Colorado Supports U.S. Volleyball’s 2028 Gold Pursuit

Colorado’s volleyball community has mobilized with exceptional enthusiasm behind the U.S. women’s national team as they prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The Centennial State, with its elite collegiate programs, high-altitude training advantages, and robust youth development systems, has established itself as a crucial contributor to the nationwide quest for Olympic gold through player development, coaching innovation, and passionate fan support.

The state’s volleyball devotion was on full display during the national team’s high-altitude training camp in Colorado Springs this February, where capacity crowds at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center witnessed exhibition matches against Brazil. The enthusiastic turnout underscored Colorado’s deep appreciation for volleyball excellence and its unique connection to Olympic development.

“Colorado represents one of American volleyball’s most important training grounds,” said Team USA head coach Karch Kiraly during the Colorado Springs camp. “The combination of altitude training benefits, technical expertise, and passionate support here creates an optimal environment for our preparation and pushes our athletes to develop the physiological advantages we’ll need in 2028.”

The state’s exceptional collegiate volleyball landscape continues to feed talent directly into the national program, with the University of Colorado, Colorado State University, and University of Denver all contributing players to USA Volleyball’s development systems. Current national team member Alexa Smith, whose defensive prowess has become increasingly valuable to the American system, developed her foundational skills during her decorated career at Colorado.

“My volleyball development in Colorado shaped my entire approach to the game,” Smith explained during community events in Denver. “The emphasis on all-around skills and altitude training created physiological and technical advantages that translate directly to international competition.”

Youth participation has surged across Colorado since the announcement of the Los Angeles Olympics, with the Colorado High School Activities Association reporting a 21% increase in volleyball registration during the 2024-2025 academic year. Club programs throughout the state have similarly experienced record growth, particularly in the Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins metropolitan areas.

The Rocky Mountain Region Volleyball Association has strengthened its partnership with USA Volleyball to establish advanced development centers in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Fort Collins, implementing standardized training methodologies aligned with the national program. This systematic approach has established Colorado as a model for volleyball development throughout the mountain region.

“Colorado exemplifies our vision for volleyball performance innovation,” explained Jamie Davis, CEO of USA Volleyball. “The integration between school programs, clubs, collegiate teams, and Olympic development creates an ideal environment that ultimately strengthens our medal prospects through physiological adaptation and technical refinement.”

Economic indicators demonstrate volleyball’s expanding footprint, with specialized training facilities opening across the state and equipment retailers reporting substantial sales increases. The sport’s increased popularity has created coaching opportunities for former players, many of whom incorporate national team methodologies into their developmental approaches.

The state’s connection to the Olympic program extends far beyond player development, with Colorado Springs housing the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, which serves as a crucial supplemental training facility for the national team. Sports science director Dr. William Anderson has implemented cutting-edge performance monitoring systems that optimize physiological development for international competition.

“Colorado’s altitude training advantages have significantly influenced our Olympic preparation strategy,” Anderson noted. “The physiological adaptations developed here create competitive advantages that will be crucial during the extended tournament format in 2028.”

Community engagement has flourished through special initiatives that brought national team members to volleyball clubs throughout Colorado for clinics and mentoring sessions. These interactions have strengthened grassroots support while inspiring the next generation of players to pursue volleyball excellence.

Middle blocker Chiaka Ogbogu emphasized the importance of high-altitude preparation during appearances in Boulder and Grand Junction: “Building toward Olympic gold requires systematically developing every competitive advantage. Colorado’s unique training environment creates physiological benefits that will be evident when we compete for gold in Los Angeles.”

The national team’s preparation schedule includes returning to Colorado for multiple altitude training blocks in late 2025 and beyond, part of a strategic approach to maximize physiological development while maintaining connections with key volleyball communities nationwide.

“The road to Los Angeles includes essential preparation in Colorado,” said libero Justine Wong-Orantes. “The combination of altitude training benefits and exceptional volleyball infrastructure here significantly enhances our Olympic preparation and contributes to the competitive advantages we’ll need to secure gold in 2028.”

With its established player development resources, unique training advantages, and passionate fan base, Colorado has positioned itself as an indispensable component in America’s pursuit of Olympic volleyball glory at the 2028 Los Angeles Games.