Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2015
Recruited by Ray Ratelle to join the 49ers in the 1987 season, Mark Kerins was the player that began a turnaround for Beach Men's Volleyball, culminating in a finals appearance in his senior season of 1990. Long Beach State had gone 33-34 in the two preceding seasons of Kerins arrival at the Beach, but after an 18-15 campaign in his freshman year, Long Beach State would go on to win 20 matches in 1988, and top that win total in each of the next two seasons, the first time in school history that the 49ers had won more than 20 matches.
Kerins was the veteran star of those teams, leading the 49ers in kills during the 1989 season and second behind fellow hall of famer Brent Hilliard in 1990. His 1,700 kills rank fourth in school history, and his 832 career digs rank second at LBSU, showcasing his all-around talent. His senior season was the finest hour for Kerins. Earning First-Team All-America honors, Kerins averaged 4.74 kills per set and 2.38 digs per set while leading the 49ers to the NCAA Tournament, where they dominated their semifinal match before falling in four sets to USC. Kerins was a two-time all-conference selection, earning first-team honors as a senior in 1990. He went on to play for the USA National team in 1991 and 1992, and was an inaugural member of the Long Beach State Men's Volleyball Wall of Honor.
