Huskers' Cooper named Academic All-American

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By TODD HENRICHS / Lincoln Journal Star

Kori Cooper will have the stage to herself Saturday, when the Nebraska volleyball team honors the lone senior on its roster.

But as only the sixth two-time first-team Academic All-American in program history, Cooper knows all about being part of a select group.

“Kori’s had incredible accomplishments, but what I think about more than anything when I think of Kori, it’s the adversity that she’s had to overcome,” Nebraska coach John Cook said, noting that Cooper has overcome not one, but two major knee surgeries.

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Nebraska's Kori Cooper makes a kill against KU on Oct. 7. (LJS file)

Nebraska's Kori Cooper makes a kill against KU on Oct. 7. (LJS file)

“And she might be playing as well as she’s ever played right now,” Cook added.

Cooper was rewarded Monday as the only repeat selection to the six-player Academic All-American first team.

A speech and language pathology major, Cooper carries a 3.81 cumulative GPA. On the floor, Cooper is averaging a career-high 2.44 kills and 0.88 blocks per set this season while leading the Big 12 in hitting percentage at .369.

Past Huskers to earn multiple first-team academic honors are Christina Houghtelling (2005, ’07), Sarah Pavan (2005-07), Janet Kruse (1990-91), Virginia Stahr (1987-89) and Karen Dahlgren (1985-86).

All told, the Nebraska volleyball program has produced 36 Academic All-Americans, the most of any female program in the NCAA.

Reach Todd Henrichs at thenrichs@journalstar.com or 473-7320.