Discover Kelly Cheng net worth, biography, date of birth, country of origin, husband, parents, and salary.
Other useful information, like Kelly Cheng Instagram and Facebook handle, the teammates she played with, and the awards and medals she has won so far, will also be discussed here.
Kelly Cheng is a professional American beach volleyball player who earned a bronze medal at the 2013 U19 World Championships, a silver at the 2014 U21 World Championships along with her partner Sara Hughes, and clinched the gold medal at the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships. They also secured back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2016 and 2017.
Her journey from high school to world champion has been nothing short of remarkable. With a combination of skill, determination, and exceptional partnerships, Kelly Cheng has made her name among the elite beach volleyball players. In this article, we will look into her life, net worth, career, and achievements, providing insight into what makes Kelly Cheng such an inspiring figure.
Early Life and Background of Kelly Cheng
Kelly Cheng was born in Fullerton, California, and raised in a sports-oriented family. Her father, Paul, was a former San Diego State baseball player, and her mother, Quincy, also encouraged Kelly’s athletic pursuits. Kelly’s early interest in sports led her to play volleyball at El Dorado High School in Placentia, California, where she quickly stood out.
In high school, Kelly Cheng earned prestigious honors, including being named to the All-CIF Division 1A and Orange County Register All-Orange County first teams. However, her international breakthrough came when she teamed up with Sara Hughes to win the bronze medal at the 2013 FIVB Beach Volleyball U19 World Championships. A year later, they secured a silver medal at the U21 World Championships, showing the world they were a force to be reckoned with.
College Career at USC
Kelly Cheng’s volleyball career took a significant leap when she joined the University of Southern California (USC) volleyball program in 2014. Initially partnering with Alexa Strange, Kelly’s talent on the court quickly shone through. However, it was when she rejoined her former partner, Sara Hughes, that her college career skyrocketed.
Together, Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes led the USC Trojans to back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2016 and 2017, cementing their legacy in collegiate beach volleyball. Their success was bolstered by Kelly’s hard work and skill, as she earned several accolades, including the 2015 AVCA All-American honors and the inaugural Pac-12 Player of the Year award in 2016. In addition to her playing career, Kelly graduated with a degree in sociology, demonstrating her ability to balance academics and athletics.
Kelly Cheng’s professional volleyball career
The transition from college to the professional stage was seamless for Kelly Cheng. In her first year as a professional beach volleyball player, she teamed up with Sara Hughes once again and won the AVP Gold Series Championship in Chicago. This victory made them the youngest team to win an AVP event, an impressive feat that showcased their talent and chemistry.
However, in 2018, Sara Hughes and Kelly Cheng parted ways, and Kelly went on to team up with Sarah Sponcil. This new partnership brought continued success, as the duo won a silver medal at the 2019 FIVB four-star event in The Hague. They also made history by qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, earning their place through gold medal wins in Sochi and Ostrava. Kelly Cheng’s adaptability and drive were clear, as she thrived with different partners at various stages of her career.
Kelly Cheng Key takeaways
Photo credit: usavolleyball.org
| Full Name: | Kelly Marie Cheng |
| Birth name: | Claes |
| Date of birth: | September 18, 1995 |
| Age: | 28 years old |
| Height: | 6 feet 2 inches |
| Weight: | 78 kg |
| Nationality: | American |
| Hometown: | Fullerton, California |
| High school: | El Dorado High School |
| College: | University of Southern California |
| Sport: | Beach Volleyball |
| Current partner: | Sara Hughes |
| Social media: | |
| Net Worth: | $1.8 million |
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Kelly Cheng’s 2023 World Championship Win
A highlight of Kelly Cheng’s career came in 2023 when she and Sara Hughes reunited to win the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship. This victory was the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and passion for the sport. Winning the gold medal at such a prestigious event solidified Kelly’s status as one of the top players in the world.
Kelly Cheng’s playing style and strengths
Kelly Cheng’s success in beach volleyball is not only due to her strong partnerships but also her unique playing style. Known for her versatility, Kelly excels in both offense and defense, making her a valuable player in any game. Her sharp spikes and precise serves make her a dominant offensive force, while her agility and court awareness help her defend against tough opponents.
A key strength of Kelly’s game is her ability to read the court and anticipate her opponent’s next move. This skill allows her to make quick decisions and create opportunities for her team to score. Her mental toughness and ability to stay calm under pressure also contribute to her overall success.
Kelly Cheng Net worth
What is Kelly Cheng’s net worth? Kelly Cheng, a professional American beach volleyball player, has an estimated net worth of $1.8 million as of September 2024, according to available information. Her earnings come from her career as a professional athlete, sponsorships, endorsements, and prize money from various tournaments. Kelly has represented the United States in multiple international competitions, contributing to her growing financial success.
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Personal life and future goals for Kelly Cheng
Off the court, Kelly Cheng remains grounded and focused. She continues to train rigorously and is always looking for ways to improve her game. As she looks toward the future, Kelly has her sights set on winning more tournaments and competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her determination and love for beach volleyball are sure to keep her at the top of her game for years to come.
Kelly Cheng’s influence on beach volleyball
Kelly Cheng’s influence extends beyond her impressive performances on the court. She is an inspiration to young athletes aspiring to make their mark in beach volleyball. Her story of perseverance and success shows that with hard work and the right mindset, anything is possible. Kelly continues to be a role model, encouraging the next generation of players to push themselves and pursue their dreams.
FAQs About Kelly Cheng
1. Who is Kelly Cheng?
Kelly Cheng is a professional American beach volleyball player who has earned numerous accolades, including a gold medal at the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship. She played collegiate volleyball at USC, winning back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2016 and 2017.
2. What are some of Kelly Cheng’s major achievements?
Kelly Cheng has a long list of achievements, including winning NCAA Championships in 2016 and 2017, earning AVCA All-American honors, winning the AVP Gold Series Championship, and securing a gold medal at the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship. She also qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
3. Who are Kelly Cheng’s partners in beach volleyball?
Kelly Cheng has played with several partners throughout her career. She started playing with Sara Hughes, with whom she achieved significant success in both college and professional volleyball. Later, she teamed up with Sarah Sponcil, and together they qualified for the 2020 Olympics. Kelly and Sara Hughes reunited in 2023 to win the FIFA Beach volleyball world championship.
4. What is Kelly Cheng’s playing style?
Kelly Cheng is known for her versatile playing style. She excels both in offense, with powerful spikes and accurate serves, and in defense, with her agility and court awareness. Her ability to read the game and anticipate her opponent’s moves makes her a strategic and effective player.
5. What are Kelly Cheng’s future goals?
Kelly Cheng is focused on continuing her professional career in beach volleyball, with a goal of competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. She is committed to improving her game and achieving even greater success in future tournaments.
Kelly Cheng’s journey through the world of beach volleyball is a testament to her incredible talent, determination, and love for the sport. Her influence and accomplishments have made her one of the brightest stars in the game today, and her future in volleyball looks brighter than ever.