Moran, who has played on the AVP since 2000, experienced a breakout season in 2009. He set career bests with a seventh-place finish (Chicago) and No. 29 rank on the Tour. His previous top rank was 43rd.

Moran played for the club team at Arizona, serving as team captain in 1997 and 1998. Nicknamed "Johnny Mo" or "Moranimal", he has six siblings and 15 nieces and nephews. He and his wife, Kelly, became parents for the first time after the 2009 season ended (twins Brayden and Alexis). Moran has "Guerra" tattooed on his back in honor of his mother, Frances Guerra, who died in 1999.

He left a job at the Arizona State Legislature in 1998, when he moved to Hermosa Beach to pursue beach volleyball.

Favorite Movie: Forrest Gump...Favorite Music: Pearl Jam and U2...Role Models: My dad, for his character, integrity, and work ethic. My late mother for her compassion and caring. My siblings for their big hearts and fun-loving spirits. Professionally, Robin Sharma and Tony Robbins because of their knowledge, contribution and discipline. Favorite athlete: Tom Brady...Favorite Meal: Italian food--either penne carbonara with chicken or pepperoni, sausage and mushroom pizza...Favorite Place to Travel: Paris, Barcelona, or any beach with my wife and a volleyball net!...Greatest accomplishment: Creating two human beings with my wife. Incredible! In volleyball, playing Karch on Center Court in Manhattan Beach, finishing 7th in Chicago, winning the MotherLode in Aspen, Colo...Sponsors: SMACK Sportswear, Fireman's Brew, www.starrsuccess.com, Unlimited Fitness, the Jump Manual...Hobbies: Reading, working out, traveling, hiking, personal development, Notre Dame football, and anything U of A-related!

If you weren't playing professional beach volleyball, what would you be doing? I'd still own my company, STARR International, and spend even more time at the office!