Volleyball legend Karch Kiraly, renowned for securing his first of three Olympic gold medals with the U.S. indoor team in Los Angeles in 1984, is set to take on the role of head coach for the American men’s volleyball team at the Summer Games in 2028, which will take place in the same city.

Kiraly will transition from his successful tenure with the women’s team, which he led to medal finishes in the past three Olympic Games, to replace John Speraw. Speraw, who previously coached the men’s team to a bronze in Paris, recently took on the position of president and CEO of USA Volleyball. He referred to Kiraly as “Team USA’s greatest winner,” a fitting tribute considering Kiraly’s rich legacy in both indoor and beach volleyball.

Since September 2012, Kiraly has been at the helm of the U.S. women’s national team, guiding them to a bronze medal in Rio de Janeiro, followed by a gold in Tokyo and a silver in Paris this summer. Additionally, he led the team to its first world championship victory in 2014. Kiraly was also an integral part of the coaching staff for the women’s team that claimed silver at the London Olympics.

Reflecting on his time with the women’s team, Kiraly expressed, “For one-quarter of my life, I’ve poured everything I have into the U.S. women’s team. Now, it’s time for new adventures and new challenges.” Currently ranked third in the world, the U.S. men’s team is excited about the new direction.

Kiraly conveyed his enthusiasm, stating, “I am thrilled beyond words at the opportunity to coach the U.S. men’s national team. I’ve watched with respect and admiration for everyone in the program as they’ve pursued excellence, both in training and in competition. This opportunity shines even brighter as I fondly recall the nine seasons I spent as a player with the program.”

With gold medals from the 1984 and 1988 indoor events, as well as the 1996 beach volleyball competition, Kiraly was recognized as the greatest volleyball player of the 20th century by the International Volleyball Federation.

Speraw emphasized Kiraly’s historical significance, mentioning, “All of us at USA Volleyball recognize that our record of success in the sport began when Karch led Team USA to the gold medal in 1984. I think it is fitting that when Karch steps onto the court at the LA Olympics, he will be competing with the men’s team one more time.”