Dream Like a Champion: Wins, Losses, and Leadership the Nebraska Volleyball Way (Paperback)

“Great coaches and teachers relentlessly strive for learning and improvement—in their people, in their teams, and in themselves. John Cook’s story is permeated with that pursuit: what an innovator! If you crave the ‘better,’ you’d better read this book.”—Karch Kiraly, head coach, U.S. women’s National Volleyball Team

“The thing that strikes me the most about John Cook is the amount of thought and energy he gives to every possible detail in coaching. John’s reflection about his own coaching and the Nebraska program frequently leads to action, which is how both an individual and a program stay ahead of the game. This is a very good book for anyone who has an interest in coaching and leadership.”—Terry Pettit, head coach, University of Nebraska women’s volleyball team, 1977–99

“John Cook has accomplished nearly everything a volleyball coach can achieve. He has done this not by focusing just on recruiting great players or the physical skills of his players. In Dream Like a Champion John reveals his relentless quest for better team chemistry, improving communication skills, proper goal setting, and attention to detail—which together result in peak performance.”—Tom Osborne, former Husker head football coach, University of Nebraska athletic director, and U.S. congressman

“Courage is the word that comes to mind when I think of Coach John Cook. Over the years I’ve seen John continually show courage, but never more than when he acknowledged his need to reinvent himself and manage stress. His willingness to share that about himself and to be open to others is one of the most courageous things I’ve seen done by a coach, or by anyone, really, in all my years as a sports psychiatrist.”—Larry Widman, co-founder of Performance Mountain

"If you're a Nebraska volleyball fan you should own this book."—Jon Johnston, Corn Nation blog

"For all coaches and people who bleed Husker red, this a great read. . . . Cook admires the special qualities that can come from a small-town Nebraska athlete; other coaches across the state have taken notice, too. These athletes are generally family oriented, hardworking, and possess good qualities that help lead to championship cultures. That's the Nebraska way, and John Cook reveals how he understands the value these athletes can bring to his program."—Nicole Venditte, Great Plains Quarterly

“John Cook had an unconventional path into coaching. He has incredible insight into building champions on and off the court. His growth mind-set and ability to constantly develop new leadership skills make him a special breed of coach.”—Jack Riggins, co-founder of Performance Mountain, retired U.S. Navy SEAL, and assistant football coach at Midland University