Olympic volleyball star Chiaka Ogbogu returned to her hometown Tuesday, Sept. 24 as the city council honored her with a proclamation declaring “Chiaka Ogbogu Day.”
The council unanimously approved the recognition, celebrating Ogbogu’s recent success with the U.S. Women’s Volleyball team. Coppell Mayor Wes Mays said it was an easy decision to recognize her talent.
“Chiaka has exemplified the spirit of sportsmanship, inspiring athletes alike with her and her team’s remarkable achievements on the world stage,” Mays said. ”The remarkable victories of the U.S. Women’s Volleyball Team have brought immense pride and honor to Chiaka’s hometown of Coppell.”
Ogbogu played a crucial role in the U.S. team’s silver medal win at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. She was voted the best middle blocker on the Paris 2024 Dream Team. This medal adds to her gold from the 2020 Summer Olympics, making her a two-time Olympic medalist.
The Coppell High School grad has represented the U.S. Women’s National Team since 2018, playing professionally in Italy, Poland and Turkey, according to the U.S. Volleyball team website. She has also modeled for Ralph Lauren and Milani Cosmetics.
Several council members expressed their gratitude and congratulations to Ogbogu. Councilmember Brianna Hinajosa-Smith was glad to see Ogbogu in person, thanking her for all she has done for Coppell.
“Thank you for everything you do to represent our community … you do it with such grace and poise, and we really appreciate it,” Hinajosa-Smith said. “We were all watching you and will continue to watch you and celebrate you and support you.”
Obgobu said she spotted several faces she knows from Coppell in the Paris crowds during the Olympic games. She is proud to be a Coppell alumnus and hopes to stay true to her city roots on her volleyball journey.
“Thank you to my family and friends, it’s been a very long journey … the support I felt from them and then also the city of Coppell has been extremely humbling,” Ogbogu said. “The support that I have received from this community from kindergarten has just been amazing and extremely humbling. Thank you all for your support near and far.”
To commemorate the occasion, Ogbogu signed a volleyball that will be displayed in the lobby of Coppell City Hall.
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