CINCINNATI — One of the greatest volleyball players from the University of Cincinnati is headed to the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. 


What You Need To Know

  • UC alumna Jordan Thompson is headed to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics

  • She’s a three-time AAC Player of the Year

  • Thompson will be one of the youngest members of USA Volleyball

  • She’s excited for the opportunity and expects USA to win gold 

Former UC Bearcats Volleyball star Jordan Thompson is a three-time American Athletic Conference Player of the Year. She always stepped up when Cincinnati needed her.

Thompson is now stepping up on the international stage by representing Team USA in the Tokyo Olympics. 

“It’s just such an honor and to be able to represent Cincinnati as well I think is huge,” Thompson said. “It’s really special to be at this point in my career so early. And I think it’s very surprising for me, but I’m just enjoying every second of it.” 

Thompson, 24, will be one of the youngest players on Team USA. Her hitting ability sets her apart, standing seventh all-time in kills in NCAA history. 

She said she’s adapting quickly to playing at the highest level. 

“I remember going from high school to college and thinking, oh my gosh, this is so fast,” Thompson said. “Then I got in the gym with the national team and they’re running, probably the fastest offense in the world and I was like a chicken with my head cut off.” 

Thompson said while the pandemic delayed the games created a hurdle for most, it was actually a good thing for her development. 

“I was pretty nervous,” she said. “But I think I was able to just gain confidence as a professional volleyball player and know that I can play at this level, and know that I can have success at this level. So I think as nervous as I was the Olympics were postponed for a year, I think it was so beneficial for me.” 

She said she’s always dreamed of making the U.S. Olympic team, but never thought it would happen. 

“It blows my mind every day,” Thompson said. “I have to remind myself that this is actually reality.” 

Now that she’s here, she knows it’s up to her and her teammates to bring gold back to the states. 

“I’m really excited to see what we can do in Tokyo,” Thompson said. “Gold is definitely the goal.” 

Team USA leaves for Tokyo on July 17 from Anaheim, Calif., where the team is training. All members of the team have been vaccinated for COVID-19 and are taking precautions to maintain and preserve the health of the team in advance of the Olympics.