team has sent waves of excitement throughout the state, but perhaps nowhere more so than in her small hometown of Adams, Nebraska. This farming community of just over 600 residents has watched with pride as one of their own has risen to the pinnacle of collegiate volleyball coaching. Busboom Kelly’s journey from rural Nebraska to leading a perennial powerhouse program is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the unwavering support of her community.
This article explores the impact of Busboom Kelly’s hiring on Husker Nation and, more specifically, on the town of Adams. It delves into her roots, her accomplishments at the University of Louisville, and the circumstances that led to her return to Nebraska. Furthermore, it examines the profound sense of community pride and inspiration that her success has instilled in the residents of Adams, highlighting how her story serves as a powerful reminder that dreams can be achieved regardless of one’s origins. Finally, we explore the details behind her contract with Louisville and recruitment back to Nebraska.
A Freeman High School Icon
Lexi Holland, the girls volleyball coach at Freeman High School, uses Dani Busboom Kelly as a motivational tool for her players. Referencing Busboom Kelly’s jersey displayed in the gym, Holland inspires her team to emulate her work ethic and dedication. Busboom Kelly’s legacy looms large in Adams, where she is a source of immense pride and inspiration.
Bonnie Busboom, Dani’s mother, recalls how trick-or-treaters dressed as Louisville volleyball players after Dani led the team to NCAA championship appearances. Now that she coaches the Huskers, talk of DBK is inescapable in her hometown. Holland emphasizes that Busboom Kelly’s story motivates her players to chase their dreams, proving that anything is possible.
Farm Kid Roots and Lifelong Friendships
Growing up just outside of Adams, Dani Busboom Kelly and Laura Kroese Francke shared a strong work ethic tied to their farm backgrounds. They fondly remember doing many chores. Busboom Kelly recalls her experiences rounding up pigs, instilling a sense of responsibility and perseverance.
Francke and Busboom Kelly bonded over their love for sports, crediting their fathers for fostering their passion. They were teammates in volleyball, softball, basketball, and track. Francke recalls Busboom Kelly’s impressive pitching speed during softball games, highlighting her athletic prowess.
From “NU’s Fab Four” to National Champion
When Dani committed to play volleyball at Nebraska, the Lincoln Journal Star featured her in an article titled “NU’s fab four.” Coach John Cook recognized her potential to make an immediate impact as a freshman. In her senior year, she led Freeman to a state basketball championship and won a state title in hurdles, showcasing her versatility as an athlete.
Holland notes that Busboom Kelly’s achievements have always been a source of inspiration for the community. Her legacy includes two NCAA championships with the Huskers: 2006 as a player and 2015 as an assistant coach. After serving as an assistant at the University of Tennessee and the University of Louisville, she seemed like a natural successor to Cook.
Cardinal Rules and Growing Attachments
Busboom Kelly’s appointment as head coach in Louisville sparked excitement in her hometown, despite the distance. She transformed the Cardinals into a formidable program, leading them to the NCAA tournament in her first season. In 2021, she guided Louisville to an undefeated regular season, a historic achievement for a female head coach in NCAA Division I volleyball.
When the Cardinals reached the national championship game in Omaha in 2022, Freeman elementary students sent a supportive video that went viral. Busboom Kelly acknowledged her growing attachment to Louisville. Her mother, Bonnie, worried that she might never return to Nebraska because of her growing relationships there.
The ‘Top Secret’ Transition Plan
While back in Nebraska, Busboom Kelly met with Coach Cook, where he suggested she get to know Husker Athletics Director Troy Dannen. The next day, she met with Dannen. This meeting indicated to Bonnie that John was becoming more serious about retiring. On Monday, Dannen offered Busboom Kelly the job.
The Adams Family and Community Support
After Nebraska announced Busboom Kelly’s hiring, the university extended an invitation to the community for her welcoming ceremony at the Devaney Center. The Freeman school district quickly organized transportation and sold 700 T-shirts to accommodate the overwhelming response. The Freeman contingent at the ceremony likely exceeded the population of Adams.
Troy Dannen, the Husker AD, addressed the students, emphasizing that Busboom Kelly’s success was a testament to the opportunities available at their school. The community’s support for one of their own was evident, creating a memorable moment for everyone involved.
The Busboom Presence and Future Aspirations
During a press conference, Busboom Kelly expressed her gratitude for the support from her hometown, joking about the students’ added motivation to attend the ceremony—an excused absence from school. More than six months after the event, Busboom Kelly is enjoying her new role, working to build team. She says that “Being in a small town doesn’t handcuff you to small things.”
Conclusion
Dani Busboom Kelly’s return to Nebraska as the head volleyball coach is more than just a homecoming; it’s a source of immense pride and inspiration for her small hometown of Adams. Her journey from a farm in rural Nebraska to leading the Huskers exemplifies the power of hard work, dedication, and community support.
As Busboom Kelly embarks on this new chapter, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of an entire community. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that no matter where you come from, anything is possible with perseverance and the unwavering support of those around you. As she leads the Huskers into the upcoming season, she will undoubtedly continue to inspire not only her team but also the countless individuals who look up to her as a role model and a hometown hero.
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