USA Volleyball: Kent Native Courtney Thompson Hungry For Gold Medal

The United States women's volleyball team is looking to make a big splash across the pond in London for the 2012 Olympic Games, brining along one of the elite setters in the sport in Kent, WA native Courtney Thompson.

The 27-year old Thompson, won the gold medal with Team USA last week in the FIVB World Grand Prix in Ningbo, China, sparking the team in the final match against China, leading the rally from a 17-13 deficit to take the title.

The University of Washington graduate will be joined by a pair of ex-Huskies as well as Tamari Miyashiro and Jainine Sandell will also be part of the 12-member roster. They are Washington's first ever U.S. Olympians in women's volleyball.

"I'm just extremely excited for Court, Tama and their families," said UW coach Jim McLaughlin, who coached both players to All-American accolades. "It's a big deal, it affects a lot of people. They've worked hard for it and earned it and it is gratifying to get a return for that work. But the work is still to be done, and they both understand that. They get to celebrate for a day and then get back to work."

The 5-foot-8 Thompson won the 2005 Honda Award winner at UW. She has been a staple on team USA for several years now, but is making her first trip to the Olympics this year. She previously played in the 2011 and 2007 Pan-American Games, winning bronze both times.

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