LOVB Nebraska’s Jordan Larson
A Hooper, Nebraska native and Premier Nebraska alumna, Jordan Larson is one of the most decorated American volleyball players in history. She made her mark on Nebraska volleyball as a three-time All-American and 2006 NCAA champion, earning the nickname “Governor” due to her popularity in the state.
Larson joined the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2009 and is a four-time Olympian. She led the U.S. to a historic gold medal at Tokyo 2020, where she also earned MVP and Best Outside Hitter honors. At Paris 2024, she helped the U.S. claim silver, becoming the first American indoor athlete to win four Olympic medals.
She’s won gold at the FIVB World Championships (2014), Volleyball Nations League (2018, 2019, 2021), and the Club World Championship (2015, 2016). She has played in Puerto Rico, Russia, Turkey, Italy and Athletes Unlimited during her 15-year professional career. In 2025, she became a co-owner of LOVB Nebraska.
In this interview, Larson opens up about wins, failures and her love for volleyball.
How did it feel when you held your first Olympic medal for the first time?
It felt surreal. I was numb. I didn’t think it would become reality. Then it did and I thought, what is this life? It was also bittersweet because of our team dynamic and how things went. Still, the little girl in me was living the dream. I wanted the moment to feel different, so I treated it like a challenge: What’s next? How can I apply what I learned going forward?
Do you feel like the medals after that one are as special to you compared to just the first one?
Yes. At your first Olympics, you’re in a whirlwind. You’re trying to enjoy it while staying present to do your job. After that, you feel more grounded. You can be more strategic because you know what’s coming. You’re more prepared, so you can respond the way you want instead of reacting in the moment.
Describe your game in three words.
Strategic, collected and aggressive.
What’s it like being the owner of a pro volleyball team in the United States? And what has the business side of the industry taught you personally?
I’ve enjoyed learning the business side. I’m still learning, so I’m getting comfortable being new at something. For so long, I worked on my craft every day and chased what felt close to perfect, even though perfection doesn’t exist. Now I’m building new skills, making mistakes and learning from them. Owning a team carries weight, but I’m proud to be part of it and help push the sport forward. Doing it in this state feels like a natural progression.
How were you initially introduced to volleyball and what made you fall in love with it?
I started around 8. I loved the team aspect and the finesse.
What would you like to tell your younger self?
Have more fun along the way. I was almost too professional. I could’ve traveled more, explored on off days and seen more of the world. I focused on taking care of my body and mind and I kept my seriousness high. I’d tell myself to relax more and take in more.
How do you bounce back after a tough practice or match?
Build failure recovery. Failure is part of the game. If you have a healthy relationship with it in practice, it shows up when it matters.
Do you have a favorite memory from youth volleyball?
We were in Canada with the junior national team. I came around on a crossing pattern, misstepped and got set anyway. I face-planted. The whole gym gasped. I rolled over laughing. The shame hit hard, but it’s still a funny moment from that time in my life.
Any advice you have for a young athlete to get through high-pressure moments?
Treat high-pressure moments like any other moment. If you train that way, they feel normal. For most of my career, I reminded myself: It’s the same ball, same court and same game. If I stay in that mindset, I can perform under pressure.
Visit lovb.com to learn more about LOVB Nebraska.
