Who Is Kelly Cheng Married To? Inside the Relationship and Success of Kelly and Jordan Cheng

Kelly Cheng’s Marriage: Who Is Jordan Cheng?

Kelly Cheng, one of the top beach volleyball players in the world, is married to Jordan Cheng, her coach and partner in both life and career. Their unique partnership, which blends their personal and professional lives, is a fascinating dynamic that has drawn public attention. As of 2024, the couple has been married for over two years, having tied the knot in March 2022. Jordan is not just Kelly’s husband, but also her head coach, guiding her through international tournaments alongside her playing partner, Sara Hughes.

The Early Life of Kelly Cheng: From Beach Volleyball to International Fame

Full Name	Kelly Cheng (née Claes)
Date of Birth	September 18, 1995
Place of Birth	Fullerton, California, USA
Profession	Beach Volleyball Player
Spouse	Jordan Cheng (Married in 2022)

Kelly Cheng’s athletic career began in high school, where she earned accolades for her volleyball skills. She continued to dominate in college, attending the University of Southern California (USC), where she won back-to-back NCAA Championships in 2016 and 2017 with her then-partner, Sara Hughes. As her career progressed, Kelly gained international recognition, securing medals in several prestigious tournaments, including a gold medal at the FIVB World Championships in 2023.

Jordan Cheng: Professional Career and Contributions to Volleyball

Jordan Cheng’s journey is equally impressive. After graduating from Chapman University in 2013 with a degree in business, he shifted his focus to coaching, earning a Master’s in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University. Jordan has coached several successful volleyball players, including guiding Karissa Cook and Jace Pardon to a gold medal at the 2019 Pan Am Games.

As of 2024, Jordan continues to coach Kelly, leading her to major victories on the world stage. His coaching expertise has not only helped Kelly reach new heights in her career but has also solidified their marriage. In his words, “I’m not just coaching Kelly because we’re married—I’m coaching her because I believe I’m the best fit for her success” (Source: Volleyballmag.com).

What Makes Kelly and Jordan Cheng’s Marriage Unique?

Their relationship, which intertwines personal life and professional ambitions, is both inspiring and challenging. Balancing the demands of their volleyball careers with their marriage requires constant communication and effort. As Jordan Cheng has pointed out, the challenges of being both a husband and a coach are numerous: “It’s hard not to talk about volleyball when it’s our livelihood, but we make it work because we believe in each other” (Source: Sandcastvolleyball.com).

Building a Life and Career Together

The strength of Kelly and Jordan’s partnership lies in their shared goals. They have repeatedly mentioned how their ability to “dream together” keeps them motivated in both their personal and professional lives. Despite the constant pressure of elite competition, the couple finds ways to support one another and maintain balance. Their bond is built on mutual respect and the understanding that their relationship extends beyond the court.

Balancing Personal and Professional Lives: Insights from Their Dynamic

In interviews, Kelly has shared how they manage the complexities of being married while working together: “There are days when I just need my husband and not my coach, and we’ve learned how to switch between those roles” (Source: Sandcastvolleyball.com). Their ability to adapt is a key reason why their marriage thrives despite the intensity of their shared profession.

How They Handle Criticism and Public Perception

Kelly and Jordan have faced public scrutiny, particularly around the question of nepotism due to Jordan’s role as Kelly’s coach. Kelly’s response to this has been straightforward: “I’ve been hearing criticism my whole career, but we’re here because we work hard and we believe in what we’re doing” (Source: Instagram). Jordan echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’re not doing this because it’s easy, but because we believe it’s the right path for us both” (Source: Volleyballmag.com).

Their Collaborative Success in Beach Volleyball

Kelly and Jordan’s partnership has led to significant success on the international stage. In 2023, Kelly, alongside her partner Sara Hughes, won the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships, solidifying their place among the top beach volleyball teams globally. Under Jordan’s coaching, the duo also secured multiple AVP titles and reached Olympic qualification rankings for the Paris 2024 Games.

Achievements Since Their Marriage

Since marrying in 2022, Kelly and Jordan have reached new heights in their careers. Together, they have claimed titles in prestigious tournaments like the Huntington Beach Open and AVP Pro Tour, demonstrating the strength of their professional and personal collaboration.

Gold Medal Wins and International Success with Sara Hughes

One of the standout moments of their career was the 2023 FIVB World Championships, where Kelly and Sara Hughes took home the gold. This victory marked a high point in Kelly’s career, proving that her partnership with Jordan was a winning combination both on and off the court.

Coaching Strategies: How Jordan Contributed to Kelly’s Game

Jordan’s coaching philosophy emphasizes collaboration and constant improvement. He often consults with other top coaches, including Gustavo Rocha and Jake Gibb, to refine Kelly’s game. As Jordan himself puts it, “Coaching at this level requires more than just one person, it takes a whole team of experts” (Source: Volleyballmag.com).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Kelly and Jordan Cheng

How Long Have Kelly and Jordan Cheng Been Married?

Kelly and Jordan Cheng have been married since March 2022, celebrating over two years of marriage as of 2024.

What Is Jordan Cheng’s Role in Kelly’s Career?

Jordan Cheng is Kelly’s head coach, guiding her through international competitions alongside her partner, Sara Hughes.

How Did Kelly Cheng Meet Her Husband?

Kelly and Jordan met through their mutual involvement in professional volleyball, and their relationship grew from there. They married in 2022 after several years of collaboration in the sport.

What Challenges Do Kelly and Jordan Face as a Married Couple in Sports?

Their biggest challenge is balancing their personal and professional lives, particularly given the intensity of elite beach volleyball competitions. However, they’ve managed to thrive by setting boundaries and maintaining open communication.

What’s Next for Kelly and Jordan Cheng?

Aiming for Olympic Glory in 2024 and Beyond

As they prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Kelly and Jordan Cheng are focusing on maintaining their high level of performance. With several international titles under their belt, they are considered strong contenders for Olympic gold.

The Road to Paris 2024: Kelly Cheng’s Upcoming Competitions

Looking ahead, Kelly and Jordan are preparing for a rigorous schedule of tournaments leading up to the 2024 Olympics. Their partnership will be put to the test as they aim for the ultimate prize in beach volleyball: an Olympic gold medal.

Future Collaborations and Professional Aspirations

Beyond the 2024 Olympics, both Kelly and Jordan have expressed interest in continuing their work together, both on the court and off. Their future plans include mentoring younger athletes and possibly expanding their coaching roles within the sport.

References:

playersbio.com/who-is-jordan-cheng-kelly-cheng-volleyball-husband

comingsoon.net/who-is-kelly-chengs-husband-jordans-job-relationship-history

volleyballmag.com/kelly-cheng-and-jordan-cheng-husband-wife-coach-player-dynamic

sandcastvolleyball.com/kelly-jordan-cheng-marriage