Libero Richard “Rich” Lambourne was born on May 6, 1975 in Louisville, Kentucky. He grew up in Tustin, California and now calls San Diego, California home. Lambourne has proven himself one of the finest liberos in the world, winning the best libero title at the FIVB World League in 2007 and 2008.

He joined the US team in 2000, but did not become the full-time starting libero until 2005. Lambourne (190cm and 90kg) was named Best Libero and Best Receiver of the 2008 NORCECA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. At the Olympics, he was credited with 64 digs and 147 "excellent" service receptions on 230 total attempts for a success percentage of 63.91.

Lambourne finished 2010 having played in 80 sets for the United States. He finished with 114 digs (1.42 digs per set). He was also credited with one point on a kill. Lambourne started all 33 of the United States' sets at the FIVB World Championship in Italy where the US finished sixth. Lambourne finished fifth among all liberos with 199 "excellents" and 39 faults for an average of 6.03 per set.