Alix Klineman’s Golden Goodbye: Beach Volleyball Legend Calls It Quits After Historic Career

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 14, 2024) – Alix Klineman, the Olympic gold medalist and one of the most successful figures in beach volleyball, has announced her retirement from competitive sports. At 34, Klineman’s decision marks the end of an illustrious career that has seen her rise from a promising indoor volleyball player to an Olympic champion on the sands. Her announcement, made in an emotional video shared on Instagram, reflects a deep and complex decision to retire, one that encapsulates her journey of achievement, sacrifice, and the personal desire to grow her family.

“I almost got too nervous to post it,” Klineman shared in her Instagram video, revealing the emotional weight of her decision. “It’s hard to explain everything – all the factors and emotions that go into retiring. Especially for me, there was a part of me that felt like I could keep going, but I also have dreams of growing my family and showing up for my family in a certain way, and it is just really challenging to do both. I am sure that the people who do both realize how hard it is.”

Her announcement comes after an emotional ceremony on November 9, 2024, at the AVP League Championship held at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, where Klineman was honored alongside her long-time teammate, April Ross. The event marked a poignant moment for both athletes as they reflected on their shared accomplishments and the remarkable legacy they built together in the world of beach volleyball.

From High School Star to Olympic Gold

Klineman’s volleyball journey began far before her days in beach volleyball. Raised in Manhattan Beach, California, a city known for its love of beach sports, Klineman was drawn to the sport from an early age. She first made a name for herself as an indoor volleyball player at Mira Costa High School. A standout athlete, Klineman won the prestigious Gatorade National Player of the Year award in 2006 and became a prominent figure in the volleyball world as she played on both the U.S. Girls Youth National Team and the U.S. Women’s Junior National Team.

Her remarkable collegiate career at Stanford University cemented her place as one of the sport’s top prospects. Klineman earned four All-American honors and helped lead the Stanford Cardinal to the NCAA finals twice. Her prowess on the court caught the attention of both the national and international volleyball communities, and by 2011, she had already earned a bronze medal with the U.S. Women’s Indoor National Team at the Pan American Games.

Klineman’s career took her overseas to play professionally in Italy and Brazil, further expanding her volleyball credentials. During this time, she also played in the 2014 USAV Cup and the FIVB World Grand Prix, where she showcased her skills on the international stage. But despite her success indoors, it was in beach volleyball where Klineman’s legacy would truly be forged.

A New Chapter: The Move to Beach Volleyball

In 2017, Klineman made the bold decision to switch to beach volleyball full-time. While many athletes transition between the two versions of the sport, Klineman’s move to the sand would prove to be a game-changer. Her first season on the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) tour was a standout one, earning her the Rookie of the Year award. This success laid the foundation for her partnership with April Ross, which would go on to become one of the most successful duos in beach volleyball history.

Klineman and Ross formed the “A-Team,” and it wasn’t long before they captured the world’s attention. In January 2018, Klineman achieved a monumental feat, becoming the first woman to win a gold medal in her debut international beach volleyball event alongside Ross at an FIVB tournament. The victory marked the beginning of a dominant partnership that would see the pair become the top-ranked U.S. women’s beach volleyball team, with Klineman earning the title of USA Volleyball’s Female Beach Player of the Year in 2019.

The pinnacle of their partnership came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In what was an emotional and historic moment, Klineman and Ross became the second U.S. women’s beach team to win Olympic gold, solidifying their place in the annals of beach volleyball history. The gold medal was not just a personal triumph for Klineman but a testament to the years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication that had brought her to this point.

The Challenges of Parenthood and the Comeback

In 2022, Klineman faced a significant challenge when she stepped away from competitive volleyball to undergo shoulder surgery. This break marked a new chapter in her life as she transitioned from being a world-class athlete to a new role—motherhood. In June 2023, Klineman welcomed her son, Theo, with her husband, former NHL player Teddy Purcell. The arrival of her child brought a new sense of fulfillment but also a new set of challenges, balancing the demands of family life with the physicality of professional volleyball.

In 2023, Klineman made a brief return to international competition, playing her final two FIVB Beach Pro Tour matches alongside Hailey Harward. However, it was in May 2024 that Klineman and Ross announced their much-anticipated reunion for a farewell season. The pair rejoined forces for the inaugural AVP League, where they competed as part of the Miami Mayhem team.

Reflecting on her return to the court after having children, Klineman shared, “To come back after having kids, that wasn’t an easy thing. Just to be able to come back and show that we could come back, and obviously we aren’t at the level that we used to be at, but it’s really special to close out our career in this kind of way.”

Legacy and Impact

Klineman’s impact on the sport of beach volleyball extends far beyond her accolades and gold medals. She has been a trailblazer for women in sports, breaking barriers and setting new standards for excellence. Her story is one of perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of both personal and professional fulfillment. As Klineman steps away from competitive volleyball, she leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of athletes.

Her retirement is not the end of her journey but rather the beginning of a new chapter. Klineman’s decision to focus on family, her health, and her personal dreams reflects a growing trend among female athletes who are balancing careers with motherhood and other aspects of their lives. The respect she has earned for making this decision is a reflection of her character, both on and off the court.

As she transitions from the competitive world of volleyball, Klineman is sure to continue making a positive impact on the sport, perhaps as a mentor, ambassador, or even in new ventures. Her story will undoubtedly inspire others to follow their own paths with courage and passion, and her legacy will continue to shine bright, both in the history books of beach volleyball and in the hearts of those who have watched her rise to greatness.

Klineman may have retired from competition, but her influence will remain, continuing to inspire athletes and fans around the world. As she steps away from the sand, she can rest assured knowing her mark on the sport is indelible—forever remembered as one of the greats of beach volleyball.