Misty May & Kerri Walsh sign with AVP
www.Volleyball.ORG
TOP PRO BEACH VOLLEYBALL TEAM OF MISTY MAY & KERRI WALSH SIGN WITH AVP
Manhattan Beach, CA - December 10, 2002 --The Association of Volleyball
Professionals (AVP) announced today that the number one team on the
International FIVB Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Misty May and Kerri Walsh,
have signed an exclusive contract with the AVP Tour effective immediately.
May and Walsh, who won an impressive five FIVB Beach Volleyball titles
during the 2002 season, will compete as part of the AVP beginning in the
upcoming 2003 season.
AVP CEO and Commissioner Leonard Armato said, "We are delighted that Misty
and Kerri are now part of the AVP family. They are both outstanding
individuals and world class competitors. With the addition of this team,
the AVP now has the two top women's teams in the world. I'm confident that
Misty and Kerri will be thrilling AVP fans on-site and on television for
years to come."
In making the announcement, May said, "I am extremely excited to be back
playing in the United States in an effort to help the sport and AVP grow."
Partner Walsh added, "I am extremely excited to join the AVP tour as I have
been looking forward to this day for a very long time. I hope to build a
lasting legacy together with the AVP and to help promote the success and
growth of beach volleyball in the U.S."
Prior to playing professionally on the beach, both May and Walsh had stellar
collegiate careers. While playing at Long Beach State, May was a three time
All American (1996-1998) and led the 49ers in 1998 to an undefeated season
and NCAA title where she was named NCAA Championship co-MVP. During that
same year, May was awarded the Honda Broderick Award, which is given to the
NCAA Athlete of the Year. May was also named the AVCA Player of the Year in
1997 and 1998.
Walsh was a member of the United States Volleyball National Indoor Team for
two seasons (1999-2000) and was an outside hitter on the 2000 Olympic Team
which placed fourth in Sydney, Australia. She is a two time NCAA Champion
and only the second player in NCAA history to receive First-Team
All-American honors all four seasons (1996-1999). Walsh is considered as one
of the best all-around players in collegiate history (along with May).
During her freshman season (where she was elected national freshman of the
year), Walsh helped lead the Cardinal to the NCAA Championship where she was
named MVP. In 1999, Walsh was named National Co-Player of the Year.
The AVP prepares to celebrate its 20th Anniversary this season. For 2003,
the AVP will have 10 events which will feature some of the top men's and
women's teams in the world in competition for more than $1 Million in prize
money. The AVP 2003 schedule will be released in January.
The AVP returned to national prominence this past season marked by a return
to network television on NBC.
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