A shock but not a surprise. It was inevitable that she would return to her alma mater
Dani Busboom Kelly is leaving the University of Louisville volleyball team for Nebraska. Her move comes after transforming the sport into one of the most popular non-revenue sports at the school. Under her leadership, thousands of casual volleyball became fanatics of the program. UofL became one of the most respected volleyball programs in the nation.
Kelly is succeeded by Dan Meske who has been her assistant since she assumed the Louisville job in 2017. Over eight seasons they compiled an overall record of 203-44 (.822%) and a league record of 123-21 (.854%) in the Atlantic Coast Conference. This included two national runner-up finishes, three national semifinals appearances, and four ACC championships.
Kelly and Meske are synonymous with Louisville volleyball. Meske may have been one of the most active assistants in the sport. He almost seemed to dominate the sideline huddles during timeouts and he was an active presence during the games. An outsider showing up at a volleyball match could not be blamed if he was confused about the coaching duties.They were a team.
“Louisville will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Kelly. “I have loved the athletic department, the city, and most importantly, the people, since I first arrived here as an assistant in 2011. The past eight seasons have been unbelievable, and we have been so proud to be Cardinals. From ACC Championships to Final Fours, we accomplished more than I ever dreamed of, thanks to the unwavering trust of our current and former players.
“There is no one in the country better than Dan Meske to lead Louisville Volleyball. Not only is he an amazing coach, but he is an incredible person who leads with integrity, passion, and love for his players. While I’m sad I won’t be on the same sideline with Dan anymore, I want Louisville Volleyball to continue to break barriers, and Dan will work tirelessly to make sure the program succeeds.”
Prior to joining Kelly at UofL, Meske was head volleyball coach at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, Iowa. Meske led the Vikings to a 45-17 record over two seasons. In 2016, the Vikings made their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2008, finishing the year at 27-6. Augustana won its first NCAA Tournament game since 2006 with a first-round victory over #2 Nebraska-Kearney.
Meske previously spent eight seasons at the University of Nebraska as a graduate assistant, volunteer assistant and a full-time assistant coach.
