Wisconsin's head volleyball coach, Kelly Sheffield, is one of the classiest coaches in the volleyball world, and he has demonstrated it over the years in countless ways. He's also one of the most elite coaches, with a winning percentage of nearly 80% in his coaching career. Recently, he showed his class with a well-thought-out and heartfelt post after the announcement of the retirement of rival Nebraska head coach John Cook.
Thoughts on John Cook retiring. Consistent excellence! pic.twitter.com/YKFPbZypnm
— Kelly Sheffield (@KellyPSheffield) January 30, 2025
Kelly Sheffield sends heartfelt message to Nebraska's John Cook after retirement announcement.
The moment went viral with nearly 500 shares and 7500 likes with nearly 400k people seeing the message on X (as of this article's writing). It had this effect on people because it wasn't just a simple "Congrats, coach!" It was meaningful with personal stories attached about his friendship and rivalry with Cook. He even finishes with gratitude for the time they got to coach against each other and the championship program that Cook brought to Nebraska.
"I wouldn't be where I am as coach without John. I studied everything he did, from training, systems, community involvement, fan engagement, staff organization - everything."Kelly Sheffield, Wisconsin Head Coach
The deep-felt sense of John Cook's career in Sheffield's life was evident in the message shared. It also reminded so many people of how classy Sheffield is as a person and a coach. Many people chimed in after that message with gratitude for Sheffield. Even Nebraska fans shared that they appreciated what Sheffield said and how they would root for him (except against the Cornhuskers).
Top recruit and now current player Halle Thompson shared on social media a "quote share" of her coach's message with a line that said - "And this is my coach..." with three hearts. Sheffield is a good coach and a good man, and that was clear from this viral message shared with a rival coach on their retirement.