Husker Q and A: Jordan Larson

One of the country’s top all-around performers, junior outside hitter Jordan Larson ranks among team and Big 12 leaders in kills, service aces and digs enter this week. Larson sat down recently for an interview to talk about a number of subjects.

Who was your favorite Husker growing up?
“Amber Holmquist.  She was just so nice to me when I came to a game and she just had such a great attitude that I could see on the court.  Every time I see her I still say hi. She’s just the coolest person ever, so I really liked her a lot.”

How does it feel to be in the same realm as her to kids growing up now-a-days?
“I just think about when I was little and how much I looked up to everyone.  When I’m signing autographs, I really appreciate giving back to all of the little kids who are dreaming like I was. They need to keep dreaming the same way I did and they can get there.”

Block, ace, or kill-which do you prefer?
“Actually a kill because I’m not really known for that.  Aces are more common for me, but I do like getting the big kills and hearing the crowd cheer afterwards.”

What’s your favorite pre-game meal?
“Noodles and Company.  I’m a big carbs fan.”

Is there any significance with your number 10?
“I’ve always had it growing up and I’ve always loved number 10.  I’ve had it through club and everything except for USA.  I really like the number, but I don’t know why I picked it.”

What is a TV show you can’t miss?
“Either Nip/Tuck or Grey’s Anatomy.”

If you could play another sport at NU, what would it be?
“Well, I played softball and basketball in high school. I would probably say softball just because I haven’t played for a while and it’d be kind of fun just to see what I’m like now because I haven’t played since I was 12. I’d like to see what that was like.”

You’ve played in the Qwest Center and the Bob Devaney Sports Center a few times and obviously the Coliseum, which one do you enjoy playing in most?
“I’d say the Coliseum because I feel like the fans are so close and I can really feel they’re passion for the game.  At the Qwest Center and Devaney they’re really far away. You can hear the crowd, but it’s still not the same as the Coliseum where it rumbles.

Where is your favorite place to play in the Big 12 outside of the Coliseum?
“I would probably say Texas.  It’s kind of like the Coliseum feel where there are people on both sides and it’s another intense atmosphere.”

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
“Sleep and getting everything caught up, like laundry. But I really like relaxing and hanging out with my boyfriend.”

What music do you like?
“A little rap and country here and there.”

What’s the best thing about being a student-athlete at Nebraska?
“I just feel like I’m kind of a celebrity here. Just because we don’t have any pro sports here, everybody looks at the University of Nebraska as their pro sport. I feel like such a celebrity here and I feel so privileged to say that I play for Nebraska. It really does mean a lot to me, growing up in Nebraska and living here all of my life.”

What do you need to do to manage school and volleyball during the season?
“Just stay on top of everything. You can’t get behind on any of your classwork, otherwise it’s going to catch up to you eventually. It’s really hard to stay on top of classwork, but if you stay on top of it, you’ll be fine. Just have to be responsible.”