Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings are the most successful beach volleyball team of all time. With three consecutive Olympic gold medals, it’s no surprise that they’ve become two of the most recognizable names in sports. But just how far have they come since their first match together in 2001? Here are some facts and a brief bio about Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings to give you an idea of the incredible accomplishments they’ve achieved together as a team.
The duo is one of only four teams to ever win three Olympic gold medals in beach volleyball. Together, they amassed an impressive record of 112 wins and only 9 losses—a remarkable 92.9% winning percentage throughout their entire career! This statistic alone speaks volumes about the strength of their partnership and demonstrates just how successful these two have been as a team on the international stage.
Misty May-Treanor was born in 1977 and grew up in California, where she first began playing volleyball at age 8. After graduating from college at Long Beach State University, she moved to Florida to focus solely on beach volleyball with partner Holly McPeak. In 2000, Misty met Kerri Walsh Jennings at an AVP tour event, and the rest is history! They went on to win multiple world championships before making history at the 2004 Olympics with a resounding victory over Brazil for gold.
Early Life
In an Olympic career that has been nothing short of extraordinary, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings have become household names in the world of beach volleyball. Their incredible achievements have been nothing short of legendary, and they are surely two of the greatest athletes to ever grace the sport!
Misty May-Treanor was born in Los Angeles, California, on July 30th, 1977. She was raised in Costa Mesa and started playing volleyball at a young age. She attended Newport Harbor High School where she won two national high school championships with her teammate Holly McPeak. Misty then continued her education at Long Beach State University where she was named NCAA Player of the Year twice while leading her team to three NCAA titles.
Kerri Walsh Jennings was born on August 15th, 1978 in Santa Clara, California. She attended Archbishop Mitty High School where she was an All-American player for four years and helped lead the Monarchs to three state titles. Kerri then went on to Stanford University where she became a four-time All-American player and helped her team win two NCAA Championships.
With their competitive backgrounds established early on in life, both Misty and Kerri were set up for success as beach volleyball stars. They would soon take the world by storm with their talents!
Personal Backgrounds
Misty May and Kerri Walsh have been a powerful team for many years. They come from two different backgrounds, which has played a part in their success.
May was born in Los Angeles, California and later attended Newport Harbor High School. She had an early start to her career when she joined the beach volleyball circuit at just sixteen years old. May went on to become a three-time All-American at Long Beach State University.
On the other hand, Walsh was born in Santa Clara, California and attended Archbishop Mitty High School before attending Stanford University. She also had an impressive beach volleyball career with four All-American titles under her belt before meeting May.
These two players were well-prepared for their eventual pairing, bringing fresh talent and experience to the game of beach volleyball. They have gone on to achieve remarkable success together; setting the stage for what’s to come next in their respective careers.
Career Beginnings
Misty May and Kerri Walsh were a dynamic duo, each possessing the perfect combination of skill and talent that would eventually launch them onto the world stage. They had a storybook beginning to their career, soaring to heights they could have only dreamed of previously.
Their first successes came in the form of beach volleyball tournaments. The two began their partnership in 1999, when Misty was 19 and Kerri was 18. Their ambition was clear from the outset and they quickly earned a reputation for being an unbeatable team. Although they were not yet professional players, it was clear that these two had chemistry that could not be denied; it seemed as though they could read each other’s minds on the court.
It wasn’t long before Misty and Kerri started winning major tournaments around the world. One of their first major successes was at the 2000 AVP Cuervo Gold Crown Championship in Chicago, where they took home first place. This victory marked a turning point in their careers: from then on, there was no stopping them from becoming one of the most successful teams in beach volleyball history.
Olympic Success
The sun shone brightly, like a beacon of hope and success. Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh were two of the most successful beach volleyball players in Olympic history, their sheer determination and skill winning them three consecutive gold medals from 2004 to 2012. As they stepped into the sand for the first time, with their sights set on Olympic success, little did they know what lay ahead.
From then on, their careers seemed to take flight. They dominated the international beach volleyball circuit for years, quickly cementing themselves as one of the world’s greatest duos. Most notably was their incredible run at the Olympics; four consecutive appearances with four gold medals between them. Their performances were almost unparalleled and unprecedented in Olympic beach volleyball history, leaving many awe-struck at their remarkable achievements.
Their legacy was solidified by an almost perfect record across three Olympic tournaments – a feat that will surely remain unmatched for years to come. With every point they scored, they further solidified themselves as one of the greatest teams ever to grace an Olympic court. As they walked off the sand for one final time after London 2012, Misty and Kerri had become a symbol of excellence and sporting greatness throughout the world. As we turn our attention to their professional tour successes next, we can certainly reflect on their extraordinary accomplishments in both beach volleyball and Olympic glory.
Professional Beach Volleyball Tour (Avp)
In 2004, Misty May and Kerri Walsh joined the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) tour. This was a professional beach volleyball tour that spanned all over the United States, and it allowed them to compete against the best players in the world. The duo quickly made their mark on the tour, winning their first tournament together in 2004. They went on to dominate the AVP tour for years to come, winning a total of 59 tournaments and being crowned champions nine times.
May and Walsh’s dominance on the AVP tour earned them both numerous individual awards as well. May was named MVP seven times, while Walsh was named MVP eight times. Both were also honored as Co-Most Outstanding Player four times in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2009 respectively. Their accomplishments on the court earned them both a place in AVP history as two of its most decorated athletes ever.
The success that May and Walsh had on the AVP tour set up their next step towards greatness: Team USA.
Team Usa
Isn’t it a coincidence that Misty May and Kerri Walsh have conquered the world of beach volleyball? It’s almost as if fate had written their story from the start. Well, it turns out, their story is far from over. After all, they are still members of Team USA and have been since 2003.
Team USA is the United States’ official beach volleyball team. They compete in the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships and have won multiple medals over the years. Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings are two of the most decorated athletes on Team USA, having won three Olympic gold medals together. The pair has also been named “Athletes of the Decade” by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).
Since joining Team USA, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings have proven time and time again how successful they are as a team. They have achieved great success at international competitions such as the Olympics, World Cup, and Grand Slams; all thanks to their strong bond both on and off the court. With their unparalleled record of dominance in beach volleyball, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings continue to be an inspiration for many aspiring athletes around the world.
What remains to be seen is how this dynamic duo will fare when it comes to match records.
Match Records
- Match Records: Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh have set numerous records over their combined careers as the greatest beach volleyball team in history. Most notably, they won an incredible three Olympic gold medals in 2004, 2008, and 2012 – a feat that will likely never be matched.
To put this into perspective, here are some other impressive stats:
- The pair have won more than 109 professional tour titles, including 22 FIVB World Tour events and 57 domestic tour titles (the most ever for a female duo).
- Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh also hold the record for the longest winning streak in the history of beach volleyball at 112 consecutive victories from 2003 to 2007.
- Their overall win rate is nearly 95%, making them one of the most successful duos of any sport ever.
These statistics speak to just how dominant Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh were as a team. Now let’s look at the awards and accolades they earned throughout their careers…
Awards And Accolades
Throughout their careers, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings have won numerous awards and accolades. In 2004, they won the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships, becoming the first American pair to win a World Championship medal. This was followed by three consecutive Olympic gold medals from 2004–2012.
In addition to their Olympic success, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings have also been recognized for their achievements on the professional tour. The pair has been named the AVP Team of the Year six times, and both were individually awarded MVP honors in 2003 and 2011 respectively. They were inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2013.
Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings have made a huge impact on beach volleyball throughout their careers. From winning multiple championships to receiving individual recognition, they remain two of the most decorated players in the sport’s history. With such impressive accomplishments, it’s no wonder why they are considered one of beach volleyball’s all-time greatest pairs. It’s now time to take a look at their retirement from professional play.
Retirement
In the summer of 2012, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings announced their retirement from professional beach volleyball. After years of playing together, the duo decided that it was time to move on and focus on the next chapter in their lives. Their career had been nothing short of extraordinary, and their retirement was seen as an opportunity for them to reflect on all they had achieved.
The two friends had won three Olympic gold medals together, in 2004, 2008 and 2012 respectively. They also won numerous other titles including 16 AVP championships, 13 FIVB World Tour Championships, four FIVB World Grand Slams and 14 FIVB World Tour Final victories. They were undoubtedly one of the most successful teams in beach volleyball history.
Their retirement signaled the end of a golden era in beach volleyball with no team coming close to matching their level of success since then. With both players stepping away from competition at the same time, it marked a significant shift in the sport’s landscape; but even today they are remembered and celebrated as one of its most iconic pairs. As they transition into post-retirement life, they leave behind a legacy that is sure to be remembered for many years to come.
Post-Retirement Career
Following their retirement, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings have found success in their post-retirement career. Here are some of the ways they have stayed active:
They have continued to promote beach volleyball as a sport. Misty and Kerri are both heavily involved with the Beach Volleyball Major Series, an international circuit of tournaments across five continents. As ambassadors for the sport, they frequently travel around the world to promote beach volleyball at various events and conferences.
Additionally, Misty and Kerri have appeared in multiple television shows and movies. In 2019, they made a cameo appearance on “The Office”, playing beach volleyball during Dwight Schrute’s ‘Survival Sunday’ episode. They also guest starred on “The Biggest Loser” in 2014, coaching contestants in beach volleyball challenges.
The two athletes have also started their own business ventures since retiring from professional play. In 2018, they launched their own clothing line called Candy & Kiki Activewear which focuses on creating stylish yet comfortable clothing for women of all sizes and shapes.
These are just a few examples of how Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings remain active in sports even after retirement. Their influence continues to extend far beyond the court as they use their celebrity status to inspire others and make a difference in the lives of those around them. Moving forward, this dynamic duo will undoubtedly continue to break boundaries when it comes to making an impact in beach volleyball culture – something that will no doubt be seen soon through their endorsements work.
Endorsements
When they retired from professional beach volleyball, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings had already achieved legendary status. Not only were they the most decorated beach volleyball duo in history, but their popularity enabled them to capitalize on their success through lucrative endorsement deals.
The two have been sponsored by some of the biggest names in sports, apparel and lifestyle brands. Here are a few highlights:
- In 2004, Misty and Kerri signed a five-year deal with sportswear giant Nike which earned them millions of dollars in endorsements.
- In 2009, the pair renewed their contract with Nike for an undisclosed sum and continued to receive payments until 2014 when Misty retired from the sport.
- The duo have also endorsed several other leading brands including Oakley sunglasses, Gatorade energy drinks and Mizuno sports equipment.
Thanks to these endorsement deals, Misty and Kerri have enjoyed financial security beyond their retirement from pro beach volleyball. Additionally, these partnerships have provided them with a platform to promote their work off the court as well as extend their reach beyond sport. As we’ll see in the next section, they’ve used this platform to launch several philanthropic initiatives that benefit both local and global communities alike.
Philanthropic Work
If you thought Misty May and Kerri Walsh were just about beach volleyball, you’d be mistaken. Not only have these two powerhouses of the sport earned 11 Olympic medals between them, but they’ve also made sure to give back to their community. When it comes to philanthropic work, the two are a real powerhouse duo – let’s take a look at how they’ve made an impact!
You may not know it, but both Misty and Kerri are no strangers to charity work. They are both ambassadors for Right To Play, an international humanitarian organization that uses sports to empower children in disadvantaged communities around the world. In addition, they have served as coaches for Team USA in the Volleyball Nations League in 2019 and 2020.
But that’s not all! The duo has also been involved with organizations such as Girls on the Run International, which encourages young girls to be active and lead healthy lifestyles; Special Olympics; Folds of Honor; and Positive Coaching Alliance. Through these initiatives, they have provided support for underserved populations throughout their careers – a testament to their passion for giving back.
The next section will explore Misty May and Kerri Walsh’s social media presence – another way these athletes have used their platform for good.
Social Media Presence
The world of Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings is one full of influence, and this influence is palpable on social media. Like a beacon of light, their presence on platforms such as Instagram and Twitter shines brighter with each post. Here’s a closer look at the pair’s reach on social media:
To start, Misty has nearly 400K followers on Instagram while Kerri has around 350K. Both ladies have active accounts, often posting recreational activities or updates related to their work lives. Their following is solid proof that they are still beloved even after their retirement from professional volleyball in 2012.
Aside from their own personal accounts, the dynamic duo also run an official team account for their fans—@teammmk_official—which has about 38K followers so far. Through this account, they share updates on events and projects they are working on together as well as behind-the-scenes content like exclusive videos. Moreover, they use this platform to engage with their fans by responding to comments and reposting fan art.
The two athletes have truly made a mark in the world of social media – here’s a snapshot into how powerful that mark is: 1) combined followers – 800K; 2) personal accounts – both active; 3) team account – 38K followers; 4) engaging with fans – yes! It’s clear that these two have achieved much success in the digital arena, allowing them to stay connected with their devoted fanbase even after retirement.
Taking a look at their net worth…
Net Worth
It is no secret that Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings are two of the most successful beach volleyball players in history. Their success, both on and off the court, has translated into an impressive net worth. According to Celebrity Net Worth, their combined net worth is estimated at over $20 million.
This staggering figure can be attributed to their combined success in Olympic gold medals and professional competitions. Their partnership in beach volleyball has earned them three consecutive Olympic Gold Medals from 2004-2012. As a result, they have achieved numerous endorsements from companies such as Johnson & Johnson, AT&T, and Nike. Their career achievements have also seen them receiving several awards such as the ESPY Best Team Award in 2007 and 2015 ESPY Icon Award for Sportsmanship.
In addition to their sporting achievements, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings have also made a name for themselves in the entertainment industry. They have appeared on multiple television shows such as “Dancing with the Stars” and “The Biggest Loser.” They have even had cameos in movies like “Grudge Match” starring Sylvester Stallone and Robert De Niro. With all these successes contributing to their already significant bank accounts, it’s clear that this dynamic duo is one of the highest paid athletes of all time.
Their wealth speaks volumes about the impact they’ve had on beach volleyball as well as sports culture overall. It’s easy to see why they are so highly regarded by fans around the world, not just for their performances inside the game but for everything else they bring outside of it too. It’s now time to look back at their legacy…
Legacy
Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings are two of the most famous volleyball players in the world. With three Olympic gold medals, 112 AVP tour wins and nearly a million dollars in prize money, they have left an incredible legacy on the sport.
One impressive statistic is that between 2003 and 2012, they earned every single Olympic beach volleyball gold medal available – a streak of six consecutive titles in total. This demonstrates the sheer dominance of Misty and Kerri in their sport, with no other pair being able to challenge them for Olympic glory.
This stellar duo has achieved greatness both on and off the court. Their philanthropic work, such as establishing the ‘M2K’ foundation to help underprivileged children play sports, has demonstrated their commitment to giving back to the community. They have also been ambassadors for various companies such as Nike and Jeep, raising awareness for health and wellness initiatives across the globe.
As a team, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh Jennings have created an enduring legacy that will be remembered for years to come. Their accomplishments not only inspired future generations of beach volleyball players but also showed how perseverance can open doors for success in any profession or pursuit.
Conclusion
Misty May and Kerri Walsh are two of the most successful beach volleyball players in history. Their Olympic success, philanthropic work, and social media presence have cemented their legacies as two of the greatest athletes ever to grace the sport. With a combined net worth estimated at over $20 million, it is easy to see why they are both so admired by fans around the world.
Their rise to stardom was not just achieved through hard work and determination alone. It was also thanks to their strong bond of friendship and mutual respect that enabled them to become such a powerful team, each motivating the other to be better and accomplish more than either would have been able to do on their own.
It is this combination of friendship, talent and hard work that makes Misty May and Kerri Walsh an inspiring example for any aspiring athlete or team looking to reach the top of their field. They will surely remain an iconic duo in beach volleyball for years to come, setting records that may never be broken.