Manhattan Beach, CA--The Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) announced today that  the number one team on the International FIVB Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Misty May and Kerri Walsh, have signed an exclusive contract with the AVP Tour effective immediately. 
May and Walsh, who won an impressive five FIVB Beach Volleyball titles during the 2002 season, will compete as part of the AVP beginning in the upcoming 2003 season.
AVP CEO and Commissioner Leonard Armato said, "We are delighted that Misty and Kerri are now part of the AVP family.  They are both outstanding individuals and world class competitors.  With the addition of this team, the AVP now has the two top women's teams in the world.  I'm confident that Misty and Kerri will be thrilling AVP fans on-site and on television for years to come."
In making the announcement, May said, "I am extremely excited to be back playing in the United States in an effort to help the sport and AVP grow." Partner Walsh added, "I am extremely excited to join the AVP tour as I have been looking forward to this day for a very long time. I hope to build a lasting legacy together with the AVP and to help promote the success and growth of beach volleyball in the U.S." Prior to playing professionally on the beach, both May and Walsh had stellar collegiate careers. While playing at Long Beach State, May was a three time All American (1996-1998) and led the 49ers in 1998 to an undefeated season and NCAA title where she was named NCAA Championship co-MVP. During that same year, May was awarded the Honda Broderick Award, which is given to the NCAA Athlete of the Year. May was also named the AVCA Player of the Year in 1997 and 1998.
 Walsh was a member of the United States Volleyball National Indoor Team for two seasons (1999-2000) and was an outside hitter on the 2000 Olympic Team which placed fourth in Sydney, Australia. She is a two time NCAA Champion and only the second player in NCAA history to receive First-Team All-American honors all four seasons (1996-1999). Walsh is considered as one of the best all-around players in collegiate history (along with May). During her freshman season (where she was elected national freshman of the year), Walsh helped lead the Cardinal to the NCAA Championship where she was named MVP. In 1999, Walsh was named National Co-Player of the Year.
 The AVP prepares to celebrate its 20th Anniversary this season. For 2003, the AVP will have 10 events which will feature some of the top men's and women's teams in the world in competition for more than $1 Million in prize money.  The AVP 2003 schedule will be released in January. The AVP returned to national prominence this past season marked by a return to network television on NBC.