CBVA 2018_HOF Event Program

He made an immediate impact when he hit the sand, quickly
becoming one of the dominant big men on tour and named the
2002 Rookie of the Year. 2004 was Lambert’s breakout year when
he partnered with Karch Kiraly to win four tournaments, including
the Manhattan Open and was awarded both the AVP Most
Valuable Player and Best Offensive Player. He and Karch were
also named AVP Team of the Year.
Lambert would go on to win 16 tournaments in his relatively short
career, including nine with fellow Hawaiian and good friend Stein
Metzger and tournaments with John Hyden and Eric Fonoimoana.
Lambert also won the 2005 King of the Beach tournament in
Las Vegas. In that same year, Lambert played alongside Karch
when the legend captured the last of his 148 victories. As his
nickname the “Hawaiian Curtain” suggests, Lambert was the
dominant blocker of his era. His long reach, ability to read attackers,
and his impeccable timing made it virtually impossible effectively
attach his block. He was also a dominant offensive player,
smooth on serve receive and an underrated setter.
While fiercely competitive, Lambert exuded a laid back style off
the court. He was a favorite of both fans and his fellow tour professionals,
often bringing his guitar to the beach to play songs in-between
matches and charming with an infectious smile. You would
have to search far and wide to find someone with anything bad to
say about Mike Lambert.
Since retirement, Mike continues to share his Aloha Spirit with
his wife and kids and with his guitar playing and with that smile.
If Lambert had played perhaps 10 years earlier, when the AVP
tour was on more solid financial footing, there is no question he
would have many, many more victories. But as it was, the sport
was lucky to witness his greatness on the court and his friendship
off the court. A Hall of Famer in every respect.