Courtney Thompson

RESUME: Member of the 2005 University of Washington National Championship volleyball team. Two time Olympian (2012 and 2016) winning bronze and silver medals. Plays professionally in Brasil. 

WHY BE AN AMBASSADOR? Everything about Special Olympics made me want to say yes. I love anyone who is pursuing to be their best. I love the motto “let me win but if I don’t win let me be brave in my attempt.” As an Olympian that means a lot to me. I’m grateful and very fired up to be a part of it. 

ADVICE FOR COMPETING AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL: The biggest thing is to be the very best you can be. Cherish the experience and don’t worry so much about the performance. When you find joy in the pursuit you tend to have more fun and you perform better. 

ON THE IMPACT OF THE GAMES IN SEATTLE: I think it’s unique and I can’t wait to see the city embrace all these athletes and see the impact that athletes have on everyone who is a part of it.

WHAT SEATTLE SPOT SHOULD PEOPLE VISIT: Have breakfast at the Portage Bay Cafe and then do anything on the water. Take a ferry boat somewhere or take a walk around Green Lake.