Randolph Piermont Stoklos, better known as “Stokey” to his adoring fans, was perhaps single handedly responsible for changing the dynamic of the sport with his athleticism and overpowering force at the net. His powerful one handed blocks were a trademark of the strength that Randy brought to the game. He made history by becoming the first player to reach the $1 million mark in career prize earnings, was the second player to reach the century mark in career wins and is third on the all-time career wins list with 123.
Randy and longtime partner Sinjin Smith were the first team to earn 100 team victories and still hold the record after almost a decade. He was named the AVP’s “Most Valuable Player” four times in his career, and is a four-time winner of the prestigious Manhattan Beach Open, his first win coming in 1981 with beach volleyball legend, Jim Menges. Randy’s success in the sport includes a U.S. Championship and 5 World Championships. His success dates back to his first tournament in 1976 at Sorrento Beach, and he has teamed with the top players in the sport in addition to Sinjin and Menges including, Adam Johnson, Brian Lewis, Scott Ayakatubby, and Eduardo “Anjinho” Bacil.
Randy was recognized as a part of the Greatest Team in Beach Volleyball History by the FIVB and was honored at an induction ceremony in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 2001 where the storied history of the “Smith-Stoklos” partnership was celebrated by a global audience. The impact that Randy has had on the sport has opened doors for many younger players who have learned from his example. He has mentored many of the players currently competing at the pro level, sharing both his on court athletic advice in addition to his off court business advice. He has won major events on live network television, has been featured in articles and advertisements in major publications. He has made a major impact on the world of beach volleyball.
Randy began playing beach volleyball in 1974 at Muscle Beach in Venice, California with Joe Gold. He won his first trophy in 1976 and since that time has enjoyed one of the most successful careers in beach volleyball history. Randy was one of the first beach volleyball athletes to earn a lucrative sponsorship endorsement and throughout his career was associated with top companies. He starred in the 1990 Tri-Star Pictures release, “Side Out,” playing one of the lead roles in the motion picture.
He has appeared in several product advertisements, most recently a national campaign for Coppertone Sport Sunscreen. He has adorned the cover of magazines such as “M” and “Men’s Fitness” and has been the subject of a feature report on “Inside Edition.” He has been involved in every aspect of growing the sport as a business and is regarded as one of the pioneers in bringing mainstream American companies into the sponsorship portfolio of beach volleyball. Although retired from professional competition, he continues to compete in local tournaments. Randy resides in Pacific Palisades, California with his daughter, Shay, and son, Shane.
