Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball Announces 2025 Wall of Honor Class
12/5/2025 11:30:00 AM | Men's Volleyball
Five legendary contributors across eras to be celebrated for shaping the legacy, culture and championship tradition of Long Beach State men’s volleyball.
LONG BEACH, Calif. — Long Beach State Men's Volleyball will honor five exceptional contributors to the program's legacy this summer, as Curtis Jackson, Taylor Gregory, Nick Amado, Ralph Smith and longtime assistant coach Andy Read are set to be inducted into the Wall of Honor.
The Wall of Honor recognizes individuals who have elevated the Beach through competitive excellence, leadership, service, and lifelong commitment to the program.
"This year's Wall of Honor recipients embody the true spirit of Beach culture and its decades-long tradition of excellence," said Harold Noriega, co-chair of the Wall of Honor Committee. "I've had the privilege of watching Andy Read coach and mentor these outstanding athletes over the past thirty years, as well as the honor of sharing the court with my former teammate and fellow inductee, Ralph Smith. It's an extraordinary group of men who continue to support the program and give back in meaningful ways. Welcome, Legends!"
"This year's Wall of Honor committee has nominated five new inductees to the men's volleyball Wall of Honor," added co-chair Mike D'Alessandro. "These five honorees all had outstanding volleyball careers at the Beach. Andy Read is being honored for the three decades of coaching expertise he provided for the program. He helped develop countless great players and great teams and has been a major contributor to the Beach's success over the years.
"There are four all-time great players for the Beach being inducted as well. Curtis Jackson, an extremely gifted player as both an outside hitter and libero, was a great leader who competed with our 1999 Final Four team and deserves to be honored among the very best who have ever played here.
"Congratulations to all of this year's inductees. All are extremely well deserved and tremendous additions to the group of Long Beach State's best-ever men's volleyball players and contributors. Welcome to the group, guys!"
Head Coach Alan Knipe also expressed his pride in the 2025 class, saying "this is a spectacular class of Long Beach State greats! Each of these men has played a vital role in shaping Long Beach State men's volleyball into what it is today. As competitors, leaders and coaches, they have left an undeniable mark on our program. I couldn't be happier or prouder of this group. I thank them for their tremendous contributions to our culture, and I'm thrilled to see them recognized for their impact."
Curtis Jackson (1999–2000)
A dynamic and fiercely competitive two-year standout, Curtis Jackson played a pivotal role in Long Beach State's run to the 1999 NCAA Championship match. After transferring from Golden West College, where he was the Junior College National Player of the Year, Jackson immediately stepped in as a starting outside hitter and helped guide the Beach to the national finals.
In 2000, Jackson made one of the most selfless position changes in program history, converting to libero during the NCAA's first season using the position. Despite being a 6-1 outside hitter capable of producing at an elite level, he embraced the transition wholeheartedly, becoming Long Beach State's first libero and setting a standard for toughness, team-first mentality and relentless competitiveness. His impact helped bridge eras of Beach volleyball history and cemented his standing as one of the program's most respected teammates.
Taylor Gregory (2013–16)
One of the most influential middle blockers of the modern era, Taylor Gregory was a four-year starter, an All-American and a captain whose leadership helped spark the resurgence of Long Beach State men's volleyball in the mid-2010s.
Gregory was a freshman in head coach Alan Knipe's first year back from coaching the U.S. Olympic Team, and his development was central to reestablishing the Beach as a national contender. In 2016, he captained LBSU to its first NCAA Final Four appearance of the decade, the launching point for the championship era that followed.
He set, and still holds, several individual program records, establishing himself as one of the most productive and reliable middle blockers in Long Beach State history. After a successful professional playing career, Gregory transitioned into collegiate coaching and is now thriving as the Associate Head Coach at Ole Miss, continuing to develop elite blockers and defensive systems.
Nick Amado (2017–19)
A steadying force and championship anchor in the middle, Nick Amado embodied resilience, poise and competitive fire during one of the greatest eras in program history.
A junior college transfer who worked tirelessly to elevate his game, Amado became a two-year starter for the Beach. In those two seasons he won back-to-back NCAA Championships. Widely regarded as the final piece of the puzzle for the 2018 and 2019 title teams, Amado's presence, leadership and ultra-competitive edge solidified the lineup and helped drive Long Beach State to the top of college volleyball.
He authored one of the most iconic moments in program history, delivering the championship-clinching kill to secure the 2018 NCAA title. Amado has since enjoyed a successful professional career and is currently coaching at Golden West College, continuing to shape the next generation of players.
Ralph Smith
A standout setter and one of the premier players of his era, Ralph Smith played and set for one of Long Beach State's best teams ever during the late 1970s and early 1980s. His playmaking, competitiveness and on-court command established him among the elite setters in program history.
After his collegiate career, Smith went on to set for the U.S. Men's National Team for multiple seasons and became a multi-time USAV All-American with the famed Outrigger Canoe Club. His longevity and excellence in both indoor and club competition helped shape an entire era of American volleyball.
And, as longtime teammates still love to joke, he "could never beat his old buddies and teammates who played for Raymond Construction." A beloved competitor with a legendary résumé, Smith's career represents the golden foundation of Beach volleyball history.
Andy Read
Few individuals have contributed more sustained dedication to Long Beach State men's volleyball than longtime assistant coach Andy Read. A cornerstone of the program for nearly three decades, Read has served as an invaluable mentor, strategist and architect of the Beach's championship success.
He coached through multiple Final Four runs, three NCAA national championships and some of the most decorated rosters in program history. Read also served as interim head coach from 2010–12 during Alan Knipe's tenure with the U.S. Olympic Team and has been instrumental in developing countless All-Americans, Olympians and professional athletes.
More than the wins, Read represents the heart of the program: a coach who has invested extraordinary time, energy and personal commitment. His loyalty, expertise and enduring presence have been foundational to the Beach's culture, stability and championship identity.
The 2025 Wall of Honor Class will be formally recognized at the Randy Sandefur Memorial Golf Tournament, celebrating the legacy, history and future of Long Beach State Men's Volleyball.
