Small Nebraska towns where Dani Busboom Kelly grew up are happy to have her home

ADAMS, Neb. (KLKN) – Dani Busboom Kelly grew up in Gage County.

The new Nebraska volleyball coach was born in Cortland and also lived in Adams, where she went to Freeman Public Schools.

Those who knew her say they’re happy she’s bringing her talents back home.

“A lot of people wondered if she’d come back to Nebraska, but then she was so successful at Louisville,” said her former substitute teacher, Becky Jobman. “But watching her as a young athlete, you could just see the natural athleticism and knew what she was going to be bringing to the game no matter what she was playing.”

SEE ALSO: Dani Busboom Kelly says it was ‘God’s timing’ for her to coach Nebraska

Freeman Public Schools had an early dismissal on Thursday as students headed to Lincoln to watch her introduction as head coach.

For many in Adams, this accomplishment feels like a victory for the whole community.

Her former volleyball coach, Stacy Renken, said she can’t help but to share her pride in Busboom Kelly’s journey.

“She’s always had this great personality, very humble person,” she said. “And just really excited to see what she brings to Husker volleyball and Husker nation this season.”

SEE ALSO: John Cook talks retirement after 25 years as Nebraska volleyball’s head coach

From the classroom to the court, Renken said DBK was always determined to succeed.

“I was her junior volleyball coach, and the very first thing she said to me when she walked into the gym is, ‘I’m going to play for the Huskers someday,’” she said.

Those living in Adams and Cortland said seeing her rise to the top has been nothing short of a hometown celebration.

SEE ALSO: Husker volleyball coach John Cook retires; Dani Busboom Kelly will succeed him

Locals said this is a reminder that home is where greatness begins.

Even those who are not from DBK’s hometown said they’ve heard nothing but good things about her.

“Just everything I heard is, like, she’s a small-town hero,” said Jalena Crisler of Sterling, who works at the grocery store in Adams. “And I can’t wait to see what she brings for the UNL volleyball team.”