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Former Husker Player Heats Up 2012 Olympics

 Maureen Wurtz

HOOPER, Neb. (KPTM)- A small town Nebraska girl is making some big hits on the 2012 Olympic stage.

Former Husker and current US Olympic Volleyball Team member, Jordan Larson, has quickly become her hometown hero.

 Hooper Nebraska is home to 827 people, and one very special Olympic athlete.

"The town has really rallied around her," said Hooper resident, Kevin Meyer.

She is Jordan Larson, former Husker Volleyball player and US Olympic athlete.

Approximately 3.8 billion people watch the Olympics every four years, which is about 4.2 million times the size of Larson's hometown.

"It was surreal seeing her play for Nebraska the first time, and it was really surreal Saturday morning to watch her play," said Larson's former basketball coach, Bo Krivohlavek.

Larson and the US Volleyball team beat Brazil Monday in a 3-1 match. Fans in Hooper and all over the county hope the team can bring home the gold. "The community shares a lot of pride in the fact that she's joined the international stage of athletes," said Meyer.

"Her biggest goals were to make the Nebraska Cornhusker Volleyball team and to make the Olympics," said Krivohlavek. "For most kids to say something like that, it's kind of a pipe dream."

Now, Larson is living out a dream that the whole community is sharing. "Jordan, we're all cheering for you," said Krivohlavek.

"Hope puts some doubt in mind, we're just anxious for when she takes home the gold," said Meyer.

Larson and the US Volleyball team are set to play China on August 1^st.