Quotes from Karch Kiraly

I started on the beach in Santa Barbara with my father when I was six.

I love beating guys who are younger than me.

In the past I was doing a lot of jump training and felt like that was sufficient for my lower body.

I don't know when pink is going to come back in style.

Al was already a legend when I got to campus. You wanted to play for the best? You went to UCLA to play for Al Scates.

I have adrenaline going and then focus on what I have to do and do it well. I know we'll have a good chance to win the match that way. I don't concern myself with the other team.

Physically I'm not as strong as I was, but I try to make up for it mentally. It's a big challenge, and I relish it, competing with guys half my age.

Remember, it won't matter how strong your chest and arms and legs are if the core of your body is weak.

I've been really lucky to come up the time I did, to live in California when I did, and to be a part of the generation of players we were and the great coaching we got. All of it really came together.

I think if you had asked me in 2004, 'Karch, you're going to be coaching the U.S.A. women's team from 2013 through 2016,' I would have said: 'What are you talking about? You're a little batty right now.'

It's natural to have butterflies, sweaty palms... that's a good sign you're prepared for battle, prepared to take on something difficult.

Chicago is one of my favorite cities because it has great sand, weather and an enthusiastic crowd.

Great passing and setting - I admire that more than the super big guys pounding the ball.

I take a tremendous amount of punishment and abuse every weekend because every team serves at me. So I have to carry the offensive load. I'm hitting the ball all the time.

It tastes sweeter when you come close and suffer some really painful losses.

If I can help my teammate or teammates play at a level they've never played at before, then it doesn't even matter so much how I play.

As a player competes less, I would imagine doing promotional work becomes a higher priority.

When I started playing on the beach there was nothing, no prize money at all. I didn't expect there to be any, and I didn't even dream there would ever be money.

I have been lucky enough to inherit the patient, loving and nurturing side from my mother, and the organizational and productive side from my dad.

Somehow after a few vodkas, the language barrier always seems to disappear.

From what I've heard, the Gold Crown is kind of in a class by itself. The other players tell me it's superbly run and promoted. The money is kind of nice, too.

You know, I've never been in Huntington during the U.S. Open. I've been practicing down there for a few days and have watched as they set the area up. It amazed me at how early they begin the setup and what a terrific job they've done. It's a monster production, and I'm excited to be a part of it.

I'm very happy being able to travel freely and go anywhere I want to.

It feels awesome to be back in the winners' circle.