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Cal State Northridge Volleyball Player Jordan Lucas Goes Viral for On-Court Celebrations
Jordan Lucas, an outside hitter for Cal State Northridge, has drawn millions of social media views for his expressive celebrations during matches. Lucas, who is gay, says he will not change his animated style of play. The attention has sparked both support and criticism, including a broadcast comment that drew an apology.
May 6, 5:00 AM·2m read1 source
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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.
