Kelly Cheng – University of Southern California NIL Amount, Net Worth, Player Information
Kelly Cheng is not just a standout name in the world of beach volleyball; she’s a phenomenon.
At the University of Southern California, she compiled an awe-inspiring 147-4 record with her partner Sara Hughes, boasting a 103-match winning streak. This unparalleled dominance set the stage for her remarkable professional career.
Reunited with Hughes in late 2022, Cheng quickly demonstrated why she remains a force to be reckoned with. Winning the gold medal at the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships, she continues to solidify her legacy.
Her journey is not only about victories on the sand. Married to Jordan Cheng, who also serves as her co-head coach, her story is one of partnership both on and off the court. Learn more about her incredible journey and achievements at Kelly Cheng – Wikipedia.
Who Is Kelly Cheng?
Table of Contents
- 1 Who Is Kelly Cheng?
- 2 What Is Kelly Cheng Olympic Sport?
- 3 What Is Kelly Cheng’s Prospects for Winning an Olympic Medal?
- 4 Player Comparison
- 5 How Much Is Kelly Cheng Making in NIL Money?
- 6 What Is Kelly Cheng Net Worth?
- 7 Who Manages Kelly Cheng?
- 8 What Is Kelly Cheng Social Media Following?
- 9 What Is Kelly Cheng Business Prospects Post College?
Kelly Cheng, born on September 18, 1995, is an accomplished beach volleyball player from Southern California. Known for her impressive skills on the sand, she has carved out a notable career both in collegiate and professional beach volleyball.
Cheng attended El Dorado High School in Placentia, California. There, she honed her talents before joining the prestigious University of Southern California (USC).
At USC, Cheng’s beach volleyball journey took off. Teaming up with Sara Hughes, she dominated the collegiate circuit. This duo won back-to-back NCAA Championships and an incredible string of 103 consecutive matches. Their successful partnership earned them honors such as the AVCA All-American and Volleyball Magazine’s Best Offensive Player.
Post-graduation, Cheng continued to shine in the professional realm. Reuniting with Sara Hughes in 2022, they achieved significant victories, including winning the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships.
Off the sand, Kelly studied sociology at USC. Her academic commitments were well-balanced with her athletic career, making her a role model for many young athletes.
In recognition of her contributions to the sport, she has been awarded titles like MVP and Breakthrough Player. Her journey is a testament to her dedication and passion for beach volleyball, making her a standout athlete in the world of sports.
What Is Kelly Cheng Olympic Sport?
Kelly Cheng competes in beach volleyball. This sport, a popular Olympic event, involves teams of two players each. Unlike traditional volleyball, it is played on sand.
Cheng represents Team USA. She and her partner, Sara Hughes, have become a formidable duo. They won the gold medal at the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships.
At the University of Southern California, Cheng and Hughes dominated college competitions. They won back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2016 and 2017.
Beach volleyball at the Olympic level is intense and challenging. Teams from countries like Brazil and Germany are notable competitors. Cheng and Hughes aim to excel in these international stages.
Cheng’s career also includes participating in the 2020-21 Tokyo Games. She finished in ninth place with her then-partner, Sarah Sponcil. Now, with Hughes, she hopes for a podium finish in Paris.
Key Career Highlights:
- 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships: Gold Medal
- 2016 and 2017 NCAA Championships with USC: Consecutive Wins
- 2020-21 Tokyo Olympic Games: Ninth Place Finish
- Reunited with Sara Hughes in late 2022
Cheng’s journey through beach volleyball showcases her dedication. Competing in venues from Doha to Gstaad, she exemplifies the spirit of a true athlete.
The sport’s governing body, FIVB, ensures rigorous standards. Cheng’s participation in these global events emphasizes her athletic prowess.
In various women’s beach volleyball championships, especially those in the United States, Cheng’s performance remains noteworthy. Her achievements reflect the strong tradition of American teams excelling in this sport.
What Is Kelly Cheng’s Prospects for Winning an Olympic Medal?
Kelly Cheng’s prospects for winning an Olympic medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics appear very promising.
Cheng, along with her partner Sara Hughes, has shown exceptional performance recently. Together, they won the gold medal at the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships. Their victory has established them as strong contenders for a medal in Paris.
Cheng and Hughes also have a history of success on the national level. They have clinched back-to-back NCAA titles in 2016 and 2017 while playing for the University of Southern California.
In the 2020-21 Tokyo Games, Cheng competed with Sarah Sponcil, finishing in ninth place. This experience has only strengthened her resolve and skillset for future competitions.
In addition to her international achievements, Cheng has accrued several AVP titles on the domestic circuit, further proving her ability to perform under pressure.
The team’s recent performance in the Paris Games pool play also indicates their readiness. They secured straight-set victories in their first two matches, showcasing their form and teamwork.
Player Comparison
Kelly Cheng and Sara Hughes formed a dominant beach volleyball duo at the University of Southern California (USC). They won back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2016 and 2017. Together, they had an impressive record of 147-4 while playing for USC.
Betsi Flint and Kelly Cheng often get compared due to their similar playing styles. Both excel in defensive skills and quick reflexes. Flint has also shown strong partnerships with other top players like Emily Day.
April Ross and Kerri Walsh Jennings are legends in the sport. Their experience and medal count set them apart from newer pairs like Cheng and Hughes. April and Kerri’s tandem brought home numerous Olympic medals, highlighting their dominant presence on the world stage.
Sarah Sponcil and Kelly Claes are another team often compared to Cheng and Hughes. Sponcil and Claes have a unique synergy, showing excellent teamwork and strategic plays. They secured a spot in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, showcasing their rising prominence.
Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth have been making waves as a relatively new team. Known as the youngest team to qualify for certain events, their potential reminds many of Cheng and Hughes during their early years.
Brittany Hochevar partnered with Cheng for a period before she fully reunited with Hughes. Hochevar brings a wealth of experience and has played with various partners like Gustavo Rocha and Miles Partain.
Jennifer Kessy, a former Olympic medalist, has also been a key figure in the sport. Her past successes with April Ross bring a historical perspective to the current crop of players.
Miles Evans and Julia Scoles often compete in mixed events, highlighting the growing trend of mixed-gender competitions.
Kelly and Sara’s recent achievements include a gold medal at the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships.
How Much Is Kelly Cheng Making in NIL Money?
Kelly Cheng, Team USA beach volleyball star, has gained financial success through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Cheng attended the University of Southern California from 2014 to 2017. These deals have allowed her to monetize her athletic achievements.
Cheng’s major NIL partners include sports brands and fitness companies. She has secured endorsements with popular athletic wear companies and wellness brands. These partnerships significantly boost her income.
Cheng’s NIL Earnings Breakdown
Sponsor | Estimated Earnings |
---|---|
Athletic Wear Brand | $50,000 |
Energy Drink Company | $30,000 |
Supplement Company | $20,000 |
Below are some key points about Cheng’s earnings:
- Athletic Wear Sponsorship: Kelly’s partnership with a major sportswear brand nets her around $50,000 annually.
- Energy Drink Sponsorship: Her deal with a popular energy drink company adds another $30,000.
- Supplement Endorsement: Rounding up her income, a supplement company provides $20,000 per year.
These estimates show that Kelly Cheng is making a substantial income from NIL deals. Her presence in the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) only further elevates her earning potential, as professional volleyball events attract significant media coverage and sponsorship opportunities.
What Is Kelly Cheng Net Worth?
Kelly Cheng, an accomplished beach volleyball player, has secured a significant financial standing through her sports career and other endeavors.
While exact figures are not always public, estimates suggest her net worth ranges between $1 million and $3 million.
This includes earnings from tournament victories and sponsorship deals.
Cheng’s career highlights include winning the gold medal at the 2023 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships, among other notable achievements.
Her partnerships with brands and endorsements add a considerable amount to her income.
Additionally, Cheng attended the University of Southern California, where she further developed her volleyball skills.
Her collegiate success contributed to her marketability and financial growth.
Her husband, Jordan Cheng, has also played a supportive role in her career.
An independent contractor coach, Jordan collaborates with Kelly, enhancing her training and performance.
Who Manages Kelly Cheng?
Kelly Cheng, the renowned American beach volleyball player, is managed by her husband, Jordan Cheng. Jordan, a former baseball player and alumni of San Diego State, has taken on the role of managing her professional career.
Jordan, known for his strategic thinking, leverages his experience from his baseball days at San Diego State to support Kelly’s volleyball career. Their partnership extends beyond marriage, creating a robust support system for Kelly.
Family Support
- Kelly’s sister also plays a significant role, often seen at tournaments providing moral support.
- Kelly credits her family, especially her brother who played baseball at San Diego State, for her competitive spirit.
This family-centric approach has enabled Kelly to focus on her game, contributing to her numerous achievements.
What Is Kelly Cheng Social Media Following?
Kelly Cheng, an accomplished beach volleyball player, has gained a significant social media presence. Her charisma and talent draw fans from around the world.
She is active on multiple platforms:
- Instagram: Kelly often shares behind-the-scenes moments from her training and competitions. Her follower count is notable, with over 150,000 followers.
- Twitter: Here, Kelly interacts with her fans and shares updates about her career. Her posts engage many followers.
- TikTok: With a mix of personal and professional content, Kelly reaches a younger demographic. Her fun and informative videos have attracted many views.
Engagement and Interaction
Kelly’s social media is not just about numbers. She actively engages with her fans.
She’s known for responding to comments and hosting live sessions to connect with her followers.
By sharing highlights from her matches and moments from her daily life, Kelly maintains a strong online presence. This connection with her fans adds to her popularity and influence.
Challenges and Strategies
Despite the positive aspects, Kelly faces challenges on social media.
She has spoken about dealing with negativity and trolls. In a recent interview, she talked about tuning out the noise and focusing on her goals, which you can read more about here.
Kelly Cheng’s social media following is a testament to her skill and personality, making her a well-loved figure in the sports community.
What Is Kelly Cheng Business Prospects Post College?
Kelly Cheng has shown outstanding performance on the volleyball court, but her business prospects post-college are equally promising.
Endorsement Deals:
Cheng already has a significant following, which makes her an attractive candidate for sports brands. She could secure lucrative endorsement deals with companies that align with her athletic image.
Coaching and Training:
Another potential avenue is coaching. Cheng could provide private training sessions or even work with university teams.
Given her success at USC, she has the credibility to attract serious athletes.
Public Speaking:
With her experience and achievements, Cheng has numerous opportunities in public speaking. Topics could include sportsmanship, teamwork, and overcoming challenges, all of which she exemplifies.
Social Media Influencer:
Cheng’s social media presence can be monetized. With a strong fan base, she can partner with brands for sponsored posts, increasing her income streams.