Get to Know Courtney Thompson: Head of Pro Integration and Co-Director of Youth Coach Development

Growing up in Kent, WA Courtney went on to attend the University of Washington where she was a four-year captain and led her team to a National Championship in 2005. After college Courtney joined the USA team and went on to become a two-time Olympian, helping her team win a Silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics, a Bronze medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics, and a Gold medal at the 2014 World Championships. Post volleyball, Courtney worked for seven years as a mindset coach with Finding Mastery and brings all of her experience and enthusiasm to our team here at LOVB! 

What’s one of your favorite memories as a competitive volleyball player?
I feel really lucky to have shared some incredible moments with my teammates over the years, one of my favorites being winning the World Championships in 2014. It wasn’t just that we won (although that’s always fun) it was really how we went about it as a team, and through all of the challenges that tournament, we stayed connected and believed in one another.  To me, that’s what no one can give you and no one can take away and it makes getting to win that much more special.  

Who is someone that inspired you as a young athlete?
I was first inspired by a documentary on the Tennessee women’s basketball program and Pat Summit. My brother recorded it for me on VHS and I used to watch it almost everyday and then practice. Ha! I’ve always been a nerd for everything that goes into being an athlete, getting extra conditioning in, dialing in nutrition, recovery, watching film, etc. That was the first time I had seen female athletes behind the scenes and how hard they practice and it lit a fire in me! So grateful for what that 90 minute program did for my inspiration! 

What’s your favorite part about your role at LOVB?
I’m really grateful for the role I have a LOVB. My favorite part is probably getting to be so connected to our Pro Athletes and Club Directors. Both groups are so committed to what they do and convicted in what they want to be about, that I love learning from them and supporting them all. It is incredibly meaningful to be a part of something where everyone is connected to and excited about the same purpose and vision. I feel that in abundance at LOVB.

As a mindset coach, what’s your go to thought when things get tough?
I really like the anchor thought of ‘I can adjust’. When I was competing I learned over and over that it’s not the error that is the problem, it’s when we let that error or challenge impact the next play, the next practice, the next game, etc. It’s been no different for me outside of volleyball. Usually when things come at me that I wasn’t expecting, it’s when I accept what happened and try to enjoy the challenge of adjusting that I’m a better teammate, I have more fun, and I perform better in the end. 

Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of the teammate I’ve been. No one is perfect, but even through my rough moments, my teammates knew I deeply cared about them and what we were creating together and I try to carry that into everything I do. To me, leadership is about finding the good in people and helping them bring it out as much as possible and I love using that as a framework for me. Life is a team game and the people we share minutes with are always the most important to me!

What’s on the top of your bucket list?
So many fun things I’d love to do in life!  Probably the top one is to have kids. I haven’t done that yet and really looking forward to the beautiful moments and challenges that come along with that! I also would love to ski + spa in Japan!