Jordan Larson

Jordan Larson – Life, Career, and Inspiring Legacy

Learn about Jordan Larson — her journey from Nebraska to becoming one of USA Volleyball’s all-time greats, her Olympic triumphs, career highlights, and leadership philosophy.

Introduction

Jordan Quinn Larson (born October 16, 1986) is an American professional volleyball player famed for her longevity, leadership, and success on both the club and international stages.

As an outside hitter, she has competed in four Olympic Games and helped the U.S. women’s volleyball team win its first ever Olympic gold in 2020 (Tokyo).

Throughout her career, Larson has been known not just for athletic excellence, but also resilience, team spirit, and her ability to mentor younger teammates.

Early Life & Family

Larson was born in Fremont, Nebraska to Kae and Kevin Larson. When she was three, her parents separated, and she moved with her mother to Hooper, Nebraska, where she grew up with her stepfather Pat Clough.

She first took up volleyball in eighth grade.

In high school at Logan View High School (Hooper, NE), she excelled: she was named to the Super-State first team for three seasons, and set a Class C1 state record for kills per game in her junior year.

The family faced hardship: Larson’s mother was later diagnosed with breast cancer, and passed away in 2009.

These early challenges helped shape her grit and perspective.

College Career

Larson attended the University of Nebraska from 2005 through 2008, where she played for the Cornhuskers volleyball program.

• In her freshman year (2005), she earned AVCA Central Region Freshman of the Year and Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors.

• The Nebraska team reached the NCAA final that year.

• In 2006, she led Nebraska to the NCAA National Championship and was named to the AVCA All-America First Team.

• In 2008, as a senior, she received AVCA First Team All-America honors. She also became Big 12 Player of the Year and Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year—a rare double.

By the end of her collegiate career, Larson had amassed about 1,600 kills and 1,410 digs.

Her time at Nebraska solidified her skillset, work ethic, and the competitive spirit she would carry into the international arena.

Professional & International Career

Joining the U.S. National Team & Early Achievements

Larson joined the U.S. women's national volleyball team in 2009. She was a member of U.S. squads that won golds in the FIVB World Grand Prix and other international tournaments.

Club Career Highlights

Larson’s professional club career has taken her across multiple countries:

• Puerto Rico: early in her pro career she played with Vaqueras de Bayamón.

• Russia, Dinamo Kazan: She won the 2014 FIVB Club World Championship and 2014 CEV Champions League with Dinamo Kazan.

• Turkey, Eczacıbaşı VitrA: From 2014 to 2019, Larson played for Eczacıbaşı, winning club titles and earning MVP honors in international club tournaments.

• China, Shanghai: From 2019 onwards she spent seasons in Shanghai.

• Vero Volley Monza (Italy) and later involvement in LOVB (League One Volleyball, Omaha) as part of new professional leagues.

Her club career shows both versatility and the ability to excel in diverse cultural and competitive settings.

Olympic and National Team Milestones

Larson is one of the most decorated players in U.S. indoor volleyball history, with four Olympic medals to her name:

• Silver at the 2012 London Olympics

• Bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics

• Gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021) — the first Olympic gold for the U.S. women’s volleyball team. Larson scored the final point and was named MVP of the tournament.

• Silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics

She became team captain in 2017.

Larson had initially planned to retire after Tokyo 2020, but came out of retirement in 2023 to compete in Paris 2024.

She is also a member of the FIVB Athletes’ Commission, having been elected with strong support.

Personality, Leadership & Style

Larson is widely regarded not just for her technical and physical skills, but for her emotional intelligence, composure under pressure, and ability to galvanize teammates.

As captain, she has often emphasized unity, trust, and a collective mindset over individual spotlight.

Her perseverance stands out: despite injuries, fatigue, and the long span of an elite athletic life, she kept raising her level and adapting.

Off the court, Larson has spoken about balancing life, family, and purpose.

She also stepped into coaching roles, joining her alma mater Nebraska as an assistant coach in 2023.

Famous Quotes & Statements

Here are several quotes and insights attributed to or expressed by Jordan Larson that reflect her philosophy and mindset:

“My Mom's Battle With Breast Cancer Showed Me What True Strength Is.” On her return after retirement: she emphasized that “life took a different path,” showing humility and openness to change. On team success: she often highlights that victories come from “collective trust, each doing their role” (paraphrased summary of her leadership style).

While she is not known for a large repository of “sound bites,” her interviews and reflections often reveal deep insight into competition, resilience, and sportsmanship.

Lessons from Jordan Larson’s Journey

1. Longevity demands adaptation
   To excel over many years, athletes must evolve—physically, mentally, and strategically. Larson’s ability to stay relevant across multiple Olympic cycles is a testament to that.

2. Leadership is service
   Her example shows that captains lead by example, by supporting teammates, managing pressure, and lifting others.

3. Resilience through adversity
   Early family challenges, the loss of her mother, and the rigors of elite competition all shaped her capacity to endure and grow.

4. Never close the door entirely
   Larson’s return from retirement before Paris 2024 illustrates that sometimes purpose calls you back. It’s OK to adjust plans when your passion remains.

5. Balancing roles & growth beyond sport
   Her movement into coaching, athlete representation, and mentorship shows that high-performance careers can evolve into broader impact.

Conclusion

Jordan Larson stands as a trailblazer in U.S. volleyball—someone whose legacy is not just in medals, but in the hearts and minds of teammates, aspiring athletes, and fans. Her path from Nebraska to Olympic gold, from collegiate star to global leader, offers rich lessons in resilience, humility, and perseverance.