May-Treanor joins USC coaching ranks


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For a program still in its infant stage, the USC women’s sand volleyball program has made a significant impact in its brief two-year history. Though on-field results have been positive, they pale in comparison to Tuesday’s announcement that three-time Olympic gold medalist and beach volleyball legend Misty May-Treanor will be joining the program as a volunteer assistant coach.

As May-Treanor is one of the most decorated beach volleyball players of all time, USC head coach Anna Collier and the rest of the team are ecstatic to have her as part of their on-the-rise program, which will be entering its third season of competitive play this spring.

“Misty has a great work ethic both on and off the court,” Collier said in a statement. “She will bring that same ethic to the team, which will enable our student athletes to see the kind of hard work it takes to become a top sand volleyball player. USC and the sand volleyball team are extremely privileged to add such a valuable asset to our coaching staff. I believe it’s just going to elevate our team to another level and make us a national contender.”

May-Treanor comes to USC after winning three gold medals in beach volleyball with her long-time partner Kerri Walsh-Jennings. The duo became the first-ever to three-peat in the sport. She also holds several other records, including the most women’s tournament victories, most women’s career earnings and most women’s international wins.

Perhaps her most outstanding accomplishment is the 90-match winning streak she held with Walsh-Jennings in 2004 en route to winning gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics without losing a single set.

“I am really excited to be joining the USC sand volleyball program and its tremendous coaching staff this year,” May-Treanor said. “I can’t wait to learn from coach Anna Collier and to help bring a championship to the university. I am truly looking forward to working with these great student athletes and hope to aid in pushing them to that next level.”

This is also a homecoming of sorts for the four-time AVP Most Valuable Player Award winner, who attended Long Beach State and Newport Harbor High School, where she led her teams to national and state titles, respectively.

May-Treanor will look to help take the team beyond their No. 4 final ranking and AVCA semifinal exit from last season.

 

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