While Kerri is more well-known for her three Olympic gold medals and numerous tournament wins, Casey has also had a successful career in the sport, both playing professionally and coaching.
Kerri Lee Walsh Jennings, born August 15, 1978, is one of the most accomplished professional beach volleyball players.
Renowned for her three Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012) and one bronze (2016), Walsh Jennings has set a record with 135 career victories across international and domestic titles as of 2016.
Born in Santa Clara, California, Walsh excelled in volleyball and basketball at Archbishop Mitty High School before attending Stanford University.
She became a four-time All-American and helped lead her team to two NCAA championships.
Her career soared when she teamed up with Misty May-Treanor, forming one of the most successful duos in beach volleyball history.
Together, they won three Olympic golds and multiple World Championships.
After May-Treanor’s retirement in 2012, Walsh Jennings continued her career alongside April Ross, with whom she earned a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics.
She later paired with Brooke Sweat, attempting to qualify for the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, though they did not succeed.
While she has faced some controversy for her public stance against COVID-19 mask mandates, she remains active in the media, appearing in TV shows and hosting a radio show.
Kerri Walsh Jennings and Her Husband, Casey Jennings, Both Pursue Careers In Beach Volleyball
Casey Jennings, born July 10, 1975, is a former professional beach volleyball player and the supportive husband of Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings.
The couple, who have been married since 2005, has three children and maintains a strong family bond despite their challenges.
While his wife is often in the spotlight, Casey has chosen to live a more private life, staying out of the public eye and avoiding the media attention surrounding his wife’s career.
Before marrying Kerri, Casey Jennings married Hilary Clark on June 5, 1999.
However, their marriage was short-lived, as Jennings filed for divorce just over a year later, on November 17, 2000.
While Walsh Jennings thrived in the Olympics, Jennings had a notable career but never competed in the Games, coming closest in 2008 with a third-place finish at a FIVB event.
Throughout his career, Jennings played with over 20 partners, with his longest and most successful partnership being with Matt Fuerbringer.
He won silver in 2013 with Phil Dalhausser and earned three AVP awards, including Best Defensive Player in 2003.
Jennings’ career highlights include national championships with his high school and college teams, as well as his 2013 AVP Tour Manhattan Beach Open victory.
Despite facing challenges in their marriage following Walsh Jennings’ 2008 gold medal, Jennings sought rehabilitation. With the help of a sports psychologist, the couple worked through their issues, strengthening their relationship.
Jennings is known for affectionately referring to his wife as “Six Feet of Sunshine,” a nickname he had engraved on her wedding ring.
Jennings also appeared on “Celebrity Wife Swap,” where he swapped lives with Reggie Roman, offering a glimpse into the family life of professional athletes.
The Jennings family, including their children Joseph, Sundance, and Scout, remain at the heart of Kerri and Casey’s stories.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Kerri Walsh Jennings was five weeks pregnant during the 2012 London Summer Olympics, showcasing her determination and commitment to her sport.
- She trained on the sand between Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles, California, and also worked with trainer Tommy Knox at O.C. Fast-Twitch gym starting in 2002 to enhance her performance.
