As the global sports community eagerly anticipates the upcoming Paris Olympics, the United States volleyball team is setting its sights on maintaining its top-ranking position. A multitude of young athletes are poised to make a name for themselves in their inaugural Olympic appearance.
However, for many seasoned players, this competition represents their final opportunity to achieve greatness. For Jordan Larson, an alum of the Nebraska Huskers and a three-time Olympic medalist, the city of Paris marks the concluding stretch of her illustrious career, and she is resolute in making the most of it.
Currently serving as the assistant coach of the Huskers women’s volleyball team, Larson garnered numerous accolades during her tenure as a player for the nation’s premier team. Following the conclusion of her playing career, Larson devoted significant time abroad, sharing her expertise with new teams. Now, she is gearing up for one last endeavor to assist Team USA in replicating its success from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Lincoln Arneal, a volleyball pundit, recently shed light on Larson’s aspirations in a social media post. Arneal revealed that the three-time World Grand Prix gold winner Larson has opted to focus her training efforts on the 2024 Paris Olympics. “Jordan Larson will not be playing professionally this spring as she gears up for the Olympics later this summer,” proclaimed the post.
In a recent interview, Larson disclosed that she is currently stationed in Anaheim, where the national team is undergoing rigorous training for the upcoming Olympics. Larson expressed her enjoyment in coaching during the last season, a sentiment that reignited her passion to return to the court alongside her team once more.
The social media post also conveyed Larson’s deliberations about making her professional debut. With the Pro Volleyball Federation introducing a new league to fans, Larson had been in discussions with the Omaha Supernovas to kick-start her professional career. However, it appears that Larson’s ambitions extend beyond playing in the burgeoning league, and her extensive list of accolades positions her as a formidable contender on the grandest stage.
Larson, who captained the USA volleyball team to victory in the Tokyo Olympics and was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament, has had a stellar career. As a Nebraska Athlete Hall of Famer, she consistently ranked in the top five of the NCAA tournament throughout her four seasons with the team. Following stints in Italy and China playing professionally, Larson’s deep connection to her alma mater prompted her return as the Huskers’ full-time assistant coach in 2023.
