Bio
Olson set a new career best finish for the fifth straight season in 2008, claiming his first career title in Belmar with Kevin Wong.
Olson was fifth in hitting percentage (.427) and ninth in kill percentage (.556) in 2007. He finished 2006 eighth in kill percentage (.589) and 10th in hitting percentage (.429). Olson finished the 2005 season ranked sixth in hitting percentage (.438) and seventh in kill percentage (.582) on the AVP Tour. Between the 2004 and 2005 seasons, he competed on the Australian national tour, winning one event.
Received a BS in Physical Education from the University of Arizona, where he helped the club team to a national championship in two of the three years he competed. Met Lindsey, an avid beach player, while playing volleyball in Arizona, and the two were married in 2004. Has a younger brother, Trevor, who also plays volleyball. His parents (Dave and Susan) also played beach volleyball and his father still plays at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas four days a week. They are owners of OlyO’s Pizza in Encinitas, which is both a sponsor and an employer of Matt, who is also sponsored by Oakley and Fairfield and Nichols Properties.
Q & A
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Number of years playing beach volleyball?
5 seasons on the pro tour, been playing for 15+ years competitively
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When did you start your sport?
I had a ball in my crib!!
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Who/what inspires you?
Players and people who give their all and never give up. Aggressive play!
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If you were not a pro beach volleyball player what would you be?
Would love to be a professional surfer traveling the world in search of perfect waves. Somewhere along the way I am going to be back and teach again...
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What are your favorite songs loaded on to your iPod/Thump?
a little bit of everything but Pitbull has to be my favorite warm-up music.
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What is more important to you than volleyball?
My wife and my family.
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Do you have any other special talents or hobbies?
I was a competitive surfer until the age of f16 and I am terrible at basketball.
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To me, Oakley is...
Great gear and optics. Part of my life...
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Favorites...
Bands: Marley TV Shows: The Office Drink: Arizona Green Tea
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What skill or shot are you working on?
JUMBO!!!
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5 items you can't life without:
Wife, surfboard, Hawaiian plate lunch, iPod Shuffle, my truck
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If you could be someone famous in another sport or profession, who would you be?
Tiger, you can play golf for a long time and your body doesn't take a beating. The $$$ isn't so bad either!
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Party animal or mellow TV on the couch?
More towards mellow
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Any last words?
London 2012!!!
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