Elaine Youngs, 2022
Elaine is regarded as one of best all-around players of her era as she excelled as both indoor and beach champions before it was common to do both sports. She was a High School All-American in volleyball and basketball at El Toro. She went to UCLA and became a four-time AVCA volleyball All-American (only the 5th at the time in NCAA history), while also playing two seasons on the basketball team. She led SCIVBHOF honoree Andy Banachowski’s Bruins to four straight Volley Fours, winning the NCAA title in 1991 and was twice named NCAA All-Tournament. The Bruins made the semis in 1988 & ’89 and were runner-up in 1992. She then went to the USA National Team from 1993-97 and was part-time starter for 1996 Atlanta Olympic Team after playing in the 1994 World Championships. The 6-0 Youngs then turned to beach and was first female to be both an indoor and beach Olympian, winning a bronze medal with Holly McPeak in 2004 and then played with Nicole Branagh in 2008 Olympics placing 5th. The three-time volleyball Olympian won 51 professional tournaments between the USA and internationally, winning almost two million dollars, playing until 2010. She was inducted into UCLA Athletics HOF in 2006. She is in real estate in Durango, Colorado.