Kerri Walsh Jennings, one of the most celebrated figures in volleyball history and a three-time Olympic gold medalist, has traveled across the globe during her career and stayed in some of the most renowned hotels in the world. Despite her extensive experiences abroad, she says her favorite place remains her home, a reflection of her deep connection to family and community. At 46, Walsh now lives in Saratoga, California, located in Silicon Valley’s South Bay Area, with her husband Casey Jennings and their three children, ages 16, 15, and 12. For her, home represents comfort, grounding, and love, as she emphasizes that her family is her world.
Life after her professional volleyball career has taken on a new direction centered on philanthropy, inspiration, and giving back to the next generation. Much of her time is devoted to her foundation, p1440, which takes its name from the 1,440 minutes in a day, symbolizing the goal of making the most of each moment. Through the foundation, she uses volleyball as a tool to teach young people the importance of developing mind, body, and spirit. Her efforts extend across the country, and this summer she will bring her mission to Montauk, New York, where she is set to host a volleyball tournament benefitting her charity as well as the Hampton Lifeguard Association. The event at Kirk Beach Park will feature eight teams that include local lifeguards, professional athletes, and community members, turning it into both a competitive and meaningful daylong experience.
Her passion for home life and balance between family and purpose shines when she describes her current residence. After more than two decades living away from her hometown in Lake Tahoe, she returned to Saratoga to be closer to her roots. Her house is a single-story ranch-style home on nearly an acre of land, offering privacy, a large backyard, and an atmosphere perfect for raising her children. She describes it as glorious, with the kitchen serving as the heart of the household. For her, the kitchen is not only a functional space but also the gathering place where she can watch her children play outside while sharing moments of family connection.
Equally cherished is the family room, where the Jennings family spends time watching movies, sports, and their favorite shows together. The ability to sit as a family on one couch, sharing laughter and comfort, reflects the values Walsh holds dear. Her home also carries personal stories through its decor. A meaningful piece in her collection is an original surfboard art piece from the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, gifted by her father. Displayed in the Team USA House during the games, it remains one of her most treasured possessions. Another favorite is an original “Cool Hand Luke” movie poster she purchased, which holds sentimental value for her husband, a lifelong Paul Newman fan.
Walsh also reflects on the closeness of her current home to her childhood residence. In fact, her house is only 236 steps away from where she grew up, both sharing similar design styles. She credits her parents for developing their property beautifully over decades, with special admiration for the magical oak tree in their backyard that continues to hold irreplaceable memories. For her, the connection between past and present adds a unique layer of meaning to her life in Saratoga.
Beyond the walls of her home, Walsh emphasizes the importance of outdoor spaces. She views the outdoors as a sanctuary, a place of peace, a playground, and a source of family bonding. Her family spends much of their time outside, reinforcing the idea that outdoor living is just as integral as the indoors when it comes to a complete home experience. She describes outdoor areas as a reminder of balance and serenity, which are essential to her well-being.
While Walsh appreciates interior design and enjoys exploring styles, she prefers to collaborate with designers rather than handle every detail herself. Her style leans toward a surf-cowboy Scandinavian-inspired minimalism that blends comfort with simplicity. She enjoys being part of the vision-setting process and then leaving the details to professionals she trusts. This approach allows her to maintain harmony between aesthetics and function without overwhelming herself.
Looking ahead, Walsh and her family have plans for new properties and future builds. They own land in Springdale, Utah, near Zion National Park, where they plan to construct a home. They also aspire to build a dream residence in Lake Tahoe within the next three years, reconnecting to a place that has been a significant part of their journey. A dream purchase on her bucket list would be in Kauai, particularly in Hanalei, a destination that inspires her with its natural beauty and sense of peace.
Her reflections on home, family, and future plans show a woman who has transitioned from a career defined by athletic achievements to a life centered on nurturing values, supporting community, and embracing every moment. While her name will always be remembered in the history of Olympic sports, Kerri Walsh Jennings continues to write her story off the court, guided by love for her family, dedication to her foundation, and dreams that blend personal fulfillment with giving back.
