Who is US volleyball player Matt Anderson’s wife? What to know about Jackie Anderson and their two children
Who is US volleyball player Matt Anderson’s wife? What to know about Jackie Anderson and their two children
Matt Anderson, a standout player on the U.S. men’s volleyball team, is making headlines both on and off the court at the 2024 Paris Olympics. At 37, Anderson is not only a key player for his team but also a dedicated husband and father. On August 5, he led his team to victory against Brazil by scoring 20 points, securing their spot in the semifinals against Poland on August 7, with hopes of winning a gold medal.
Anderson, who made his Olympic debut in 2012 in London and won a bronze medal in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, is playing in his fourth consecutive Games. This year is particularly special for him as it’s the first time his family — wife Jackie Anderson, son Jamie, and daughter Juno — has joined him at the Olympics.
Who is US volleyball player Matt Anderson’s wife? What to know about Jackie Anderson and their two children
In an interview with NBC affiliate WGRZ-TV of Buffalo, New York, Anderson expressed his joy at having his family present. “It’s always awesome when family can be at the matches and in particular, my kids right now and my wife. This is their very first time seeing me play live in the Olympics,” he shared. He emphasized the importance of this experience for his children and the support he feels from having them there. “We’re trying to soak it up as much as possible and give them the experience of the Olympics,” he said. “But also me being able to have them there for support is pretty good.”
Jackie Anderson is a food stylist and a photographer
Who is US volleyball player Matt Anderson’s wife? What to know about Jackie Anderson and their two children
Jackie Anderson (née Gillum) is a food stylist and a photographer who answers to the nickname “Snackie,” according to her personal website
The couple tied the knot in 2020
Matt Anderson first shared a photo of him posing his future wife on Instagram in September 2018, calling her “my babe of a girlfriend” in his caption.
In May 2019, he shared pics showing him proposing on Instagram along with the caption “She said ‘YES!’” He added the hashtag #happiestmanalive.
The couple tied the knot in 2020, according to the athlete’s profile on the Team USA website. The following year, Jackie Anderson shared throwback images from the couple’s wedding ceremony on her website, adding the date Aug. 29, 2020.
Who is US volleyball player Matt Anderson’s wife? What to know about Jackie Anderson and their two children
They share two kids
Who is US volleyball player Matt Anderson’s wife? What to know about Jackie Anderson and their two children
Matthew and Jackie Anderson welcomed their first child, son Michael James, whose nickname is Jamie, in 2020. They later welcomed a daughter named Virginia, whose nickname is Juno.
Jackie Anderson says her husband is devoted to his family
While in Paris for the 2024 Olympics, Jackie Anderson told NBC affiliate WGRZ-TV of Buffalo, New York, that when Matt Anderson is at home, he prioritizes his family above all else.
“Family’s first, the volleyball. That’s just who Matt is to the core,” she explained. “Like when he’s up on the court, he’s on the court. Then when he comes home, he’s a husband and he’s a dad.”
Who is US volleyball player Matt Anderson’s wife? What to know about Jackie Anderson and their two children
Jackie Anderson sometimes ‘distracts’ her husband during his matches
During his time competing in Paris, Matt Anderson shared a cute Instagram video that showed him blowing a kiss to his wife in the audience during a match.
“When your wife is trying to distract you during kind of an important match… I love you @snackieanderson,” he captioned the video, adding emoji of a heart-eyed face, a heart and fire.
Matt Anderson says his wife’s support makes her his ‘superhero’
Who is US volleyball player Matt Anderson’s wife? What to know about Jackie Anderson and their two children
Matt Anderson says the support of his his wife, whom he calls his “superhero,” helps him to stay focused on the sport despite occasional setbacks, such as the team’s disappointing showing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
“A lot of emotions come up (to make me wonder) “Is it still worth it for me to keep playing?” I think it is, and my wife, Jackie,is in the same boat. I’m very lucky to have that support from her and the rest of my family,” he told NBC Sports in September 2023.
Matt Anderson calls life at home with his wife and kids ‘beautiful chaos’
Matt Anderson told NBC Sports in September 2023 that being a dad has reshaped his perspective on life. “My kids have humbled the sh– out of me. Some things don’t matter anymore,” he explained.
He went on to describe his life at home with his family as “beautiful chaos.”
Who is US volleyball player Matt Anderson’s wife? What to know about Jackie Anderson and their two children
Who is US volleyball player Matt Anderson’s wife? What to know about Jackie Anderson and their two children