2x Olympian Looks Back on the Driving Force Behind Launching a Professional Volleyball League in the USA

Volleyball is arguably one of the most popular sports in the United States. While the collegiate volleyball circuit continues to usher thousands of fans every week, the professional scene is also bustling with excitement. With nascent tournaments like the Real Pro Volleyball receiving support from the country’s authoritative body, the future of the sport in the country looks promising for Olympian Courtney Thompson.

The two-time Olympic medalist is one name in the star-studded list who announced League One Volleyball (LOVB) to the country. With volleyball being the most-played girls’ sport in the US, Thompson believes the LOVB will bring something incredibly unique to the table.

Olympian shares elation as LOVB prepares for its inaugural edition

In a recent post on X by the official USA Volleyball account, Thompson can be seen appearing for a podcast episode to discuss the future of the LOVB. For a long time, USA’s women’s volleyball situation revolved mostly around the collegiate level. With that scenario now changing, Thompson believes things couldn’t have started better for a league that aims to offer a true professional experience to players. “…for our athletes to have pro opportunities here, how cool is that?” gushes an excited Thompson, and she has more points lined up.

In episode 84 of the USA Volleyball Show, two-time Olympian Courtney Thompson talks about the future of pro volleyball in the U.S. and her work with @leagueonevb. Listen on your favorite pod platform or watch on YouTube: https://t.co/pbZWP5JYej pic.twitter.com/cRZWrTyM4E

— USA Volleyball (@usavolleyball) February 19, 2024

Courtney also said that such a professional league is something she had dreamed of for a long time, and seeing the project spread its wings is a fulfilling thing that she’s experienced for the first time. “I feel really honored to get to be a part of it“, acknowledges Thompson without much deliberation. She further claimed that the “duality” of wanting to be the best league in the world along with the dream of bringing the international product to the US is what makes the LOVB so unique.

However, Thompson mentioned that it’s a long road ahead to reach the “highest level“, and that the aim to bring the best athletes was what prompted the decision to start the league after the 2024 Paris Olympics. “We want to make this as dope as we can“, revealed Courtney, and considering how the fans have supported PVF’s (Pro Volleyball Federation) venture, we think Thompson’s high hopes are not unfounded either.

Real Pro Volleyball taking over the country

The Real Pro Volleyball made its debut only weeks ago and fans gathered in flocks to extend their full support. While attendance in almost every game of the new league has been formidable, fans in Nebraska have been extra enthusiastic in their display of the volleyball craze. With that, the US once again saw what women’s volleyball exactly means to its citizens.

Read more: USA Swept Up in Volleyball Mania as Fans Can’t Get Enough of Country’s First Real Pro Action

The state of Nebraska also announced January 24 as Professional Volleyball Day, further highlighting the craze that the sport spreads. With so much enthusiasm for women’s professional leagues in the country, it waits to be seen if Thompson’s dreams achieve success as it starts its inaugural run in November this year.

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