Thompson’s yunior year in 2018 she was named to the Third Team AVCA All-American Squad, AVCA all region, Unanimous AAC player of the Year, two time AVCA National Player of the Week, she led the nation in kills with 6.27 kills per set, she broke multiple record that season including single season kills, points within the AAC, career kills and points within the AAC. Thompson was the first player since 2004 to record more than 800 kills in a single season.
In 2019, Thompson’s senior she she went above and beyond and broke many records on the way to the top. Thompson finished her career at Cincinnati on top, as she was named a first team All AVCA First Team All-American, Cosida 3rd team Academic All American, AVCA North Player of the Year, Unanimous Player of the Year in the AAC for the 3rd time, finished 7th all time in kills in NCAA history. Thompson also led the nation in kills, points kills per set, as well as points per set. During her senior season Thompson became the all time record holder for kills as a Bearcat when they took on East Carolina University on September 27th 2019. Thompson became 1-6 players across all of college volleyball to record 50 kills in a match when she recorded 50 kills on her senior day, Also versus East Carolina University. This performance not only reset her own record at UC and within the American Athletic Conference but making her record untouchable for years to come. Thompson rallied off 6.38 kills per set to reset another one of her records as well. Thompson also finished off her career as the only volleyball player in Bearcat history to average more than 5.0 kills per set.
During Thompson’s senior season she propelled the Bearcats to their first ever Sweet 16 after pulling off the upset to knock off No. 6 ranked Pittsburgh in the NCAA Tournament in the round of 32.
Prior to the Toyko Olympics I asked Jordan about some of her favorite memories outside of the big upset versus Pittsburgh to advance to the schools first Sweet 16.
“I mean that one is really so huge, I think just beating Pitt was really really exciting. I remember being a little bit nervous because we had played Pittsburgh in the preseason, I knew they were a really strong team, and so I knew that we were going to have to have a really good game, play our best. I think we did that, I just remember that last point, setting Maria Mallon back row, I was so nervous, I was like please just get a kill, and Maria she did that and got the kill. I will never forget that moment, its just burned into my mind in the best way possible, just being able to celebrate with the team in the locker room after that was so special, to have the coaches come in, were all just jumping around super excited, I think that’s something I will never forget. “
These are crazy statistics for people who know volleyball. Having someone like Thompson come through and play for a program like one they have in Clifton was truly incredible and Coach Alvey hit the Jackpot with Jordan and her amazing career as a Bearcat.
Thompson now plays professional overseas in Turkey where she has been able to dominate the game on an even bigger stage. Thompson showed last month at the Toyko Olympics that you can go to a school where you feel at home, and be different, you don’t have to go to a powerhouse to be great and succeed at the highest levels.
Thompson dominated the Olympics where she was arguably the best player in the tournament until she sustained an ankle injury when the team took on the ROC. Before getting injured Thompson dominated as she led the team with 20 points in their opening match versus Argentina, but she also set an Olympic High when she recorded 34 points when Team USA beat China 3 sets to 0. Thompson recorded 28 kills, two blocks and two services aces in that match and was just dominating some of the best competition in the world.
Thompson is now settling back in Ohio enjoying some time out with family and relaxing after a long year and half of training for the Toyko Olympics. The Bearcats did a fantastic job honoring the legend today and it was awesome to see many people from the Tri-State come show their support for Thompson.
