From controversy to pride: How volleyball star Jordan Lucas inspires on and off court

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Volleyball star and internet sensation Jordan Lucas has lived his life by embracing everything that makes him who he is, including all of his quirks.

“Embrace all the quirks and all the things that make you you because in my opinion at the end of the day, that’s why people fall in love with you,” Lucas said.

Lucas, a Division I athlete, played outside hitter at Cal State Northridge and became a social media sensation because of his on-court celebrations.

He said his celebrations were nothing new, and he has been doing so since he was 13.

“It’s what kind of differentiates you from that other player,” Lucas said. “What sets you apart just a little bit from all the other great players. And for me it’s not only my talent, but the last five seconds of the play, the hair flip, the kiss, the hair toss, whatever it may be.”

In April, Lucas found himself the subject of controversy when, during a match, long-time broadcaster Charlie Brande said he was amazed that Lucas had not “been popped by somebody.”

At first, he questioned himself and asked if he had done anything wrong.

“I had to reflect maybe like a day or two and I thought to myself like, no, what I’m doing is right. Because guys do it on the other side of the net in a more masculine way or whatever you (want to) call it,” Lucas said. “Mine is a little more feminine or more exuberant, and I guess that wasn’t liked by him.”

Brande apologized and was fired.

Lucas has since transferred to Long Island University in New York.

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Lucas gained fanfare just for being himself, and loves to think he helped others do the same.

“It’s kind of just like cool to one, be seen, and two, be a beacon of hope and light for others that aren’t as comfortable in their own skin or aren’t willing to be as flamboyant or theatric in their understanding of who they are and their true identity and exuding that on whatever field, court that may be,” he said.

Lucas, who is Native Hawaiian, has strong Hawaii ties. His mom is from the islands, and his dad played basketball at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Although Lucas won’t be in town for this weekend’s Honolulu Pride Parade, his thoughts are here with the islands.

“I love seeing pride parades because you see the faces of all the people walking in the parade who are celebrating as allies or as people in the community, that they just have an abundance of joy. And to me that’s super special,” he said.