Courtney Thompson to face off against Olympic teammate in European Champions League

Rival-turned-friend Jordan Larson-Burbach once again on the same court

• Dinamo Kazan @ Voléro Zürich | February 6, 2014 | 11:00AM (Pacific Time)

When Courtney Thompson heard her coach call Jordan Larson-Burbach “the best passer in the world” this week, she smiled ... and stifled a fist pump.

Courtney Thompson serves for Volero Zurich

Thompson—now playing professionally in Zurich, Switzerland—faces Larson-Burbach’s St. Petersburg, Russia team Thursday in the European Champions League quarterfinals. The teams will play a second match February 11 in Russia.

“My first memory of Jordan,” Thompson tells Volleyblog Seattle, was at a club tournament (when both were in high school.) She was playing, like, three years up and jump serving people off the court... my team (Kent Juniors) included.”

A few years later, Thompson’s University of Washington team met Larson’s Nebraska team for the NCAA Division 1 championship. Washington won that match; Larson’s team won the title a year later. Soon after, both were members of the US National Team. Last summer, they were Olympic teammates in London.

“It’s surreal,” says Thompson. “How lucky I am to call her a teammate every summer. … now we’re playing against each other in a Champions League match.”

The Champions League is a big deal in the world of volleyball. After months of competition across Europe, only six elite professional clubs remain. Both Voléro Zürich and Dinamo Kazan are long-time European powerhouses, a fact not lost on Thompson.

“Playing for Volero has been one of the best opportunities I've had as a professional player, “Thompson says. “The club has an incredible tradition, and it's an honor to play for one of the best clubs in Europe. My first year with the National Team, Robyn Ah Mow-Santos was the starting setter; she played for Volero for a few seasons. Robyn was a huge inspiration and role model for me, so knowing that I get to play somewhere that she played was really cool- and has made playing here even that much more special.”

Courtney Thompson (15) during Round of Eight action in the 2013-14 European Champions League

Elite professional volleyball clubs play schedules similar to professional soccer clubs, a combination of league matches and various national and international tournaments. Voléro Zürich leads the Swiss first division standings, winning 51 sets while dropping only 5.

“This club is professional in every sense of the word,” says Thompson, “and they demand a lot. But they take very good care of their athletes.

“I've realized that I am happiest as an athlete when I'm improving, and when I'm being challenged; and certainly both are happening here. You never quite know what you're getting into overseas, and I have been thankful every day I have been here. Zurich is an incredible city too- and I am surrounded my mountains... that definitely helps!”

NOTES:

• As she did last year, when she played professionally in Lodz, Poland, Thompson stayed up late to watch the Super Bowl. This time, of course, her favorite team--the Seattle Seahawks--made the experience all the better. "I am so fired up," she says. "How cool for our city!"