They may have not won GOLD but their journey in Rio will forever be remembered.
According to this article, Jordan Larson & Team gathered in the locker room for one last time before their bronze medal match versus The Netherlands which they won.
In this emotional moment, the players took turns to speak about their journey in Rio and the years they’ve spent together.
We’ve also added some post match quotes.
If you’re a Team USA fan, what they did & said may make you get teary eyed.
1. Ouside hitter Jordan Larson told her teammates she loved them and would fight for every one of them.
“I’m just really proud to be a part of this program. It’s come a long way. I’m just really happy because there are a lot of good people who deserve this. A lot of people just gave their hearts and soul to this.” -Larson
2. Setter Alisha Glass made sure they all knew there was nowhere she’d rather be now than right here in Rio.
“In a way, selfishly, I wanted a gold medal to almost prove the way this culture is, or the way the culture has grown and the foundation that we’ve built, almost to prove it right — that the way we did it was right. A medal’s not going to prove that. A medal doesn’t define this team. It will never define this team.” -Christa Dietzen who is retiring from the sport to start a family.
3. 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings sent the team a very special note: “Go Get A Bronze!”
“I have a whole new respect for everyone that wins a bronze medal.” -Courtney Thompson who also announced her retirement.
4. Coach Karch Kiraly & Team Suffered Pain & Heartache
“Our team dealt with some real pain and heartache, heartbreak, a couple of days ago. I’m incredibly proud of how within hours they were preparing, carrying that heartbreak, but preparing to be good and to finish strong. I also never had any understanding of how good a bronze medal could feel, and it feels incredible right now. We’re so happy to finish this tournament on this note.” -Coach Kiraly.
5. Tears Of Sadness & Tears Of Gratitude
“There’s been a lot of tears the past couple days. And not just tears of sadness before this match, tears of gratitude and just joy at this experience these past four years, in this tournament and being with this group of people, this special group. It’s been such an amazing ride.” -Kim Hill
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