Jordan Thompson - Sharing His Love

“I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”/span>

-Ephesians 3:17-19

 

As the USA Women’s Volleyball Team took the court across from rival Brazil, they were on their way to competing for a Gold medal in what had been a magical run in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. As they took the match in a three set sweep, cheers of exhilaration and joy filled the players as the team celebrated knowing they would take the Gold back home. The team was led by star outside hitter Jordan Thompson, who was a breakout athlete in leading the USA to their medal. For Thompson, she is grounded by faith and prioritizes using her gifts to impact others.

Since she was young, Jordan Thompson had always been a star on the court. After dominating her high school years, Thompson went to the University of Cincinnati where she was named 2015 American Athletic Conference Freshman of the year. Throughout her time there she continued to be a star, gaining multiple unanimous AAC player of the year awards and playing for Team USA National Volleyball teams. As Thompson grew on the court, faith has become pivotal in who she is. After an injury during her junior year that left her out for the season, she says faith became more important than ever.

“Through my setbacks I have grown so much in my faith and God has showed me where to put my identity. That has been a pivotal moment for me.” That shift in mindset as allowed Jordan to thrive in whatever position she’s been placed.

Jordan Thompson and her husband, Blake Yager, both say that faith is a priority in their relationship with one another and with others. Both found Jesus during their time in college, and Blake has served as a missionary and coach throughout his time since graduating. He has spent time in different countries working with numerous individuals, but faith wasn’t always a priority. Blake said struggles in high school left him broken and searching for answers.

“I attempted suicide my freshman and sophomore years of high school and I sought satisfaction from drugs, alcohol and partying. It wasn’t until my freshman year that I asked God to show up in my life and he did. Once I gave my life to Jesus I’ve never been the same, and while life is still challenging, I’ve had hope and joy like never before.”

After meeting Jordan, they both have grown with one another in their walks of faith. Blake says the role that faith plays in their relationship is paramount.

“She challenges me in so many ways every day. Her love for God and for others always pushes me to care more for the people in my life. She challenges me in ways that nobody else does, and always pushes me to be the best man, husband, and friend I can be. I’d be nowhere near where I am without my best friend.”

As Jordan has grown on the court, who she is off the court has always been a priority. She says that her relationship with Blake has helped that grow more than ever, and she is grateful for the opportunity to do life with someone who helps her in accomplishing her goals.

“Blake has continued to push me to pursue Jesus each day. Throughout my volleyball career he’s helped me reach my teammates and continue to share God’s love with them. And he has always been so supportive no matter where this sport takes me around the world!”

Although there is so much uncertainty in the world of athletics, both Blake and Jordan remained grounded and confident that God is in control and has it all in His hands.

After an incredible collegiate career, Jordan got the opportunity to compete with the US Olympic team in the 2020 games in Tokyo. As she joined her fellow Olympians, many anticipated a USA run in the Olympics. In just the first few matches, Thompson became a star and led the US to their first victories in the games. After an injury sidelined her late in the tournament, the US still would prevail and take home the gold. Throughout the experience, Joran says she just hopes she can use her gifts to inspire others.

“Since my injury in college, I approached volleyball in a different way. I knew my worth doesn’t come from how well I perform or my accomplishments, but from my faith in God, and that took so much pressure off of me.”

As Jordan returned home and has spent time celebrating her Gold medal with family and friends, she has seen her platform grow more than ever before. As countless individuals throughout the country look up to her for her performance during the Olympics, she is hoping to translate that attention into showing God’s love to everyone she interacts with. As Blake and Jordan both continue in their careers geared towards sports and faith, they look to inspire others and give everyone hope through any struggle that may come.