"Almost in tears, driving to practice"- Jordan Larson makes her feelings known as she reflects on her 15-year journey as a volleyball player

Jordan Larson recently shared her emotions about being a professional volleyball player for 15 years. She reflected on her journey and how far she has made it in the sport.

Larson played for the Nebraska Huskers from 2005 to 2008, helping the team achieve top-five finishes in the NCAA Tournament every year. The Huskers generated a 127-8 record, won four Big 12 Conference titles, and reached the NCAA semifinals three times.

During an interview with LOVB in January 2025, Jordan Larson revealed she finds it surreal to live her dream, driving to practice, having her own home, and being close to her family.

"This morning, before I left my house, I'm sitting here and I'm like, it's been almost 15 years. Almost in tears, 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. And, I wish I could put it in better words. Because it's a dream come true, for my family to be here," Larson said.

She also appreciated how people support and invest in women's athletics, which creates opportunities and role models for young athletes.

The 38-year-old, a four-time Olympian, clinched one gold, two silver, and one bronze across four editions. Larson won a silver medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics as a part of the US women's team.

When Jordan Larson talked about taking a break from professional volleyball and the importance of mental health

Jordan Larson at 2024 Team USA Media Summit - Portraits - Source: Getty

In 2024, Jordan Larson talked about the difficult decision of taking a break from playing professional volleyball. After the 2020 Tokyo Games, she considered leaving the national team but realized she was still physically and mentally capable of playing.

Larson revealed she needed time to focus on her emotional and mental well-being, so she chose to stay home, coach, and train instead of playing professional games.

She acknowledged that taking a break was unusual for an athlete, especially since she worked for 15 years. Reflecting on her decision during an interview in June 2024 with SELF, Larson said (0:22 onwards):

"I needed time. Mentally and emotionally I was still going through some challenging times off court. And really being surrounded by community is where I thought I needed. I chose not to play professional season and just stay home and coach, and train and be really good in the weight rooms."

In the same interview, Jordan Larson talked about the importance of communicating with teammates and being aware of their feelings. She reflected on how, as an Olympic athlete, she usually plans her career in a four-year cycle.