Husker Volleyball Star Aims for Olympic Glory in Paris

As the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris draw near, the excitement is palpable for the U.S. Volleyball team, particularly for former Husker standout Justine Wong-Orantes. With a gold medal already under her belt from the Tokyo 2020 games, Wong-Orantes is poised to lead her team to victory once again on the world's biggest stage.

Veteran Presence Bolsters Team USA's Chances

Navigating the Chaos of the Olympic Spotlight

Justine Wong-Orantes, a seasoned veteran of the U.S. National Team, is no stranger to the high-pressure environment of the Olympic Games. Having competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she is well-aware of the unique challenges that come with representing the United States on the world stage. "I'm a little anxious, definitely excited, but I've already heard people who are there {say} that Paris is a madhouse right now," Wong-Orantes shares. "So it's going to be crazy in terms of the amount of people that will be there. I think that's something that we didn't have to take into account with Tokyo." The libero's experience in navigating the chaos and intensity of the Olympic atmosphere will be invaluable to her younger teammates as they prepare to make their mark on the international stage.

Honing Excellence at the University of Nebraska

Wong-Orantes' journey to the Olympic spotlight began during her collegiate career at the University of Nebraska, where she was a key member of the Cornhuskers' 2015 national championship team. "Being a part of a program that expects excellence, that's what makes them so successful year after year," she reflects. "I was really fortunate to even be wanted at Nebraska and offered a scholarship there, because it kind of came late in the recruiting process and was never on my radar. So I'm just thankful for my time there." The rigorous training and high-performance culture at Nebraska have undoubtedly played a pivotal role in shaping Wong-Orantes into the elite athlete she is today, priming her for success on the world's biggest stage.

Embracing the Olympic Experience

For Wong-Orantes, the opportunity to represent the United States at the Olympic Games is a privilege that she does not take lightly. "It's just different. I feel like the Olympic experience, it just puts so much more of an added layer to it and I think there's just {an added spotlight} around the athletes, in particular USA athletes," she explains. The libero's appreciation for the significance of the Olympic stage is evident, and she is determined to make the most of her time in the spotlight. "It's a privilege to be able to compete at the highest level and represent your country," she says. "The Olympic experience is truly unique, and I'm grateful to have the chance to be a part of it again."

A Fresh Perspective for Team USA

As the 2024 Olympic team takes shape, Wong-Orantes is excited about the blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy that will comprise the squad. "This year's Olympic team features newer players who are novices to the international stage," she notes. "It's a fresh mix of players that Wong-Orantes sees as a strong team to win gold." The veteran's experience and guidance will be invaluable in helping the younger athletes navigate the challenges of the Olympic environment, while the infusion of new talent and enthusiasm will undoubtedly push the team to new heights.

Aiming for Gold, Again

With a gold medal already in her possession from the Tokyo 2020 games, Wong-Orantes is determined to add another to her collection in Paris. "We are so capable of winning gold again and I think if we can boost each other up as much as possible, I think we have a really really good shot," she says. The libero's confidence in her team's abilities is palpable, and she is committed to being a driving force behind their pursuit of Olympic glory. "I guess the morale of that is just being each others biggest fan," she adds, underscoring the importance of team unity and camaraderie in their quest for gold.

Homecoming and the Next Chapter

As Wong-Orantes prepares to compete in Paris, she is also excited to have her family by her side, sharing in the experience. "I'm proud to have my family alongside me while I'm competing in Paris," she says. Upon her return from the Olympics, the libero will shift her focus to the inaugural season of the League One Volleyball Team in Omaha, a venture she is deeply invested in as a founding member. "Post-Paris will kick off the inaugural season for the team," she reveals, eager to continue her impact on the sport both on the international stage and in her local community.