Get to Know the Newest 'Skers Staff Member

After the sudden retirement of Jordan Larson from the Husker Volleyball staff, many expected her role to be filled quickly by another prestigious coach or former player. But Nebraska Volleyball has never been known for poaching from other schools – rather, building from within. 

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For many of us, working for the Husker Volleyball staff would be a distant dream come true, but for Brennan Hagar; it was three vigorous years in the making. Hagar joined the staff as a graduate assistant in 2023, following his time as an outside hitter at Ottawa University and a club coach for VCN. In just two seasons with the team, Brennan made a permanent mark on the program; contributing positively through his insight, dedication, and bonds with the players and staff. He has built strong relationships with the girls, united by a shared understanding and a mutual desire to get better. Hagar is an the epitomization of the program ideals; good work will reap benefits. 

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During his three years as a graduate assistant,  Hagar worked intimately with Assistant Coach Jaylen Reyes, often in regards to the middle blocker position. “Jaylen has been a great mentor,” he says, “consistently advocating for me and helping me grow within the coaching space.” The journey to his current position has been shaped by the support and mentorship he’s received along the way.  Jaylen helped create opportunities for Brennan, such as scouting and recruitment opportunities as well as imploring him to exchange input and ideas. “From early on, he valued my input and encouraged me to share my perspective, something Coach Cook also recognized and supported.” Not only was he under the tutelage of legacy coaches, but he built rapport with the other graduate assistants and credits just as much of his development to them; “there was a shared understanding among us of the standard we needed to uphold in every aspect of our role.” 

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While he thoroughly enjoyed his role on the team, when he found himself called into Cook’s office prior to the spring semester, he decided to take his first steps to a greater calling. Hagar shared that University of Nebraska-Lincoln had always been his dream school, and that he was committed to finishing and receiving his master degree while also contributing to the beach and indoor seasons. Cook recognized his initiative, and expressed his gratitude and appreciation for his hard work over the past three seasons in the form of a job offer. Now, elevated to the staff to serve as interim assistant, Brennan is moving up the ladder and surrounded by endless doors of possibility. “This new position has allowed me to gain valuable experience in coaching beach volleyball, recruiting, and supporting our gym sessions once indoor season began.”

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In regards to the coaching transition, Brennan says it has been a very positive experience. He had only met Busboom-Kelly in passing prior to her first meeting with her, where she had told him that Coach Cook, Jaylen, and Kelly all spoke highly of his contributions and can with high recommendations. Under the transition, the roles of the coaching staff and their positional focuses shifted slightly, but Brennan found himself working with the position group he has grown comfortable with. “My familiarity with the middle blockers and my foundation in this program – especially under Jaylen’s guidance – has helped me tremendously,” he says, noting that it has been “seamless.” 

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He emphasizes that Busboom-Kelly has fostered a collaborative environment among the staff; where everyone should feel comfortable speaking up and bringing new ideas to the table. This is something Brennnan has already taken advantage of and proven capable of doing; when he and Dani disagreed on an aspect of the middle attack, he reinforced his position with clips and film until she agreed to give it a shot. “It’s going pretty well,” Busboom-Kelly says, “so I’ll give him some credit there.”

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