From Gstaad, Switzerland to the Paris Olympics, Miles Partain gives back to Ocean Point Volleyball
Gstaad, Switzerland — July 2025
Miles Partain, Olympic beach volleyball standout and Ocean Point Volleyball Club training coach, returned to one of his favorite stages this July, Gstaad, Switzerland, with the same composure and magic that first vaulted him into the global spotlight two years ago.
In July 2023, a then-rising Partain stunned the world by winning gold at the FIVB Beach Pro Tour Elite16 in Gstaad alongside partner Andy Benesh. That win marked a generational turning point for U.S. beach volleyball and cemented Partain’s reputation as one of the most creative and technically brilliant defenders in the world. That year, the duo defeated the reigning Olympic champions from Norway, Anders Mol and Christian Sørum—twice in the same tournament, a rare and electrifying feat. The tournament victory also marked the first U.S. men’s gold at an Elite16 event since 2008.
Now, in 2025, Partain has returned to Gstaad with even more confidence and poise. “Gstaad is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. So thankful to have played there for a third time.”
Paris Olympic Dreams Realized
Just weeks after his return to Gstaad, Miles Partain stepped onto an even bigger global stage—the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, representing Team USA in beach volleyball. Alongside partner Andy Benesh, the duo carried the momentum from their historic wins in 2023 into Olympic competition, earning their spot as one of the top-ranked teams in the world.
Miles became the youngest American man ever to compete in Olympic beach volleyball, a testament to both his prodigious talent and his rapid rise on the international scene. With thrilling matches against the world’s elite, Partain’s Olympic debut was marked by precision, maturity, and the same joyful creativity that has defined his game since his days in Santa Monica.
“The Olympics were a dream come true,” Miles said. “To wear the red, white, and blue on that stage and compete at the highest level—it was humbling, unforgettable, and motivating. It makes me want to keep growing and give back even more.”
From UCLA to the World Stage
Before his international breakthrough, Miles Partain was a standout setter for UCLA. A First Team All-American, he was known not just for his pinpoint accuracy and deceptive playmaking, but for his calm demeanor and deep understanding of the game. His time at UCLA laid the foundation for his dominance on the beach, where vision, ball control, and decision-making are everything.
Giving Back Through Ocean Point
While Miles continues to compete at the highest level—now a household name in Olympic volleyball—he’s also deeply committed to giving back. Ocean Point Volleyball Club is proud to announce that Miles Partain will serve as a training coach, working with young athletes on setting, passing, attacking, defense, and overall volleyball IQ.
Ocean Point Club Director Alex Knight, who first met Miles on the beach in Santa Monica when they were teenagers, describes the partnership as “full circle.” The two became friends and later teammates at both Pac6 Volleyball Club and UCLA, winning the USA Junior National Beach Championship (16U) together before launching their collegiate careers.
“Miles brings a rare combination of humility and excellence,” says Knight. “He’s not just one of the best defenders in the world—he’s a world-class mentor. We are excited to have him in our gym.”
Clinics, Mentorship, and the Joy of the Game
Miles will lead select clinics and practices at Ocean Point, focusing on skill development, game mindset, and positional excellence. His presence reinforces Ocean Point’s commitment to growing the game the right way—through character, community, and joy.
“I’m excited to be back where it all started,” Miles said. “Ocean Point represents everything I love about volleyball: high-level training, great people, and a mission that goes beyond wins. I can’t wait to help these young players grow.”
Whether ringing cowbells in the Swiss Alps, competing on Olympic sand in Paris, or running drills in the Ocean Point gym, Miles Partain is setting the pace—on the court and off—for the next generation of American volleyball. And at Ocean Point, the future looks very bright.