COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. (December 16, 2024) – USA Volleyball has appointed Steve Bishop as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective January 6, 2025. In this pivotal role, Bishop will oversee the organization’s day-to-day operations, driving growth, efficiency and the continued advancement of USA Volleyball’s mission to grow the sport nationwide.  Bishop brings more than 20 years of leadership experience, most recently serving with the Florida Region of USA Volleyball, where he spearheaded strategic growth in membership, sponsorships, and program development. A veteran in sports management and nonprofit leadership, his career reflects a deep commitment to strengthening volleyball at all levels.

“We are thrilled to welcome Steve Bishop to USA Volleyball,” said John Speraw, USA Volleyball President & CEO. “Steve’s extensive operational expertise, passion for the sport, and leadership in the Florida Region make him the ideal choice to help us navigate our next chapter of growth. His contributions will further elevate our programs, expand our reach and inspire the volleyball community across the country.”

As COO, Bishop will oversee key areas including events, membership, IT, official’s development, warehouse operations, and program management. Working alongside USA Volleyball’s executive
leadership team, he will help advance the organization’s long-term goals and increase its impact nationally and internationally.
“I’m honored to join USA Volleyball at such an exciting time,” Bishop said. “I look forward to collaborating with this exceptional team to build on our success, grow the game, and provide new opportunities for athletes, coaches and fans.”

A U.S. Air Force veteran, Bishop has served multiple terms on the USA Volleyball Board of Directors and is currently the board president of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Sept. 25, 2024) – USA Volleyball is pleased to announce that it has hired John Speraw to serve as its president and Chief Executive Officer, starting on October 1.

Prior to becoming the eighth CEO of USA Volleyball, Speraw has served as head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team since 2013 and has been part of the team’s leadership for almost two decades.

 “My journey with USA Volleyball began in 1997 as an assistant coach for the World University Games team,” Speraw said. “Reflecting on the teams, players, staff and experiences over the years, I am filled with immense gratitude. To now be entrusted with the opportunity to lead USA Volleyball as president and CEO is both a profound honor and deeply humbling.

“This journey has deepened my passion for this organization—representing our country, advancing the sport, and elevating the experience for everyone involved.

“I am sincerely grateful to the USA Volleyball Board of Directors for this honor and responsibility. I am ready to lead. I am ready to serve.”

Speraw’s coaching and leadership roles within USA Volleyball bring a unique blend of executive vision, recognition of the diverse and complex ecosystem of the sport and expertise in the international scene.

His strategic vision of the sport’s evolution is critically important as USA Volleyball prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympics in Los Angeles and the 2032 Games in Brisbane, Australia.

Speraw is also the founder of First Point Volleyball, an organization dedicated to supporting the growth of boys’ and men’s volleyball across the country.

USA Volleyball Board of Directors Chair Dave Gentile expressed gratitude for everyone involved in the extensive six-month search process for a new CEO.

“What a wonderful cadre of potential leaders that worked through the interview process,” Gentile said. “All of our finalists were highly talented on many fronts, and we thank them for their interest in and support of USA Volleyball.

“The search group composed of key USA Volleyball Board members concluded that John’s overall sport acumen, demeanor, energy, leadership skills and vision for the future of the sport were clearly aligned with the Board’s expectations for the next generation of USA Volleyball.

“Along with the full Board and staff, I look forward to working closely with John over the next several years as he prepares the organization for LA28 and beyond. We are also confident that John’s leadership will always have the mission and role of USA Volleyball as the National Governing Body of the sport of volleyball at the forefront of all we do.”

Besides coaching the U.S. Men’s Team, Speraw has been the head men’s volleyball coach at UCLA since 2012 and guided the Bruins to the NCAA Division I-II National Championship in 2023 and 2024.

Prior to UCLA, Speraw coached UC Irvine men’s volleyball (2002-12) and directed the Anteaters to three NCAA National Championships in six years.

He played middle blocker for the Bruins from 1992-95 and was a member of two national championship teams. He graduated from UCLA in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology and molecular genetics

Speraw and wife Michelle live in Southern California with their two children, Hailey and Brooklyn.

This release is posted online at https://go.usav.org/92524johnsperaw

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – January 6, 2025 – USA Volleyball is proud to announce the appointment of Erik Sullivan as the new head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Sullivan, a seasoned coach with a wealth of experience at the women’s collegiate level, succeeds Karch Kiraly, who led the team to three Olympic medals and a World Championship title. Sullivan takes the reins at a critical time, with the first serve for the 2025 Volleyball Nations League season set to begin on June 4 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. 

The search for the new head coach began with a clear sense of urgency. “With the Women’s National Team season set to begin in less than six months, we knew we had to move quickly but thoughtfully,” said John Speraw, President and CEO of USA Volleyball. “It was critical that we made the right decision, but we also had to act expeditiously to give the new coach enough time to get to know the team, develop a game plan, and integrate seamlessly into the program.” 

As part of the hiring process, USA Volleyball prioritized candidates with the unique skillset required to lead at the international level. “The role of National Team head coach is unlike any other coaching position,” Speraw said. “It’s not about recruiting or fundraising—it’s about elite-level strategy, understanding the nuances of international competition, and managing a high-performance environment. We needed someone who could hit the ground running and bring that specific expertise, and Erik was the clear choice.” 

Sullivan’s reputation as a master of defensive systems, his ability to develop top-tier talent, and his experience in high-pressure environments made him the ideal candidate to lead the U.S. Women’s National Team.  For the past 14 years, he has served as associate head coach at the University of Texas, where he played a pivotal role in guiding the Longhorns to eight NCAA Final Four appearances and three national titles.  

“We were also focused on how well the new coach would align with the team’s established dynamics,” Speraw added. “The U.S. Women’s National Team is a close-knit group with a history of collaboration and success. Cultural fit was a non-negotiable factor for us. We needed a coach who could integrate seamlessly into this dynamic and continue to build on the team’s established culture of excellence, and Erik’s coaching philosophy and values align perfectly with that.” 

Sullivan brings more than just a proven track record in collegiate volleyball—he has firsthand experience on the international stage. A two-time Olympian, he represented the U.S. as a libero in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. His international playing career, which also included stints in professional leagues across Europe and the U.S., has given him a deep understanding of the global volleyball landscape and the demands of international competition. 

“I’m honored and excited to take on this new responsibility as head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team,” said Sullivan. “Karch Kiraly has left an incredible legacy, and I’m committed to continuing the work he has done with this amazing team. My goal is to build on a strong foundation and create an environment where our athletes can develop to their fullest potential while competing at the highest level. I look forward to working alongside this talented group of athletes as we prepare for the challenges ahead.” 

Sullivan served as the team leader for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the last three Olympic Games and has been a consultant coach for the squad for many years. He’s also part of the National Team Development Program Scouting Network for indoor girls. In 2011, he led the U.S. Women’s Junior National Team to a fourth-place finish at the World Championship. His collegiate coaching experience also includes time as an assistant coach at both Nebraska and Colorado.  

“I’m thrilled that Erik Sullivan will be the next head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team,” said two-time Olympian Chiaka Ogbogu. “The team will continue its tradition of being led by a world-class coach, and Erik’s experience as an Olympian will be invaluable. The volleyball knowledge I gained from him continues to shape my game, but the leadership lessons he taught me—about upholding a gold-medal standard—are what I’m most grateful for.” 

Sullivan will assume the role in preparation for the upcoming international season, with a primary focus on building toward the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He will work closely with the team and the coaching staff to ensure a smooth transition and continued success on the international stage. 

Karch Kiraly to Coach U.S. Men’s National Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 24, 2024) – USA Volleyball is pleased to announce that Karch Kiraly will transition to head coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team for the 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Quadrennial.  

Kiraly transfers to the post with the current coach, John Speraw, having been named USA Volleyball’s president and CEO on October 1. Speraw served for 12 years as the Men’s National Team head coach.  

“I am thrilled that Team USA’s greatest winner will be moving from the U.S. Women’s Team to lead the U.S. Men into LA 2028,” Speraw said. “I have complete and total trust in Karch’s process. He has a relentless work ethic, brilliant intellect and is a selfless teacher.” 

Kiraly transfers to the U.S. Men’s National Team from his role as head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team where he has served since September 2012. Most recently, he led the U.S. Women to the silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. In 2021, he helped the U.S. Women win their first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo. He also coached the team to an Olympic bronze medal in Rio 2016 and to its first World Championship win in 2014.  

“Chances to collaborate with some of the best people and players on the planet – and to represent our country while striving for incredibly difficult goals like Olympic gold medals – are precious beyond words,” Kiraly said. “For one-quarter of my life, I’ve poured everything I have into the U.S. Women’s Team; first as an assistant, then as head coach. Now, it’s time for new adventures and new challenges.” 

The U.S. Women have won three Volleyball Nations League trophies (2018, ’19 and ’21) and the 2015 Grand Prix under Kiraly, who compiled a 327-81 record in his 12 years as head coach. Prior to becoming the head coach, he served as an assistant coach for four years under Hugh McCutcheon and helped the U.S. Women win the 2012 Olympic silver medal. 

Kiraly takes over a U.S. Men’s Team that won the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games and is ranked No. 3 in the world. 

“I am thrilled beyond words at the opportunity to coach the U.S. Men’s National Team,” Kiraly said. “I’ve watched with respect and admiration for everyone in the program as they’ve pursued excellence, both in training and in competition. This opportunity shines even brighter as I fondly recall the nine seasons I spent as a player with the program.” 

Kiraly is considered one of the greatest volleyball players ever. He won two Olympic gold medals in indoor volleyball (1984, 1988) and one in beach volleyball (1996).  

He was selected the greatest volleyball player of the 20th century by the FIVB and has been inducted into several halls of fame, including the International Volleyball Hall of Fame (2001), the United States Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame (2008) and the UCLA Hall of Fame (1992). 

“All of us at USA Volleyball recognize that our record of success in the sport began when Karch led Team USA to the gold medal in 1984,” Speraw said. “I think it is fitting that when Karch steps onto the court at the LA Olympics, he will be competing with the men’s team one more time.”  

“Karch will not only bring his experience, skills and knowledge of the game to a team riding high going into a new Olympic & Paralympic quad, but he can also be a part of the game where he began his career with USA Volleyball as a Men’s National Team player,” said USA Volleyball Board of Directors Chair Dave Gentile. 

Collegiately, Kiraly was an outside hitter who led UCLA to a 124-5 record and three national titles during his four years. 

Kiraly and his wife Janna have two adult sons, Kristian and Kory. 

More from Karch Kiraly: 

“Huge thanks to USA Volleyball for all the chances to represent the United States; to the players and staff of the U.S. Women’s Team, too many to name, who did so much of the heavy lifting over the last 16 years; and finally, to the players and staff of the Men’s Team for the chance to work alongside you. Life has a way of humbling us all; the way you responded to adversity, and seized the bronze medal in Paris, should be a model for all to follow.” 

... MORE VOLLEYBALL IN DENVER AND THE RMR!

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (January 23, 2023) – The Rocky Mountains will be alive with the sound of volleyball in 2025 when Denver hosts the USA Volleyball Open National Championship on May 23-28 at the Colorado Convention Center.

The Open National Championship is the longest-running volleyball tournament in the United States and features women’s and men’s teams with players ages 18 to 80.  

The field will include teams comprised of former USA Volleyball national team players and national team development program (NTDP) athletes.

“We are happy to be bringing the 2025 USA Volleyball Open National Championship to the Mile High City of Denver,” said USA Volleyball President and CEO Jamie Davis. “The Open Championship provides adult teams at every level a chance to compete against others from both foreign and domestic.  This tournament epitomizes the essence of USAV and shows that volleyball is truly a sport for life. We thank the Denver Sports Commission for all its support.”

In addition, USA Volleyball will celebrate volleyball leaders and stars at its Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony ahead of the 2025 tournament.

Boys Power 4 14U-January 18

Girls Power 1 Even-January 19

Dear RMR Volleyball Families, 

Here's a quick note to let you know that the RMR has partnered with VKTRY Performance Insoles - The Official Insoles of USA Volleyball.  

All of our RMR coaches, athletes and their  family members receive 20% off these exciting new products!

See Testimonials HERE....  

SOLES AND HOW THEY WORK

VKTRY also provides a 90 day money back guarantee and free shipping!

Request the code from us at office@rmrvolleyball.org.