Randy Stoklos

Randy Stoklos is widely recognized as one of the most dominant and influential figures in the history of beach volleyball. Beginning his career at age 14 on the beaches of Santa Monica, Stoklos honed his skills at UCLA and briefly competed with the U.S. Men’s National Indoor Team before making his mark on the sand. Over an illustrious career, Stoklos won 96 AVP titles, 15 Parks and Recreation tourneys, multiple U.S. Championships, and several Manhattan Beach Open titles, becoming the first player to earn $1 million in career prize money. He is perhaps best known for his legendary 11-year partnership with Sinjin Smith, a duo that transformed beach volleyball from a regional pastime into a global sport.

Renowned for his sheer physical presence, powerful blocks, and explosive hitting, Stoklos earned numerous individual honors including AVP Most Valuable Player (1988, 1989, 1991) and AVP Best Setter (1989), while also capturing multiple FIVB Tour championships with Smith. Beyond his achievements on the court, Stoklos helped elevate the sport’s profile internationally, appearing in media campaigns, films, and magazine covers, and continues to give back through beach volleyball camps. Inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2008 and the CBVA Hall of Fame in 1999, Stoklos’ impact endures as both a trailblazer and one of the greatest competitors in the history of the game.