Santa Barbara native Karch Kiraly has been named the new head coach for the USA Women’s Senior Volleyball Team, it was announced on Tuesday.
Kiraly will take over coaching duties presumably at least all the way through the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Kiraly grew up in Santa Barbara before heading to UCLA. Kiraly’s playing career included three Olympic Gold Medals (2 Indoor; 1 Beach) and the most career wins in AVP history.
USA Volleyball CEO Doug Beal released a statement:
“It is hard for me to define how excited I am that Karch has agreed to become our next U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team coach. I have often heard him compared to Michael Jordan as a dominant performer and personality. It is extremely rare that someone who was so talented and successful on the court can successfully make the transition to that same level in the coaching world. Karch is unique and USA Volleyball is fortunate and lucky to have him to continue the leadership of our National Team program.
I am confident Karch will represent USA Volleyball, USA and our sport in the most positive way possible and help us elevate the sport and the USA Women’s Team to levels we have not seen. It is pretty hard to follow the success of our past two Olympics, but no one is in a better situation to do so than Karch. I have worked with Karch at many levels, and I am never ceased to be amazed by his abilities, his accomplishments and his drive. Part of my excitement is anticipating what he can do for our USA Women’s Team.
We have had some of the most remarkable coaches in the world leading our two National Team. I am confident Karch will continue that tradition, legacy and level of success. His passion for the sport, his work ethic, his leadership and competitiveness is almost unmatchable. What is perhaps his most unique ability is being able to relate to each individual member of the team and transfer his knowledge, insight and his support making each of them better and the team stronger.”
More reaction, including quotes from Kiraly, can be found HERE.
