I was fortunate to start the sport at a young age. I was 6 years old when my dad started teaching me. We started playing tournaments together when I was 11, in the lower ranking of beach volleyball in California. We weren't playing against kids; we played against grown men, so immediately, I had to raise my game to compete.
Karch KiralyIt was really an exciting time trying to find my way from being a boy to becoming a manยbeing toe to toe and eye to eye with grown men, even though I was only 11 or 12.
Karch KiralyPhysically I'm not as strong as I was, but I try to make up for it mentally. It's a big challenge, and I relish it, competing with guys half my age.
Karch KiralyWhen I warm up now thoughยespecially on center courtยthere is usually music playing, so I don't really mess with music.
Karch KiralyThe beach game taught me great lessons about how to elevate the play of my teammate, or teammates, and how to anticipate and expect the ball so much more than the indoor game ever could. It taught me - even forced me - to be a much better all-around player. That allowed me to help our USA Olympic Team in many more ways than I ever could have otherwise.
Karch Kiraly