SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – Embracing what became a literal golden opportunity, Menlo Men's Volleyball Head Coach Ali'i Keohohou returned from the U23 NORCECA Pan American Cup with a gold medal after serving on the coaching staff for the victorious U.S. Men's National Team.

"This was such an amazing opportunity getting to represent our country, school, and my family," Keohohou said. "Getting to work with this staff and these athletes is an experience I will never forget."

Strengthening a collection of leaders helmed by Head Coach Nicki Sanlin, the current Director of Volleyball and Head Men's Volleyball Coach at McKendree, Keohohou's more than a decade of coaching experience and championship pedigree made him the perfect complement alongside fellow Assistant Coach Ryan Mason, a current Men's Volleyball Assistant Coach at Cal State Northridge.

Keohohou began by contributing to the assembly of Team USA in Colorado Springs in August then traveled to El Salvador for an exciting week of action in late September as the NORCECA U23 Pan Am Cup began pool play. Back-to-back 3-0 sweeps of Dominican Republic and Trinidad & Tobago demonstrated the Americans' determination to open the international competition, earning their squad a bye through the quarterfinals.

That momentum carried into the semifinals where Team USA bested Mexico 3-0 (25-19, 25-21, 25-20) before a faceoff with Costa Rica headlined the title match. Even two sets in, the contest quickly shifted in the Americans' favor before ending 3-1 (25-16, 23-25, 25-13, 25-17) with plenty of ensuing celebration.

Bestowed the team's second medal and first gold in just two appearances in the tournament to date, Team USA walked away with plenty of other individual honors including Most Valuable Player, Best Opposite, and Best Setter David Decker, Best Setter Cameron Hoying, and Best Receiver Trevor Herget.

Now back in Atherton, Keohohou continues to prepare alongside his own staff for the 2027 Menlo Men's Volleyball season ahead.