Keegan Cook named next Gophers volleyball coach

MINNEAPOLIS -- The University of Minnesota has named its next volleyball coach.

The university announced Monday that Keegan Cook is Hugh McCutcheon's successor. Cook and the school have agreed to a five-year contract, pending Board of Regents approval.

"It is an honor to lead a historic program in Minnesota and compete in the best conference in the nation in the Big Ten," Cook said. "I am looking forward to getting to know the team, the alumni and engaging with the passionate fans and volleyball community in Minnesota. I can't wait to get started."  

Cook has coached Washington for the past eight years and has more than 15 years of coaching experience at various levels including with USA volleyball, the university said.

During his tenure at Washington, Cook led the Huskies to four Pac-12 championships and four Elite Eights. During a tumultuous COVID-19 season, Washington battled through and made its first appearance in the Final Four, though they fell to Kentucky, the eventual champion.

This year, Washington finished 20-11 and were ranked sixth in the Pac-12; they lost in the opening match of the NCAA tournament to Texas Christian University.

Cook will be taking over a program that will have a strong returning squad - as long as key players don't leave through the transfer portal. Taylor Landfair, the Big Ten Player of the Year, has three years of eligibility left, and Melani Shaffmaster continues to improve as one of the top setters in the conference. CC McGraw, longtime anchor of the back row, is graduating, leaving the libero position open for now.

The Gophers will also welcome in two top recruits: Calissa Minatee from Kansas City and Sydney Schnichels from Willmar. The middle blocker and pin hitter respectively are both ranked as top 60 recruits and are part of the USA volleyball pipeline.

McCutcheon announced he would step down in October. He's left his mark on the program, coaching teams to multiple Final Four appearances, and many Gopher alumnae play on the USA team.

In January, he will start as the University of Minnesota's associate athletic director.

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