Merritt Beason says John Cook did his best — again — to get her to come to Nebraska.
Her former Husker coach, who now is co-owner and general manager of the Omaha Supernovas, was successful for a second time.
Beason recently signed a free-agent contract with Omaha's Major League Volleyball franchise. She was the overall No. 1 pick in the 2024 Professional Volleyball Federation — the Supernovas' former league — postseason draft and played last season for the Atlanta Vibe.
She said Cook's urging to play in Nebraska was not unlike the way he persuaded her to play for the Huskers a few years ago, when she entered the transfer portal after two seasons at Florida.
"It was very similar, to be honest," she said. "It was definitely weird going through that again because I didn't think I would ever be getting recruited by him again."
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The 6-foot-4 opposite hitter was third on the Vibe last season with 191 kills to go with 148 digs.
Beason was a first-team All-American at NU and two-time Big Ten first-team selection. She was a captain both seasons in Lincoln and was part of consecutive Final Four teams before turning pro.
"Obviously, I'm super excited to come back," she said. "It was something I missed this past season, just the support of Nebraska as a whole and the fan base."
Beason said it was a little unusual, going through the free agent process. MLV teams could begin signing players Thursday.
"It's kind of weird because it's a little bit like the recruiting process in college all over again," she said. "The fact I was talking to coach (Cook) was a really unique situation."
Beason said she'll need to get over that "coach" reference for someone who recently joined the franchise's front office.
"I really don't know what to call him anymore," she said. "He's technically not a coach, but that's what he is to me."
Beason said the Supernovas were her top choice entering free agency.
"I wanted to get back in Nebraska," she said. "It's so cliche, but there is no place like Nebraska and playing here is such a unique experience."
Beason said she felt the love from the fans, even while wearing an Atlanta jersey.
"No matter if you're on their team or the opposing team, Nebraska takes care of its own," she said. "That's so special and a testament to the culture."
Beason said she wouldn't have a problem juggling her roles as a volleyball player and high school coach. She announced in March she would coach at her alma mater, Gardendale High, in Alabama.
"I'm only at school from 2 to 4:30 so I pretty much have all morning to train," she said. "It's allowing me to see volleyball in a different way."
Beason said she is looking forward to her second career in Nebraska.
"It was just so cool after they announced it, seeing how many people said, 'Yes, she's back home,'" she said. "It's so special here and that was a big part of why I wanted to come back."
