The History of SMBC

Since 1982, the Santa Monica Beach Club has been one of the premier Southern California volleyball clubs. Loyalty, hard work and perseverance, sportsmanship, and the quest for team and personal development, achievement, and triumph – these are the pillars of our organization and guide our players and coaches to greatness and fulfillment. Our 25–year history of success and respect within the volleyball community is testament to that fact.

The story of the Santa Monica Beach Club begins with renowned coach Mike Norman, who founded the SMBC Boy´s program in 1982. Practicing out of Santa Monica High School, Norman´s teams found instant success. By the time Norman retired from the club in 1991, SMBC teams had brought home as many as six Gold Medals in Junior Olympic competition, as well as a host of silver and bronze. In 1992, Jesse Quiroz started SMBC girls and today the girls program carries thirteen to fourteen teams every season.

After Mike Norman retired, Jimmy Blackman (who is currently a Deputy Chief of Staff for the elected mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and a graduate of Stanford University where he played as a setter) took over SMBC boys for a couple of years. Next in line as the director was Turhan Douglas who eventually passed the club to Nabil Mardini, who is also currently the Director and Head Coach for SMBC girls, and the Head Coach of the women´s program at Pierce College.

For over twenty years, the Santa Monica Beach Club has developed some of the finest male athletes in Southern California. It remains to this day one of the premier volleyball clubs in the region.

Success!

The Santa Monica Beach Club (SMBC) had a phenomenal 2006 season, placing every age group´s top team in the top 8 in the SCVA (Southern California Volleyball Association).

Our Reputation

SMBC is ranked by prepvolleyball.com as one of the Top Seven volleyball clubs in Southern California, by far the highest ranking of any club in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

SMBC Medals