Miles Evans deserves all the congratulations in the world for earning a spot in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Miles and his beach volleyball partner Chase Budinger will be representing the United States. They currently hold the 2nd position in the United States and the 13th position globally.

I got the chance to chat with Miles, who filled me in on his plans for the future and his opinions on forthcoming competitions.

“There are a lot of emotions running through my head but, I have put in a lot of hours of practice for the upcoming event and look forward to the competition in Paris playing under the Eiffel Tower in Paris which is a beautiful place,” said Evans.

Miles, coming from Santa Barbara, California, embarked on his club volleyball journey in his sophomore year at Dos Pueblos High School, where he honed his skills in indoor volleyball. After graduating, he decided to pursue his education at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he furthered his studies. Miles’ sophomore year seemed to have a profound impact on him, as it was during this time that he made the decision to pursue his passion professionally. He traveled along the Southern California coast line to Hermosa Beach to focus on beach volleyball training.

During our conversation, Miles openly shared how he struggled with the sport in the beginning. Evans proudly declared, “I dedicated countless hours to honing my volleyball skills, practicing diligently on the beach every morning. This unwavering commitment and perseverance ultimately yielded fruitful results.” This kind of moment holds significance for everyone, not just athletes. This statement reminds us that our initial experiences should not define us or limit our potential. It serves as a powerful reminder to never let our first impressions hold us back.

He successfully qualified for the AVP Huntington Beach Open on his first attempt in 2016. He secured 5th place with his partner Curt Toppel.

In the following season, Miles made the transition to playing FIVB alongside Bill Kolinske. He had an impressive performance, securing 2nd place in a 1-star event in Aalsmeer, 3rd place in a 2-star event in Sydney, and a well-deserved 9th place finish at a 4-star event in China. He has been a regular fixture on the AVP Tour for six seasons and is eagerly looking forward to his new partnership with Chase Budinger in 2023 and beyond.

Competing against the top athletes in the world can be quite daunting, especially when surrounded by gold medalists. Nevertheless, Miles has rightfully earned his place in this exclusive group and holds his peers in great esteem, feeling honored to be recognized alongside them. Evans expressed his anticipation of meeting and conversing with the other finalists, acknowledging that although competing can be a bit nerve-racking.

Miles expresses a profound gratitude for the chance to take part in the Olympics and proudly represent the United States. He has participated in competitions across 37 different countries. Miles openly admits that Jamaica holds a special place in his heart, as he thoroughly enjoyed immersing himself in the vibrant culture and breathtaking beauty of the tropical island. It’s truly a privilege to have been able to explore the world while pursuing my passion and witnessing the wonders of various destinations. Evans reflected on the valuable lessons he has learned and how his experiences have shaped his perspective.

Miles has his sights set on the future, with aspirations of transitioning from a professional volleyball player to a coach. Even after achieving his goals, he still has more to accomplish. He subtly suggested that there could potentially be a future book in the works. This Olympian possesses an extraordinary amount of untapped potential. Now let’s continue to cheer for him and all of Team USA! The preliminary rounds of men’s beach volleyball began on Saturday, July 27 and will culminate in the championships on Saturday, August 10.

Be sure to stay tuned and catch him and the rest of Team USA on Peacock!

Photography Credit: Courtesy of Tape Media