Randy Stoklos

Randy Stoklos, born on December 13, 1960, is a legendary figure in American beach volleyball, renowned for his remarkable career and pioneering achievements. He made history as the first player to surpass $1 million in earnings from competitive beach volleyball. A standout athlete from his college days at UCLA, Stoklos made the bold decision to leave school early to pursue his passion for beach volleyball, a move that would pay off handsomely.

Stoklos first captured the prestigious Manhattan Open title in 1981 while teaming up with Jim Menges. His partnership with Sinjin Smith throughout the 1980s and early 1990s solidified his status as a dominant force in the sport. Over his illustrious career, he amassed an impressive 122 tournament victories, placing him among the top three players in the history of beach volleyball. His exceptional skills earned him the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the AVP for three consecutive years in 1988, 1989, and 1991, and he was also honored as the Best Setter in 1989. Stoklos hung up his sand socks in 1997, concluding his career with nearly $2 million in prize money.

In addition to his athletic prowess, Stoklos ventured into acting, appearing in films such as *Better Off Dead* (1985), *Side Out* (1990), and *Kings of the Beach*. His contributions to the sport and popular culture have left an enduring legacy.