Cal State Northridge Volleyball Player Jordan Lucas Goes Viral for On-Court Celebrations

Jordan Lucas, an outside hitter for the Cal State Northridge men’s volleyball team, has attracted millions of views on social media for his on-court celebrations that include hair flicks, dismissive waves and finger snaps. The clips went viral last month.

College volleyball has a dedicated following and can draw large crowds, such as the 92,000 fans who attended a Nebraska versus Omaha match in 2023, but it does not usually receive the level of attention given to basketball or football. Lucas said people are drawn to him because they do not often see someone who is animated and flamboyant but still performs at a high level on the court.

He added that he is not going to change how he plays. College athletes gaining social media fame is not new. Other athletes including Paige Bueckers, Harper Murray, Olivia Dunne and Shedeur Sanders have had viral moments. Lucas’s situation differs because the discussion has centered on his identity as a gay man and the style of his celebrations.

During one broadcast, a UC Irvine announcer said he was amazed Lucas had not been hit by an opponent and called the actions under the net distasteful. The announcer later issued an apology stating that violence should never be acceptable or tolerated and will no longer call UC Irvine volleyball games.

Lucas described his gestures as celebrations that are common in other sports. “I celebrate because it’s fun. In professional sports – the NBA, NFL, MLB – it’s about talent, but it’s also about what separates you from the pack,” he said. “I’m not going to tone down who I am.

” His teammates, coaches and staff have been supportive. Lucas said he comes from a family that followed basketball. His older brother Jarod played for Nevada and Oregon State. Lucas chose to focus on volleyball, where he felt he could be himself.

“People either love or hate the way I play,” he said. Online comments have included homophobic remarks, and he noted that much of the criticism comes from men who hold stereotypes about how male athletes should behave. He compared his celebrations to end zone dances by NFL players.

“I’m doing the same thing – just in a more feminine way,” Lucas said. Support has come from figures including Mark Cuban, Billy Porter and players in the WNBA. Lucas said the increased attention to his life off the court has taken some getting used to.

He added that antagonism has strengthened his resolve. As one of the few openly gay players in men’s volleyball, he said he wants to show younger LGBTQ athletes that they can succeed in sports.