James Shaw

James Shaw is a professional beach volleyball player competing on the AVP and internationally on the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour. Originally from Stanford, California, Shaw was introduced to volleyball at a young age and went on to become a two-time AVCA All-American and NCAA National Runner-Up at Stanford University. Before transitioning full time to beach volleyball, he spent nearly a decade competing professionally indoors and as a member of the U.S. Men’s National Team.

Since moving to the sand, Shaw has earned multiple AVP podium finishes and strong international results, including a fifth-place finish at the FIVB World Championships. One of his favorite volleyball memories came at the World Championships in Australia, where he competed in front of passionate fans from around the world. Shaw credits beach volleyball’s creativity, freedom, and problem-solving aspects as reasons he fell in love with the sport. After competing for the Miami Mayhem in the 2025 AVP League, he joins the New York Nitro for the 2026 season.

Away from competition, Shaw enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, listening to music, cooking on his Traeger smoker, and working on creative projects with his wife, Molly. He also hopes fans understand how much travel, preparation, and behind-the-scenes work go into competing professionally at the highest level.