Spikes and spirit have become quite the winning combination for Jordan Lucas.
The California State University, Northridge volleyball player has gone viral in the last few days after a video highlighting his big plays and eccentric celebrations caused a noticeable buzz on the internet.
Lucas, an openly gay athlete, told OutSports this week that after footage of him twirling and blowing air kisses following key kills made its way to platforms like X, TikTok and Instagram, more than 100,000 people followed him on social media.
Celebs like WNBA star Cameron Brink and Super Bowl champion Willie McGinest, too, smashed the like button on at least one of his posts.
Volleyball player Jordan Lucas in a red jersey looking up, celebrating a point during a game.
Volleyball players celebrating a point.
CSUN volleyball player Jordan Lucas in a red jersey with the number 2.
CSUN volleyball player Jordan Lucas holding a championship plaque and wearing a medal.
CSUN volleyball player Jordan Lucas in a red uniform holding a volleyball on the court.
“The support has been amazing,” Lucas said of the attention. “I don’t know what other word could describe it. People rallying behind something that isn’t talked about enough in athletics, college, amateur or pro — being LGBT. It’s been a little overwhelming, but overall it’s been very positive.
“I’m happy to have people backing me.”
But it has come with some drawbacks — including during a recent game he played in against UC Irvine.
He playfully taunted one of his opponents after scoring a point, and Charlie Brande, an announcer who was broadcasting the game, chided him for it.
“I’m amazed Jordan Lucas hasn’t been popped by somebody,” Brande said. “The antics he’s making under the net — it’s very distasteful.”
Brande’s comments were widely panned, with many suggesting they were homophobic. Brande eventually apologized for them, writing in a statement that he “wholeheartedly” regretted the remarks.
Jordan Lucas is one of CSUN’s best players.
Volleyball players in white and red uniforms on a court.
Lucas told TMZ this week he wished the apology was more personal and not so public, but he added he did not want to comment further than that.
Lucas, a 6-foot-3 outside hitter, made it clear to OutSports that no matter if similar situations arise, he’s going to keep being himself — because it’s all he’s done in a volleyball uniform since he fell in love with the sport years ago.
“You see a lot of straight athletes talk s—t and be animated,” Lucas said. “When you’re playing at this level, anything is possible. When you’re a ranked program, guys have that swagger, that confidence.
“That’s my biggest thing, if I’m playing well against you guys, and you guys are talking s—t to me, I’m not going to back down, and I’m going to show you who I am.”
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