It’s no longer a secret that Olympic champion and Nebraska Huskers assistant coach Jordan Larson has left her role. Huskers coach John Cook made the news public on Monday, expressing his sadness and gratitude. “While I am disappointed we won’t have her on staff anymore, I am thankful to Jordan for all that she has done,” Cook wrote. Now, fan-favorite Nebraska outside hitter Harper Murray has joined her coach.

The 19-year-old came into her own in the 2024 season, scoring 411 kills, despite a difficult off-season. Now, after Jordan Larson’s departure., the Huskers volleyball star has given all the credit to the Olympian. The former AVCA Regional Freshman of the Year revealed “part of the reason,” she joined NU, was because she looked up to Jordan Larson as an inspiration.

Harper Murray explained she hoped to be a part of the legacy of excellence that Larson had left. So imagine the Michigan native’s surprise when Larson joined the coaching staff in 2023. It was a stroke of luck Murray didn’t imagine in her wildest dreams. “The day I found out Jordan would be joining our staff two years ago, I cried on the court during practice,” disclosed Murray.

“Jordan was the player that little Harper looked up to the most and wanted to be exactly like,” the talented volleyball player confessed. Getting Jordan Larson as a coach felt surreal. Despite always wanting to follow in her idol’s footsteps, “8th grade” Murry never even thought she would meet Larson, let alone train under the Olympic gold medalist.

So Harper Murray acknowledged the veteran volleyball star for spending two seasons as Nebraska’s assistant coach. “It was truly an honor to play for you, and I can’t thank you enough for believing in me and reminding me that I can do whatever I put my mind to,” added Larson’s pupil and fan.

Meanwhile, Murray’s heartfelt tribute didn’t escape the coach who helped her improve.

Jordan Larson’s short but sweet note for Harper Murray

The now-former-Nebraska Huskers assistant coach shared the outside hitter’s post on her Instagram story. The volleyball icon shared the post as an example of why she chose to coach at Nebraska. “My why. So much bigger than me. Grateful to be a small part of these girls lives,” the four-time Olympian wrote in her story.

Larson didn’t elaborate on why she left the role as the Huskers assistant coach. However, everyone, including John Cook, Harper Murray, and everyone else at Nebraska, chose to celebrate the former Nebraska volleyball star-turned-assistant coach for the contributions she made toward improving the program.

However, the Governor also made a cryptic addition to her post.

“Not over yet,” Larson added to the caption while sharing Murray’s post. While it’s difficult to understand what she meant by the final line, Larson will continue to impact the lives and careers of thumping volleyball talents. After making NU and USA proud with Olympic medals, the 38-year-old is helping pioneer pro-volleyball in the U.S.

As one of the founding athletes of LOVB Omaha, Larson will now devote her time to playing to progress in the pro volleyball landscape. If the LOVB succeeds, it’ll add another building block to the growing pro circuit. By the time stars like Harper Murray graduate, they may get an opportunity to build on the foundations Larson helps to lay.

Although she cannot continue coaching at Nebraska, the volleyball veteran can always count on her “biggest cheerleader,” Harper Murray, for support.