Bill Kolinske

Growing up in the Midwest, Bill played basketball and eventually played in college at Wisconsin-Whitewater, but his true love was beach volleyball. He’d play all day during the short Wisconsin summers and grew his skill year to year. At age 25, he packed everything in his car and drove to Southern California to pursue his dream of playing professionally on the AVP. He made his debut in 2012 but really found his footing in 2015 with partner Casey Jennings. That season, he earned Most Improved Player on the AVP. But his favorite memory was the 2019 Manhattan Beach Open when he and partner Eric Beranek came through the Qualifier and ended up finishing in 3rd place. 

Off the court, Billy is a tutor in the South Bay. As a former teacher and Phys Ed. instructor, he has a passion for teaching. Bill’s sister, Julie, is a former AVP pro, and they’re just two of six children. Bill proposed to his girlfriend – fellow AVP athlete Kelley (Larsen) Kolinske – on Stadium Court at the 2019 Chicago AVP. The two wed in early March 2020, right before the quarantine.