Photo: Rick Williams / Splash News

The world of beach volleyball has never seen anything like her and at 6’2” she dominates the sport that she has excelled at for all these years. So, just who are we talking about? We are talking about Kerri Walsh Jennings! Jennings is an American professional beach volleyball player who, along with teammate Misty May-Treanor, has been called “the greatest beach volleyball team of all time.” Kerri Walsh Jennings’ husband is Casey Jennings, who is also a professional beach volleyball player. Kerri Walsh Jennings’ family includes her husband and Kerri Walsh Jennings’ children Joseph Michael, Sundance Thomas and Scout Margery. Scout is Kerri Walsh Jennings’ daughter.

Winning Young

People are curious to know about Kerri Walsh Jennings and her family. If you are one of them, read on. Jennings was born in Santa Clara, California to her parents, Margery and Joseph Walsh. She was involved in sports at an young age and started out playing basketball and volleyball for her High School team. She led her school team to 3 State Championships wins in volleyball in the years 1993, 1994 and 1995. In the year 1996, she won the inaugural Gatorade National High School Volleyball Player of the Year award. She continued her winning streak in college as well, winning most of her matches against competing teams. In 2000, she graduated from Stanford with a B.A degree in American studies.

Going for Gold

Her record in the Olympics is awesome! She and teammate Misty May-Treanor have won the gold medal in the Olympic women’s beach volleyball event three times in a row. They won the gold medal in the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics. Beat That! Like wine, Jennings gets better with age. She is 37 years old, but moves like lightening on the court. Her team is expected to perform well at the 2016 Rio Olympics and everybody is hoping that they will bring home another gold.

Crazy About Kids

Her personal life has evoked a lot of curiosity among her fans. Her husband Casey Jennings is also an American professional beach volleyball player. And believe it or not, he is even taller than Jennings! Casey is 6’3” tall and a champion player himself. Jennings is crazy about her kids. Kerri Walsh Jennings’ kids are lucky to have such a loving mom. Kerri has jokingly said on several occasions that she was “born to have babies and play volleyball.” Though this statement was criticized, Jennings said it in jest. Check out Kerri Walsh Jennings’ family pictures to see how loving and caring she is to her kids. Jennings says that she has been able to achieve a work-life balance in her life, primarily because of her children.

Going to a Higher Level

Her dedication to her sport is legendary. At the 2012 London Olympics, Jennings was five weeks pregnant when she participated in the beach volleyball event. People were concerned, but doctors confirmed later that she did not put herself or her baby in any danger by playing at this stage. Jennings says that having three children gave her direction and perspective in her life. Before they came she was trivial. Now, she feels that having kids has taken her passion and desire for work and life to a higher level.

Troubled Waters

After the 2008 Olympics, Jennings’ marriage ran into trouble for some time. Her husband Casey started drinking and was forced into rehab to quit the habit. The two struggled to find the connection between them that had gone missing. Jennings says it took them more than six months to get their marriage back on track. However, it was worth it.

The Lady is a Champ

Everybody is rooting for Jennings to win the gold medal, yet again. If she does, it will be the crowning glory on an already spectacular career for Jennings. Every time Jennings walks onto the sand court, she carries the hopes and expectations of her country on her back, and though it’s a heavy load to bear, Jennings thrives on the pressure. She refuses to give up, and digs deeper to come out on top. Why? She’s a fighter, fighting for gold!

If you’re looking to learn more about Kerri Walsh Jennings’ husband, Casey, click here!