Volleyball isn’t really one of those sports in which people tend to associate big money with, but, these 15 professional players prove otherwise, as they are making bank for hitting a ball around and trying to keep it off of the ground. Of course, there’s more to the sport than just that, but, because I’m such a novice player who usually only hits around a volleyball at BBQ’s and beach visits, that’s all I really know about the game. Seeing how much these players earn, though, I may consider getting a private lesson and trying to do something with my life, because they get paid a lot.
15. Gozde Sonsirma – $500,000
An outside hitter for the Turkish national team, Gozde Sonsirma suited up for her country in the 2012 Olympics, getting her first taste of the big stage. Although the team didn’t win a medal, Sonsirma has done nicely on the club level, even getting acknowledged during the 2013 Club World Championship by winning the Best Outside Hitter Award.
Photo via Flickr/YouTube
14. Neslihan Demir – $754,435
One of the most successful athletes to ever hail from her native Turkey, Neslihan Demir proved how impactful she has been by being the flag bearer during the 2012 Olympics parade, while also being the face of the country for the 2020 Games. She may still be lacking a gold medal on the grandest stage, but she has won a lot elsewhere, which makes her net worth of $754,435 understandable.
13. Jovana Brakocevic – $891,605
Hailing from Serbia, Jovana Brakocevic has yet to win an Olympic medal of any sorts, but, as one of the top servers in the world, she has seen plenty of club team success. Most notably, Brakocevic won gold at the Euro Championships in 2011 and a bronze at the 2006 World Championship. Between marketing opportunities and her club team salaries, she is worth $891,605.
12. Madelaynne Montano – $960,190
A Colombian volleyballer, Madelaynne Montano hasn’t seen the accomplishments of others on this list on the international level, but, thanks to her club team success, she has put together a nice career. Winning two MVP Awards in back-to-back years in two separate South Korean Leagues, Montano knows how to win, which has earned her a net worth of $960,190.
Photo via Flickr/YouTube
11. Juliana Felisberta Da Silva – $1 million
Mostly known for her successful partnership with Larissa Franca—which lasted eight year and saw the two of them win a variety of events—Juliana Felisberta Da Silva is one of the more successful Brazilian players in the history of the sport. And thanks to her accomplishments, she has seen quite the paycheck, carrying a net worth of $1 million.
Photo via Flickr/Stare Jabłonki
10. Larissa Franca – $1 million
Mostly known for the upset that her and her teammate had in beating Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor in the 2011 World Championships, Brazilian Larissa Franca has also enjoyed a number of other great moments, too. The bronze medal from the 2012 London Games would probably be up there, as would her numerous other medals from world events. For all her success, she’s worth $1 million.
Photo via Flickr/Stare Jabłonki
9. Philip Dalhausser – $1 million
Known for his dominance with former teammate Todd Rogers, Philip Dalhausser has left his mark on the sport of volleyball over the years. Winning a gold medal during the 2008 Summer Olympics, Dalhausser also won a variety of medals of all sorts during the World Tour events years ago. While he is 34 years old and in the twilight of his carer, Dalhausser is still a solid performer, and already carries a net worth of $1 million.
8. Logan Tom – $1 million
After becoming the youngest woman to ever be selected for the U.S. Olympic team back in 2000, Logan Tom has proven to be quite the player. With two silver medals from the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics, Tom has won on the biggest stages, while also earning a few other medals from international competitions, too. At 33 years old, she should have a few years left to increase both her medal count and checkbook, as she carries a net worth of $1 million.
7. Morgan Beck – $1 million
Still just 27 years old, Morgan Beck might not be all that well-known for her success on the volleyball court, just yet, but she is probably recognized thanks to her modeling career away from the sport. As a professional on the AVP tour and a member of the U.S. team, Beck should be set to continue to earn both acclaim in her sport and with big paychecks, as she has already earned $1 million thus far.
Photo via Flickr/joelgrimesphotography
6. Carolina Costagrande – $1.02 million
Carolina Costagrande is a rare case of an athlete who has suited up for two separate countries in international competitions. Playing for both Argentina and Italy, Costagrande has represented both quite admirally, winning a gold medal at the 2011 World Cup with Italy and taking home two silvers in both 1999 and 2001 while with Argentina at the South American Championship. For her efforts, she has made just over $1 million.
Photo via Flickr/nientehasenso
5. Kim Yeon Koung – $1.09 million
While Kim Yeon Koung hasn’t won an Olympic medal in her career, she has seen great success thanks to her days as a pro in various leagues. Currently playing in Turkey, Yeon Koung has shown to be the most decorated South Korean player in recent years, which makes her both valuable and worth the money she makes—which has been a hefty $1.09 million.
4. Ekaterina Gamova – $1.37 million
A two-time silver medalist in the Olympics, Russian volleyballer Yekaterina Gamova is one of the best—and tallest—players on the planet. Standing 6′ 8″, Gamova is as intimidating as she is lethal on the volleyball court, which has helped her in earning $1.37 million overall.
3. Misty May-Treanor – $4 million
The first half of, arguably, the best beach volleyball duo ever, Misty May-Treanor and her teammate Kerri Walsh Jennings owned the sport for years, earning three Olympic gold medals and three World Championships with one second place finish. For that reason, May-Treanor was rewarded nicely, earning $4 million in her days as a pro athlete.
Photo via Flickr/centurycouncil
2. Kerri Walsh Jennings – $4 million
Regarded as the other half of the best beach volleyball duo ever with the aforementioned Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh Jennings has done it all, earning $4 million in her illustrious career. With Olympic gold medals in the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Summer Games, Walsh Jennings proved that everything she touches is worth gold—which is why she makes so much, I assume.
1. Gabrielle Reece – $10 million
Although Gabrielle Reece hasn’t been competing for years now, she is still the top-paid volleyball player of all-time, bringing in an insane $10 million. In addition to her winnings in the sport, Reece is best-known for her time as both a model and spokesperson, famously reaping Nike and helping show that women could do everything men could in sports.
