How Jordan Larson’s Break from Volleyball Prepared Her for the Olympics

Taking a break from volleyball was one of the toughest yet most important decisions I’ve ever made in my career. I knew it was a risk, not just for me but for the entire team. The coaching staff and I were all taking a chance, uncertain about how it would turn out.

 

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After the last Olympics, I thought I was done with the national team. Life had thrown me some unexpected challenges, and I wasn’t sure I would continue playing at the highest level. Despite these challenges, my body and mind still felt strong. However, I realized that to perform at my best for the upcoming Olympics, I needed some time off.

 

Mentally and emotionally, I was going through some difficult moments off the court. I felt that being surrounded by a supportive community was exactly what I needed. I chose not to play a professional season and instead focused on staying home, coaching, and training—particularly in the weight room. This decision was far from typical. Most of my teammates were playing overseas for months, and then returning to join the national team. But I felt like it was the right decision for me.

 

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I knew that taking a break came with risks. Every day, I’d ask myself, “How am I feeling today?” It wasn’t that I didn’t have options—there were plenty of opportunities for me to play. But I felt the progress I was making in the weight room was essential for my growth as an athlete. So I made the decision to focus on that.

 

It was the first time in my career that I’d taken such a break. After 15 years of constant grinding, it was a difficult choice, but I knew deep down I wasn’t ready to fully return to competition. I didn’t want to commit to a contract or a professional season if I wasn’t fully invested. I knew that my performance would suffer if I wasn’t mentally and emotionally ready, so I decided it was best to step back and focus on my well-being.

 

Mercado: Monza contrata Jordan Larson | Melhor do Vôlei

 

I thought a lot about my teammates, too. I’ve earned the right to take some time for myself, but I understood how important it was to communicate my intentions and be mindful of how this would affect the team. Teamwork is at the heart of what we do, and I wanted to make sure they understood my decision.

 

This experience taught me that everyone’s path is different, and you never really know what someone else is going through. I’ve spent most of my career planning for the next four years, mapping out my goals, and working towards them. But life doesn’t always follow that plan. Things change, and as an athlete, adaptability is key. Sometimes, you just have to take it one day at a time and stay present in the moment.

 

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I’ve also come to appreciate the value of therapy. In the past, it might have been something I shied away from, but now I see it as just another tool to help me grow, much like strength training or nutrition. It’s important to understand yourself better and find ways to improve how you interact with others. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength and vulnerability. There are professionals who can help facilitate those hard conversations, and I’ve learned to embrace that.

 

Ultimately, this break was necessary for my preparation for the Olympics. It allowed me to recharge, regain focus, and come back stronger. Taking time to focus on my mental and physical health has given me a fresh perspective and the strength to tackle the challenges ahead.

 

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