Volleyball legend and three-time Gold Medalist, Karch Kiraly is synonymous with the sport of Pro Beach Volleyball. Clearly the "winningest" player in the history of the sport, Karch has earned more than three million dollars playing beach volleyball and has become one of the most recognized sports figures today.
Born in 1960, Karch is considered the "Michael Jordan" of pro beach volleyball as he is the oldest player to compete in the sport and continues to perform at the highest level --- beating competitors literally half his age. Karch and partner Mike Lambert were named 2004 AVP Team of the Year after capturing three titles including the Manhattan Beach Open, which marked Karch's 147th career title, the Aquafina AVP Las Vegas Shooutout and the San Diego Open.
Karch is the only volleyball player in Olympic history to win three Gold medals, having been part of the United States Gold Medal indoor teams in 1984 and 1988 and winning the Gold Medal in beach volleyball at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games with Kent Steffes.
In 1992, Karch was inducted into the UCLA Hall of Fame and had his jersey retired after an All-American volleyball career with the Bruins. While in school, he led his team to three NCAA Championships (1979, 1981 and 1982) and earned All-American honors all four years.
Karch grew up in Santa Barbara and learned the sport of beach volleyball from his father, Dr. Laszlo Kiraly. He graduated from high school third in his class with a 3.96 grade-point average.
Throughout his career, Karch has earned countless accolades including: AVP Best Defensive Player (2002), AVP Best Offensive Player (1990, 1993, 1994), AVP Comeback Player of the Year (1997), AVP Most Valuable Player (1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998), AVP Sportsman of the Year (1995, 1997, 1998) and AVP Outstanding Achievement (2004).
In 2002, at the age of 42, Kiraly began training with Mike Rangel, a noted fitness coach and founder of Southern California-based PlyoCity. Kiraly went on to record another 6 AVP tournament victories: two with partner Brent Doble in 2002 and 2003 and four with Mike Lambert in 2004 and 2005.
In 2006, Kiraly partnered with Larry Witt and in 2007, Kevin Wong. Kiraly is known for his trademark pink cap that he wears while playing on the AVP tour.
Kiraly began his transition to broadcasting while still actively playing on the AVP. He would often serve as a commentator for the women's final and other matches as his tournament playing schedule would allow.
Karch retired from the AVP tour at the end of the 2007 season and currently works as a broadcaster for ESPN in addition to continuing color commentary for AVP on NBC broadcasts. Kiraly recently covered Beach Volleyball at the 2008 Beijing Olympics for NBC Sports.
He currently resides in San Clemente, California where he coaches the boys' varsity volleyball team at St. Margaret's Episcopal High School.
Karch Kiraly, 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist in Volleyball, is available through IMG Speakers Bureau for speaking engagements. Karch Kiraly is also available for corporate meetings and events, meet and greets and much more. Please contact IMG Speakers at 212-774-6735 or speakers@imgworld.com for more information on booking Karch Kiraly.
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