It's hard to give a career like this up, when I tell my wife I'm going to the office, and it's the beach.
Karch KiralyIn high school, some of the guys were really into music. When I first joined the team as a sophomore, I was blown away when we came out for our first home matchยI'm getting goose bumps just thinking about it. The seniors would bring their whole stereo system. We started by yelling and stuff inside this little room just off the gym; then the coaches said, "Ready. Go!" We threw open the door and came running out. Even when I hear the songs now I get all jacked up.
Karch KiralyPractice like it's competition and compete like it's another day on the practice court.
Karch KiralyMy dad was a really intense competitor and that rubbed off on me. He was loud and vocal on the court, so I let him do all the talking. But I developed a kind of quiet intensity that I knew I had to have to improve and compete with grown men. It took every ounce of focus.
Karch KiralyI thank my dad for my mental longevity and for the fact we played against better competition.
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