Gaining Caitlin Clark Comparison, Nebraska Volleyball Coach John Cook Reflects on Team’s ‘Record-Breaking’ Effect: ‘It’s Bizzare’

Caitlin Clark has successfully made an impact in the NCAA volleyball arena. No, the famed WNBA star hasn't switched sports. Instead, the influence that became synonymous with her name once is now making waves in college volleyball. Does that mean her effortless scoring ability? Not exactly! Known as the "Caitlin Clark effect," it has made an entry to Nebraska volleyball games, actually. How?

Before the 2023-2024 season, something remarkable happened in women's basketball. At that time, Caitlin Clark hadn't turned pro and was still playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Yet, even before the season officially began, Iowa shattered the women's basketball all-time attendance record for a single game. With 55,646 fans in the stands, the Hawkeyes set a new record at Kinnick Stadium. Experts noted that Clark's presence was a major factor in drawing such a massive crowd to the stadium.

Furthermore, not just in Hawkeye's home games but also in away matches (in 30 out of 32 games), the same result followed—a sold-out crowd every time! That stint continued for a while and each time Clark took her flowers, being the major factor. Now, according to fans, the Nebraska Huskers squad is creating similar excitement, drawing sell-out audiences not only at home in Lincoln but also in their road games. Example?

On November 9, the Nebraska volleyball team locked horns with Washington in Seattle. However, the No. 2 squad swept the game with full authority (25-17, 25-11, 25-21). Meanwhile, the fans of both teams kept no vacant seats in the Alaska Airlines arena. They did not seem much bothered about the match result. Rather, all they wanted was to see the Huskers hit the road with their ethereal form. So yet again, the discussion turned toward the reason for seeing such huge outcomes in Nebraska's matches. And believe me, Nebraska's coach did not find any particular reason.

In his conversation with the match presenters, John Cook said, "It's been bizarre. I mean, everywhere we go, I think this all started with a stadium match last year. There's just, the whole country knows about Nebraska volleyball. And I mean, we broke a record every place we go. They're selling out." Meanwhile, the presenter quipped, "You're having a little bit of the Caitlin Clarke effect." In the reply, the veteran chuckled only. But he had a bigger picture to share.