Stein Metzger

Stein Metzger is an American former professional beach volleyball player and current coach, best known for his successful career on the AVP Tour and the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour. A skilled defender and strategist, he achieved significant success with multiple partners, most notably earning a fifth-place finish at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens with Kevin Wong. Metzger later transitioned into coaching, serving as a head coach for the University of Hawaiʻi men's volleyball team and as an assistant for the United States men's national volleyball team.

Early life and education

Stein Metzger was born on November 17, 1972, in Honolulu, Hawaii. He grew up immersed in the state's vibrant volleyball culture, attending the prestigious Punahou School in Honolulu County. His athletic prowess was evident early, and he led his high school team to a state championship. Metzger continued his volleyball career at the collegiate level, playing for the UCLA Bruins under legendary coach Al Scates. As a setter for UCLA, he was a key contributor to the team's success, helping them win an NCAA National Championship in 1993. He graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in history.

Volleyball career

Metzger turned professional in 1996, quickly establishing himself as a formidable force on the AVP Tour. Known for his defensive skills and high volleyball IQ, he formed successful partnerships with several top players. His most notable partnership was with Kevin Wong, with whom he won multiple AVP Tour events and consistently ranked among the tour's top teams. Their success on the domestic circuit earned them a spot representing the United States at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, where they finished in fifth place. Metzger also competed extensively on the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour, securing seven international victories with partners including Jake Gibb and Mike Lambert. Over his career, he amassed 24 AVP Tour tournament wins and was renowned for his consistency and strategic play.

Coaching career

Following his retirement from professional play in 2012, Metzger moved into coaching. He returned to his alma mater, serving as an assistant coach for the UCLA men's volleyball program. In 2016, he was appointed the head coach of the University of Hawaiʻi men's volleyball team, taking over a program with a rich history in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation. Under his leadership, the Rainbow Warriors remained competitive in one of the nation's toughest conferences. His coaching expertise was further recognized at the international level when he was named an assistant coach for the United States men's national volleyball team under head coach John Speraw, contributing to the program's preparations for major competitions like the FIVB Volleyball Men's World Championship.

Personal life

Metzger is married and has children. He maintains strong ties to Hawaii and Southern California, splitting time between these regions throughout his playing and coaching career. His brother, Erik Metzger, was also a professional beach volleyball player, and the two occasionally competed together in tournaments. Beyond volleyball, Metzger is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying activities like surfing and fishing, which connect him to his Hawaii roots.

Legacy and honors

Stein Metzger is remembered as one of the most intelligent and consistent American beach volleyball players of his era. His Olympic appearance in Athens and his numerous titles on the AVP Tour and FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour cement his place in the sport's history. His transition to coaching has allowed him to impart his deep understanding of the game to the next generation of players at UCLA and the University of Hawaiʻi. In recognition of his collegiate playing career, he was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame. His contributions to volleyball, both on the sand and from the sidelines, have made him a respected figure in the American volleyball community. Category:1972 births Category:American beach volleyball players Category:Olympic beach volleyball players for the United States Category:UCLA Bruins men's volleyball players Category:Beach volleyball coaches Category:Sportspeople from Honolulu Category:Living people