Karch Kiraly

Karch Kiraly is an American professional volleyball player and coach, born on November 3, 1960, in Jackson, Michigan. He is universally recognized as one of the greatest players in the history of volleyball. Kiraly started his professional career with the national team before moving to the Italian league in the late 1980s, where he won several titles. He is known for his incredible agility, striking precision, and versatility. He has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records, such as being the only player to have won Olympic medals in both indoor and beach volleyball. Off the court, Kiraly is also recognized for his coaching success and influence, inspiring thousands worldwide.

National Team

• Early Career: Kiraly was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, and joined the national team after graduating from UCLA. He won his first Olympic gold medal in 1984.

Italian League

• International Success: Kiraly moved to Italy in the late 1980s, where he won several titles and was named the league's MVP.

Beach Volleyball

• Transition and Glory: Kiraly transitioned to beach volleyball in the 1990s, winning numerous titles, including an Olympic gold medal in 1996. He continued to dominate the sport well into his forties.

Coaching

• After Retirement: After retiring from professional play, Kiraly turned to coaching. He has led the U.S. Women's National Team to several victories, including a World Championship title in 2014 and an Olympic silver medal in 2012.

United States National Team

• Debut: Made his debut for the United States in 1981.

Achievements:

• Olympic Games: Gold medal in 1984 and 1988 (indoor), gold medal in 1996 (beach).
• World Championship: Gold medal in 1986.
• Kiraly is the only player in history to win Olympic gold medals in both indoor and beach volleyball.

• Position: Primarily a setter, but also excelled as a hitter.
• Skills: Known for his incredible agility, precision, and versatility. Kiraly is celebrated for his strategic mind, accurate serves, and defensive skills.

• Family: Kiraly is married to Janna Miller and they have two sons. He resides in San Clemente, California.
• Off-Court Activities: Kiraly is known for his love of reading and his commitment to promoting the sport of volleyball.

• Karch Kiraly is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his strategic mind, leadership, and longevity in professional volleyball. His impact on the sport and his status as an icon extend beyond the court, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Most Valuable Player Awards:

• AVP Most Valuable Player: 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995

Olympic Medals:

• Three Olympic gold medals: 1984, 1988 (indoor), 1996 (beach)

World Championship:

• Gold medal in 1986

Books

• Kiraly, K., & Shewman, B. (2005) Karch Kiraly's Championship Volleyball. New York: McGraw-Hill.
• Evans, B. (2016) Karch Kiraly: A Tribute to Excellence. California: American Volleyball Coaches Association.

Websites

• FIVB: Information about Karch Kiraly’s international career and achievements. Available at: https://www.fivb.com
• Team USA: Details about Kiraly’s career with the U.S. National Team. Available at: https://www.teamusa.org
• AVP: Updates and records of Kiraly in AVP competitions. Available at: https://avp.com

Articles

• Volleyball Magazine: Karch Kiraly: Career in numbers. Available at: https://volleyballmag.com
• Volleyverse: Karch Kiraly’s career highlights and records. Available at: https://volleyverse.com

Interviews and Documentaries

• Karch Kiraly - Competing with Purpose (2016): This documentary provides a detailed look at Kiraly’s life and career, featuring interviews with his family, friends, and colleagues.
• Volleyball World: Various interviews and features on Karch Kiraly, covering different aspects of his career. Available at: https://www.volleyball.world