OMAHA — Jordan Larson, a four-time Olympic medalist and former University of Nebraska standout, will return to the court for LOVB Nebraska for the 2026-27 season after announcing her retirement in April.
The team confirmed the signing Friday, saying Larson will rejoin the club for her third season as a player while continuing in her role as a co-owner, a position she has held since 2025.
What this means for local fans
Larson’s return keeps one of the most recognizable names in American indoor volleyball in Omaha. Fans can expect her to report with the rest of the team this fall when players begin training, and the organization will release the complete 2026-27 roster on Monday, July 13.
LOVB Nebraska named Giannis Athanasopoulos head coach in June; Larson will play under his direction and remain a public figure for the club both on and off the court.
Performance that prompted the comeback
Larson said she arrived at the choice after reflection and listening to what she called an internal realization that “the game wasn’t done with me.” Her recent play provided a statistical case for the decision: she finished the 2026 LOVB season among the league leaders and earned top honors.
| Statistic (2026) | Figure | LOVB rank |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 267 | 6th |
| Kills | 234 | 5th |
| Service aces | 15 | Tied for 4th |
Her 2026 season earned her the LOVB Best Outside Hitter award and a place on the 2026 LOVB Icons First Team, after a second-team selection in 2025.
“I’m coming back because when I got still enough to truly listen, I realized the game wasn’t done with me, and I wasn’t done with it. There is more in me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep giving that to LOVB Nebraska.”
Kirsten Bernthal Booth, president of business operations for LOVB Nebraska, called the decision difficult for Larson and praised her choice to return on her own terms. Booth said the club is "thrilled to welcome Jordan back" and highlighted her elite-level competitiveness.
Background and honors
Larson, a native of Hooper and a three-time All-American at Nebraska, is one of the most decorated U.S. indoor volleyball athletes. Her résumé includes four Olympic medals and numerous international and club titles. Her No. 10 jersey was retired by the University of Nebraska in 2017, and she was inducted into the Nebraska Athletics Hall of Fame in 2020.
- Larson will return as a player and continue as co-owner of LOVB Nebraska.
- Full 2026-27 roster will be released July 13; players report in the fall.
- Giannis Athanasopoulos was named head coach in June.
For local supporters, Larson’s return maintains continuity for a franchise that has invested in her as both a player and an owner. The timing of the roster announcement and the start of fall reporting will be the next milestones for fans tracking the team’s preparation for the upcoming season.
