Barbra Fontana Harris

Barbra Fontana Harris just missed a beach volleyball medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Partnered by Linda Hanley, they lost in the bronze medal match and placed fourth. Fontana Harris played volleyball at Stanford, leading them to the Final Four all four years. She graduated in 1987 and then earned a law degree from Santa Clara University in 1991.

Fontana Harris played professionally on the beach circuits for 18 years, ranking #1 in the USA for three years, and was in the USA top 4 for 15 years. During her career she won 22 tournaments, including the Manhattan Beach Open and was twice named Queen of the Beach, and was voted defensive player of the year on the WPVA Tour in 1993 and 1994. Fontana Harris also served as WPVA President from 1993-94.

In 2011 Fontana Harris began coaching younger players and led Jenny Kropp and Whitney Pavlik to a #1 ranking on the AVP Pro Beach Tour. She also coached young players and high school volleyballers. Fontana Harris is a member of the California Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame and the Mira Costa Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame.