Winning 112 tournaments throughout her professional career, Misty May-Treanor established herself as a primary figure in international beach volleyball. Born in 1977 in Los Angeles, she began her athletic trajectory by competing in soccer, tennis, and dance before focusing on the sport where she eventually secured three Olympic gold medals alongside partner Kerri Walsh Jennings.
Early Athletic Development
Raised in a household with significant volleyball history, May-Treanor was coached early by her father, Butch May, who played on the 1968 United States men's national volleyball team. During her attendance at Newport Harbor High School between 1991 and 1995, she earned recognition as the top high school female volleyball player in the country via USA Today in 1994. Her versatility extended to track and field, where she excelled in the high jump.
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At California State University, Long Beach, she anchored the 1998 team to the first undefeated season for a women's NCAA volleyball program, finishing with a 36–0 record. As the starting setter, she shared the Most Outstanding Player award at the 1998 NCAA Championship. Her performance earned her back-to-back National Player of the Year honors in 1997 and 1998, followed by a Honda Sports Award in 1999.
Professional Partnership and Records
After a brief stint with the United States women's national team and a 2000 Olympic appearance with partner Holly McPeak, May-Treanor transitioned to a permanent partnership with Kerri Walsh Jennings. The duo maintained dominance on both the AVP and FIVB circuits, securing FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship titles in 2003, 2005, and 2007. Their partnership was highlighted by a 112-match win streak spanning 19 consecutive tournaments between 2007 and 2008.
Retirement and Academic Pursuits
Following her gold medal performance at the 2012 Summer Olympics, May-Treanor retired from professional competition on August 8, 2012. She later focused on academic advancement, earning a master's degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia University in Irvine, which was conferred on May 4, 2013. In 2016, she received induction into the Volleyball Hall of Fame.
Fast facts
- Born: 1977, Los Angeles
- College: California State University, Long Beach
- High School: Newport Harbor High School
- Primary Sport: Beach Volleyball
- Olympic Gold Medals: 3
- Volleyball Hall of Fame Induction: 2016
- Master's Degree: Coaching and athletic administration
- Honda Sports Award: 1999
Questions readers ask
How many consecutive matches did May-Treanor and Walsh Jennings win?
The pair achieved a win streak of 112 consecutive matches during the 2007–2008 period.
When did Misty May-Treanor retire from volleyball?
She retired from competitive play on August 8, 2012.
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