Adam Johnson (volleyball)
| Adam Johnson | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal information | |||
| Nickname | A.J. | ||
| Nationality | American | ||
| Born | January 31, 1965 (age 59) | ||
| Hometown | Laguna Beach, California, U.S. | ||
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (191 cm) | ||
| College / University | University of Southern California | ||
| Volleyball information | |||
| Position | Outside hitter | ||
| Number | 9 (USC) | ||
| National team | |||
| |||
Adam Johnson (born January 31, 1965) is an American former professional beach volleyball player. In total, he won 44 beach volleyball tournaments, and won about $1,700,000 in prizes in his career.[1][2] 16 of his tournament wins were with volleyball legend Karch Kiraly as his partner.[1]
High school[edit]
Johnson played volleyball, soccer, and football at Laguna Beach High School in Laguna Beach, California.[3] As a punter, he averaged 42.7 yards per punt.[3]
College[edit]
Johnson played college volleyball for the University of Southern California (USC).[3][1] He was a three-time All-American while playing for the Trojans.[1] In 1986, he was selected as the NCAA Player of the Year by Volleyball Monthly.[4][3] He graduated in 1987 with a degree in communication.[1]
National team[edit]
After college, Johnson briefly played as an outside hitter for the United States national volleyball team, but was unable to compete in the 1988 Summer Olympics due to an ankle injury just before the tournament.[3][5]
Beach volleyball[edit]
As a beach volleyball player, Johnson became one of the biggest stars in the AVP in the 1990s.[3][2] In 1991, he was selected as the Most Improved Player in the AVP.[1] In 1994, he won the prestigious Manhattan Beach Open with partner Randy Stoklos, earning him the "King of the Beach" title.[6][7][8] He was selected as the Best Defensive Player of the AVP in 1993 and 1997.[1] In 1998, with partner Kiraly, Johnson was the top-seeded player in the AVP.[9] In 1999, with partner Kiraly, Johnson again achieved the top-seeded ranking in the AVP, and helped Kiraly establish a record for most tournament wins.[10] He retired in 2000, and then briefly made a comeback in 2005.[11]
Johnson was inducted into the California Beach Volleyball Association (CBVA) Hall of Fame in 2012.[1]
Coaching[edit]
Since retiring, Johnson has offered volleyball instruction through the Adam Johnson Volleyball Academy.[12][2]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Adam Johnson". Beach Volleyball Database. Retrieved August 10, 2023.
- ^ a b c Hadorn, Christopher (June 27, 2020). "Ex-AVP star shares wisdom with local volleyball players". Midland Reporter-Telegram. Retrieved August 10, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e f Reilley, Mike (August 11, 1992). "For Now, Johnson Is Getting His Kicks on the Beach : Volleyball: Former Laguna Beach High standout is one of beach tour's top players and has pondered trying out with an NFL team as a punter". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 28, 2023. (subscription required)
- ^ Falkner, David (November 15, 1986). "Players; U.S.C. Star Rockets Toward Olympics". The New York Times. Retrieved August 28, 2023. (subscription required)
- ^ Reilley, Mike (October 24, 1989). "Opportunity Knocks a Second Time : Volleyball: Adam Johnson, who missed the 1988 Games because of an ankle injury, is pursuing his Olympic dream again". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 10, 2023. (subscription required)
- ^ "Adam Johnson". CBVA Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on August 11, 2023. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
- ^ Garcia, Irene (July 4, 1994). "Beach Volleyball : After Four Years, Stoklos Wins at Manhattan Beach". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 12, 2023. (subscription required)
- ^ "Randy Stoklos". International Volleyball Hall of Fame. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
- ^ Neff, Melanie (July 12, 1998). "For Top Two Teams, Some Tough Times". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 14, 2023. (subscription required)
- ^ "Karch Makes Volleyball History". CBS News. July 5, 1999. Archived from the original on August 2, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
- ^ Mewhirter, Travis (May 16, 2018). "Sandcast: Adam Johnson, the hall of famer hiding in plain sight". Volleyball Magazine. Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
- ^ "Series of volleyball clinics will begin on Jan. 16". Daily Pilot. January 6, 2006. Retrieved August 12, 2023. (subscription required)