The Red Life with Jordan Larson

By Keith Zimmer
Associate A.D. for Life Skills

Many have heard the song 'California Dreamin'. Since fifth grade, Husker senior All-America outside hitter Jordan Larson was Nebraska Dreamin.'

The Hooper, Neb., product has proven that with hard work, determination and focus, dreams can come true.

"I remember early on telling anyone who would listen I was going to play for Nebraska, and that I also wanted to play for my country," Larson said. "People doubted me and teased me."

Like most, Larson's athletic career started off innocent enough, working her way through the YMCA ranks to eventual stardom at Logan View High School, where she excelled in volleyball, basketball and track.

Although gifted on the basketball court and on the track, volleyball began to emerge as the sport of preference for Larson.

"I'm more of a finesse athlete and just not much into physical contact," Larson said.

Larson made the right choice, becoming one of Nebraska's most decorated high school volleyball players in history. With the opportunity to attend any college in the country, Larson committed to Coach John Cook and Nebraska volleyball at the end of her sophomore season and did not visit any other schools.

"I had been admiring the Nebraska program for years and always visualized myself playing for the Huskers," Larson said. "The combination of the winning tradition and chance to play so close to home where my family could attend every match factored into my final decision."

Another factor in Larson's decision to come to Nebraska was her admiration of a former Husker, whom Larson chose as a role model.

"One of the players that I looked up to as a role model when coming to the Coliseum was middle blocker Amber Holmquist,"  Larson said. "She was always incredibly nice and kind to me and had a way of making people feel special. I was excited to know that I could have that same kind of impact on young girls and other fans upon coming to Nebraska."

Larson closed her prep career as the Lincoln Journal Star's Female High School Athlete of the Year, and she was ranked as the No. 2 player in the country. She also led the U.S. Junior National Team to a gold medal at the Continental Junior Championships.

Larson finally realized her dream of wearing Nebraska's scarlet and cream in the fall of 2005.

"My first match was against Hawaii at the Qwest Center in front of 10,000 fans. I quickly learned that you just can't 'play' at the college level," Larson said. "You have to be incredibly focused mentally."

Larson adapted well. She started 34 matches as a freshman and helped Nebraska to an NCAA runner-up finish, as the Huskers fell to Washington in the NCAA Championship match in the Alamodome in San Antonio.

In addition to the competitive adjustment on the court, Larson also had to make a major adjustment from the academic demands of high school to the academic rigors of college life. She said she heeded some important advice from her mother to meet the academic challenges.

"My mom told me to ask lots of questions, build rapport with professors and work hard," Larson said.

A senior communication studies major, Larson is now just seven hours shy of her degree and will contend for CoSIDA Academic All-America honors in 2008. She has recorded six consecutive semesters with better than a 3.0 grade-point average. She is on track to graduate this December, which will allow her to quickly turn her attention to a potential professional volleyball career.

As she reflects on her Nebraska experience, Larson remains in awe of the support and resources committed to Husker volleyball.

"We are viewed and treated like rock stars," Larson said, "playing in front of sellout crowds and television audiences, signing autographs, doing appearances, taking charter flights, staying at very nice hotels, wearing the best gear and the list goes on and on."

Larson has produced like a mega-star, twice being named an AVCA All-American, while starting for the Huskers since her arrival on campus. Her memories are countless, but she recalls one special moment in the 2006 national championship that stands above the rest.

"I remember Stanford was making a run and Coach Cook called a timeout and in the huddle and called my number," Larson said. "I'm glad he had the confidence in me, and I'm glad I delivered. It was such an honor to be part of such a special group of young women winning the title in our home state."

Cook seems confident Larson will provide more memories and greater leadership in 2008.

"Most have not seen the years of preparation Jordan has invested to lead our team," Cook said. "When you have an athlete as blessed as Jordan, it is common for them to solely survive on that talent, but that wasn't good enough for Jordan. She has matured into a very caring dynamic leader with a rich understanding of team."

Cook may even be more impressed by Larson's commitment to off-court success.

"Jordan has blossomed in the classroom and as a young professional," Cook said of Larson, who recently completed a summer internship with Athletic Development Office. "Jordan realizes that communication and working with people is a skill set that will help her reach not just individual goals, but more importantly team goals and that in my opinion is the mark of a true champion."

Larson believes Nebraska has provided her the ability to grow in all areas of her life, just as she dreamed when she was a young girl.

"Nebraska volleyball shapes you beyond the court," Larson said. "I have the confidence to perform under pressure, deal with adversity, relate to people, set and achieve goals and be a dependable teammate. I tell people, don't take things or people for granted and to live life to the fullest. It is important to make time in your life for those who matter. I've worked hard to reach the dreams I had as a child and maximize all parts of the Nebraska experience while maturing as a person."