Youth Inc. with Greg Olsen Olympian Kerri Walsh Jennings on What it Actually Takes to Reach the Highest Level
Mar 17, 2026
Kerri Walsh Jennings, three-time Olympic gold medalist and legendary beach volleyball star who co-founded youth programs. She reflects on a multi-sport childhood that built grit. She warns about specialization and overtraining in youth sports. She explains the fundamentals, trust, and communication that made her partnership work. She shares what competing while pregnant and parenting taught her.
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How A Small Gym Sparked Lifelong Obsession
- Kerri fell in love with volleyball at age 10 playing in a small Los Gatos gym and never missed a ball.
- She played soccer, baseball, and basketball before volleyball, practicing with a ball constantly and getting yelled at for putting it on the roof.
Multi Sport Play Built Grit And Durability
- Playing multiple sports built physical grit and prevented early burnout while sharpening complementary skills.
- Basketball made Kerri stronger and more uncomfortable in ways volleyball didn't, which increased her resilience and athleticism.
Give Young Athletes Scheduled Breaks
- Avoid year-round single-sport volume for kids because the body and mind need breaks to stay healthy.
- Kerri cites her own junior-year stress fractures and shoulder issues as consequences of nonstop play.