Ocean Point Volleyball Club’s newest position player and clinics coach, Merrick McHenry, is bringing elite-level insight, unmatched energy, and a championship pedigree to Southern California volleyball. A former UCLA standout and current pro middle blocker with Nice Volleys in France’s Ligue A, McHenry’s career is on a meteoric rise—both on the court and on the sidelines. When he is free from playing pro volleyball in Europe and traveling with Team USA you can find him on the sidelines with Ocean Point.
Teaming up with longtime friend and college roommate Alex Knight, the dynamic duo is building a powerhouse culture at Ocean Point. Together, they helped UCLA capture two national championships, dominating the men’s college volleyball landscape from 2020 to 2024. Now, they unite again, committed to delivering quality instruction and a championship mindset to the next generation of athletes.
At UCLA, McHenry was virtually unstoppable. The 6’7” middle blocker from Bedford, Texas, was a top-five national recruit who exceeded expectations. He won the prestigious Ryan Millar Award—given to the nation’s top middle attacker—not once but twice, and was named the MPSF Player of the Year as a senior while boasting the highest hitting percentage in the conference. “Nobody could block him,” said one collegiate coach. “His speed and vertical made him uncontainable.”
Following his decorated college career, McHenry signed with Nice Volleys in France’s top division, where he has quickly become one of the league’s most electrifying middles. His explosive athleticism and high-flying attacks make him a standout even in Europe’s elite ranks.
McHenry is also making waves internationally. In 2025, he made the U.S. Men’s National Team Volleyball Nations League roster. Selected for the 14-man roster in Week One, he made an immediate impact:
Averaging 6.25 points per match, McHenry demonstrated that he belongs among the world’s best. Veteran U.S. setter Erik Shoji noted, “They all jump high, but McHenry just flies. You can spot him instantly in hitting lines.” From Rio, Merrick joined the team in Chicago and Japan. It has been a full summer.
As Ocean Point gears up for its inaugural season, McHenry’s presence will be transformational. His combination of professional experience, global competition, and collegiate excellence makes him a rare asset in youth volleyball. With McHenry and Knight at the helm, Ocean Point isn’t just teaching kids how to play, it’s training them how to win.
“The culture Merrick brings is electric,” said Knight. “He’s a world-class athlete, a humble leader, and he makes everyone around him better. We’re building something special here.”
From Westwood to the World Stage, and now to Ocean Point, Merrick McHenry is proof that greatness can be taught, shared, and passed on.