Ken Michelman

Ken Reeves was a professional basketball player who had to retire because of injuries. Against his sister Katie's advice, Ken takes a job as the basketball coach at Carver High School in Los Angeles, a tough, mixed-race school. Jim Willis, Ken's friend, was the principal for the first two seasons and was replaced by Sybil Buchanan, the former vice-principal, in the third year.

Sonny Reston and "Catch Viecelli" are two California beach vollyball players. Sonny is a champion "spiker" on the court and scorer off the court, while Catch plays to win. When the two are approached by the U.S. men's volleyball coach to play with the Olympic team, they jump at the chance. But neither realize that they have to give up the carefree life of the fun and sun.