Freeman community shows up big for Busboom Kelly’s Husker homecoming

LINCOLN, Neb. (KSNB) — Dani Busboom Kelly has made history as the first Nebraska native to become head coach of the Husker volleyball program. The Cortland native and Freeman High School graduate was welcomed back to the state with overwhelming support from her hometown community on Thursday.

Busboom Kelly recalled that when she graduated, Cortland had a population of about 450 people. On the day of her introductory event, more than 600 people from the Freeman community traveled to Lincoln to celebrate her new role.

Nebraska Athletic Director Troy Dannen noted the overwhelming support from the Adams, Neb. community where Freeman Schools is located. “If you’re gonna pick a day to rob the bank in Adams, Nebraska, today is the day,” he joked.

“It’s really exciting for the community as well,” said Laura Francke, a longtime friend and former teammate said. “Her family has been in the community for several generations, so it’s a well-known family. Our community has always supported its people, so for her to come back to Nebraska and be close to Lincoln, it’s going to be a lot of fun for everyone to have that interaction with her again.”

For those closest to Busboom Kelly, the homecoming is just as significant as her career milestone.

“Our initial reaction was that we were just very happy that our friend is coming home,” Francke said. “We no longer have the 10-hour difference between us and her in Louisville. It’s exciting that she was able to come back to Nebraska, but then when you really think about the position she’s taking and how her career has progressed, it’s a pretty amazing story.”

Busboom Kelly steps into a program that has seen just three head coaches in its history, a testament to Nebraska volleyball’s consistency and success. Former teammates and coaches believe she is well-equipped to carry on that legacy.

“She has been a student of volleyball since she was very young, always involved in the game and promoting it,” said Sandy Renken, one of her former coaches. “She was a team player—she played outside hitter, then we moved her to setter, and she said, ‘Whatever I have to do to help the team.’ It’s always been about the team, not herself, and she’s just a phenomenal person.”

Former Freeman basketball coach Ken Cook echoed that sentiment.

“She’s probably taught me more than I taught her,” Cook said. “I always told her, ‘There are highs and lows, and when you have a high, enjoy the moment.’ I’m glad she has the chance to come back. She’s going to do a great job, and the timing is perfect for both Coach Cook and Dani.”

Freeman Superintendent Andy Havelka said the university reached out Friday, offering two charter buses to transport people to the event. So many people signed up that Freeman had to use additional school buses to accommodate the demand.

Busboom Kelly’s return marks not only a new chapter for Nebraska volleyball but a heartfelt homecoming for a coach whose roots run deep in the state.

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