Keeping the program’s postseason streak alive boded well for Cook at the end of the season. Still, the Gophers finished the season 17-13 after losing to Creighton in the NCAA second round, ending their streak of eight consecutive Sweet 16 victories. They also had the most losses in a season since 2007.
“There’s a big difference between managing and coaching,” Cook said. “The first year, it felt like I did a lot of managing. And that’s not what I’ve done my whole career. I’m a coach for coaches.”
“Coaching a group of kids that you’ve only known for three or six months has been a special challenge for me,” Cook said. “I’m really, really excited about where we are 18 months later. The quality of the relationships and the quality of volleyball that we’re able to play now because of it is something that I’m pretty excited about.”
Melani Shaffmaster, a senior setter for five years, said McCutcheon and Cook’s philosophies aren’t much different, with the biggest strides being made in developing chemistry with the coaching staff and new recruits.
It helps the Gophers that seven players remain who were recruited from the previous team, including juniors McKenna Wucherer, Julia Hanson and Lauren Crowl. Seniors Lydia Grote and Phoebe Awoleye are also now two of Shaffmaster’s closest teammates after joining the Gophers as transfers last year.
