More than fifteen years may have flown by, but one thing hasn’t changed—Jordan Larson’s unwavering love for volleyball. This former outside hitter of the University of Nebraska Huskers has had an amazing international career that has led her back to her home state. Currently, Larson is a Founding Athlete of League One Volleyball’s pro league and is proudly representing the Omaha team showing that her love for the sport has only grown. And she’s not just showing up—she’s dominating!

Alongside fellow Cornhusker legends, Larson led Omaha to a 3-1 (25-20, 24-26, 25-18, 25-23) win over Madison last Friday, delivering a stat sheet packed with heart and hustle: nine digs, eight kills, five assist, three aces, and two blocks. Justine Wong-Orantes contributed 12 digs and 2 assists to the match, while Lauren Stivrins delivered 10 effective kills, which made it a spectacular evening for the Omaha team. And now, after nearly 15 years away, the Olympic gold medalist shared her feelings about being back in Nebraska, with friends and the people who played such a big role in her successful career.

In a video shared by LOVB Omaha Volleyball on January 26, Jordan Larson opened up about her emotional return to Nebraska and shared how surreal it felt to step into a life she once dreamed of. “Yeah, this morning, before I left my house, you know, I’m sitting here and I’m like, it’s been almost 15 years, almost in tears, like driving to practice, like in my own car, and I get to go to my own house. And like, it’s just like, so surreal,” she confessed, her words wrapped in gratitude.

Larson also reflected on the bigger picture—how this moment extends beyond her personal journey: “It’s so much bigger than all of us. And we just are so grateful that everyone’s buying into something and that buying into women’s sports and really just elevating, an example, you know, I think about who I grew up looking at and admiring, you know, now we have a lot of powerful women that are just standing in front of these young athletes that are growing up. And so, it’s just really fun to be a part of that. And just thank you.” Her words struck a chord, showcasing her passion for empowering the next generation and shining a light on the growing movement in women’s sports. Truly, it’s a full-circle moment for this volleyball icon.

Here’s a fun nugget of history: back in 2021, Jordan Larson became the fifth-oldest U.S. volleyball player to make an Olympic team as she received a call-up from coach Karch Kiraly. What a ride it was for Larson to lead Team USA to their first Olympic women’s volleyball gold as they triumphed over Brazil in straight sets.

While Jordan Larson intended for Tokyo to be her curtain call, the volleyball queen couldn’t be kept away. She returned in spring 2023 and got into the list of contenders for the Paris 2024 Games, proving once again that legends never truly leave the court. Back in the thick of things and in the middle of the action, Jordan is now all about the future of women in sports and the changes that are happening with open arms while making her own impact.

Jordan Larson has seen it all

According to a report done by herathlete.org in October 2024, while playing volleyball, Jordan Larson has witnessed some major transformations. From players having to travel abroad to pursue their pro dreams to more chances for players to remain in the US instead of going overseas – Larson has seen it all. Now she is happy that volleyball players can ply their trade without getting tired out while being near their loved ones. She also things that the game itself has changed and women’s volleyball has become more physical—passing and serving skills have improved in the last 15-20 years.

But the biggest win? That the players finally have “a platform to be seen” and “advocates for female sports in this space.” Having earned every accolade, Jordan Larson’s now ready to pass the torch, blending her experience as both an athlete and coach. “I always wanted to get into coaching, and I love being around the sport so much… Plus college is just so different from international volleyball,” she says, explaining why she jumped back into coaching at her alma mater, Nebraska.

On a mission to give back to the sport, she’s now channeling her wisdom into League One Volleyball (LOVB), helping young players find their way to the pros, just as she did. After five years of building momentum, she felt it was the right time for her next chapter, and she’s signed a two-year contract to keep playing with LOVB herself.