University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Keegan Cook Signs Extension
2/12/2026 2:42:00 PM | Volleyball
He led the Gophers to the Sweet 16 in 2025
The University of Minnesota has extended head coach Keegan Cook's contract through the 2029 season. His extension was approved by the Board of Regents at their February meeting. Coach Cook is entering his fourth year with the Minnesota volleyball program in 2026.
During his three years as the head coach for Minnesota volleyball, the Gophers have achieved a 62-34 (.646) record, including a 37-23 (.617) Big Ten mark. The 'U' has made three straight NCAA Tournament's under his watch, including two trips to the Round of 32 and most recently a trip to the Sweet 16 in 2025.
"The University of Minnesota has truly become our family's home and community," said head coach Keegan Cook. "Thank you to President Cunningham, Director of Athletics Mark Coyle, Deputy Athletics Director/SWA Jenny Yehlen and the Board of Regents for the opportunity to continue leading this historic program."
Under his tutelage, Minnesota players have earned 11 All-Big Ten honors and three AVCA All-America nods. Six Gophers have been named First Team All-Big Ten and two have made the All-Freshman Teams.
Outside hitter Julia Hanson was named an AVCA Second Team All-American and a First Team All-Big Ten selection in 2025, in addition to being named the AVCA Northwest Region Player of the Year. Freshmen Stella Swenson and Carly Gilk were named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team this past season, a year in which the Gophers finished 24-10 (12-8 Big Ten). The team was able to persist despite four season-ending injuries to starters and the lineup consistently featuring five freshmen. The 'U' made it back to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022.
In 2024, the Gophers finished 21-11 (13-7 Big Ten) and made the NCAA Round of 32. Minnesota had numerous key wins in the second year of his tenure, including taking down two-time defending national champion and No. 1 ranked Texas during the season's opening weekend. It was the Gophers first win over a No. 1 ranked program since the 2019 season. The 'U' also took down No. 7 ranked Wisconsin in a five-set thriller at Maturi Pavilion. Three Minnesota players made First Team All-Big Ten and four made the AVCA All-Region team.
His first year in 2023 resulted in the Gophers going 17-13 (12-8 Big Ten) and making the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32. Two Gophers were named First Team All-Big Ten and two others made the second team. Five total Minnesota athletes were named AVCA All-Region. The key win of year one for coach Cook was a five-set victory over then No. 6 Oregon, a team that would go on to make the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight.
"I tell people often that coaching transitions are more perilous than they have ever been," said Cook. "The structures of support established by the University of Minnesota and the leadership of Mark Coyle gave us the opportunity to get it right. "Thank you to all of the student-athletes, coaches and staff who helped us navigate the early years and establish a culture grounded in people, values and volleyball. We are thrilled for the future of our student-athletes and the Gopher volleyball program."
Minnesota is in the midst of spring practice and will compete next on Friday, April 3 at Iowa State.
During his three years as the head coach for Minnesota volleyball, the Gophers have achieved a 62-34 (.646) record, including a 37-23 (.617) Big Ten mark. The 'U' has made three straight NCAA Tournament's under his watch, including two trips to the Round of 32 and most recently a trip to the Sweet 16 in 2025.
"The University of Minnesota has truly become our family's home and community," said head coach Keegan Cook. "Thank you to President Cunningham, Director of Athletics Mark Coyle, Deputy Athletics Director/SWA Jenny Yehlen and the Board of Regents for the opportunity to continue leading this historic program."
Under his tutelage, Minnesota players have earned 11 All-Big Ten honors and three AVCA All-America nods. Six Gophers have been named First Team All-Big Ten and two have made the All-Freshman Teams.
Outside hitter Julia Hanson was named an AVCA Second Team All-American and a First Team All-Big Ten selection in 2025, in addition to being named the AVCA Northwest Region Player of the Year. Freshmen Stella Swenson and Carly Gilk were named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team this past season, a year in which the Gophers finished 24-10 (12-8 Big Ten). The team was able to persist despite four season-ending injuries to starters and the lineup consistently featuring five freshmen. The 'U' made it back to the second weekend of the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022.
In 2024, the Gophers finished 21-11 (13-7 Big Ten) and made the NCAA Round of 32. Minnesota had numerous key wins in the second year of his tenure, including taking down two-time defending national champion and No. 1 ranked Texas during the season's opening weekend. It was the Gophers first win over a No. 1 ranked program since the 2019 season. The 'U' also took down No. 7 ranked Wisconsin in a five-set thriller at Maturi Pavilion. Three Minnesota players made First Team All-Big Ten and four made the AVCA All-Region team.
His first year in 2023 resulted in the Gophers going 17-13 (12-8 Big Ten) and making the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32. Two Gophers were named First Team All-Big Ten and two others made the second team. Five total Minnesota athletes were named AVCA All-Region. The key win of year one for coach Cook was a five-set victory over then No. 6 Oregon, a team that would go on to make the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight.
"I tell people often that coaching transitions are more perilous than they have ever been," said Cook. "The structures of support established by the University of Minnesota and the leadership of Mark Coyle gave us the opportunity to get it right. "Thank you to all of the student-athletes, coaches and staff who helped us navigate the early years and establish a culture grounded in people, values and volleyball. We are thrilled for the future of our student-athletes and the Gopher volleyball program."
Minnesota is in the midst of spring practice and will compete next on Friday, April 3 at Iowa State.
2025 Season Recap
Tuesday, January 27
Best of Julia Hanson
Monday, December 22
Gophers Preview NCAA Sweet Sixteen
Tuesday, December 09
Cinematic Recap: Gophers Reach Sweet Sixteen
Tuesday, December 09