Key Takeaways
- The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics are rapidly approaching, with indoor volleyball already slated to be held at the Honda Center.
- USA Volleyball is reviving the USA Volleyball Cup to give the national teams competitive matches against Canada and other opponents.
- Head coach Erik Sullivan is assembling a blended roster of seasoned Olympians, emerging stars, and promising newcomers as he steps into Karch Kiraly’s shoes.
- Standout athletes such as Jordan Thompson, Chiaka Ogbogu, Dana Rettke, and Kendall Kipp will headline the upcoming USAV Cup fixtures.
- Training and competition in Orange County offer local players a unique chance to perform before hometown fans while contemplating Los Angeles 2028.
Olympic Timeline Perspective
The upcoming LA 2028 Games represent a milestone that feels more immediate than Paris 2024 feels distant. With the venue already identified as the Honda Center, indoor volleyball will be a home‑court advantage for the United States, and every practice session carries added significance for athletes aiming to peak in four years’ time.
Reviving the USA Volleyball Cup
To bridge the gap between club competition and international play, USA Volleyball has resurrected the USA Volleyball Cup. This weekend, the women’s team will square off against Canada in San Diego on Saturday and again at the Bren Events Center in Irvine on Sunday. The matches are officially billed as friendly, but they will serve as a litmus test for the U.S. squad heading toward Los Angeles.
Learning From Recent Setbacks
USA Volleyball’s head coach Erik Sullivan does not shy away from the team’s recent disappointments, notably a 3‑0 sweep by Canada in Quebec City and an opening‑round loss to China in the Nations League. He views these setbacks as learning opportunities, reminding the squad that the sting of defeat must fuel a stronger push toward podium contention in 2028.
Stepping Into a Legend’s Shoes
Sullivan succeeded Karch Kiraly—who guided the U.S. women to bronze (2016), gold (2021), and silver (2024)—as head coach in January 2025. Kiraly’s legacy sets a high bar, and Sullivan acknowledges that filling those “big shoes” requires leveraging a mix of experience, depth, and a clear tactical identity.
Roster Highlights
The upcoming lineup features a blend of decorated veterans and rising talent. Two‑time Olympians Jordan Thompson (opposite hitter), Chiaka Ogbogu (middle blocker), and setters Jordyn Poulter and Micha Hancock are slated to compete. Also included are 6‑8 middle blocker Dana Rettke, 6‑1 outside hitter Avery Skinner, and 6‑3 middle blocker Asjia O’Neal, each bringing distinct skill sets to the mix.
Profile of Key Players
Thompson led League One Volleyball with a league‑best 455 points—120 points ahead of her nearest rival—earning MVP honors and cementing her status as “one of the elite opposites in the world.” Ogbogu, the only U.S. player named to the Paris Dream Team two years ago, earned Best Middle Blocker honors at the 2024 Games, pairing flawless technique with an eight‑block performance against Serbia. Their contributions help balance the team’s offensive firepower.
Setters Stepping Back Into the Fold
After a 2021 ankle injury sidelined Poulter for a quarterfinal, Hancock proved her mettle by stepping in and guiding the team to victory before Poulter’s return. Both setters, now fully recovered, will again contest for the starting role, providing continuity and playmaking depth. Poulter’s post‑knee‑injury resurgence in 2024 demonstrated resilience and regained form after a prolonged rehab.
Local Talent With a Home‑Court Edge
Southern California native Kendall Kipp, a 6‑5 opposite hitter and recent Volleyball Nations League participant, expressed excitement about competing in front of family and friends in Orange County. Her motivation is amplified by the prospect of performing in a scene that directly supports the LA 2028 host city vision, adding an emotional layer to her preparation.
Navigating Roster Challenges and Future Trajectories
Sullivan faces tough decisions ahead, especially with key players like Annie Drews and Justine Wong‑Orantes on maternity leave, and 24‑year‑old scorer Sarah Franklin training professionally abroad in Turkey. Meanwhile, former Olympians such as Kathryn Plummer Boden and Haleigh Washington have taken a summer off but could re‑enter the mix by 2028. Sullivan notes a “significant improvement” from last summer to the present, signaling a constructive upward trajectory for the program.
Looking Ahead to LA 2028
The roadmap toward Los Angeles 2028 is taking shape through a combination of competitive matches, targeted training, and a roster that balances experience with youthful vigor. As Sullivan and his staff continue to fine‑tune systems and evaluate player development, the ultimate objective remains clear: positioning the United States as a podium‑contending force when the Games finally land on home soil.