International Volleyball Hall of Fame - Holyoke, Massachusetts USA
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CLASS OF 2024

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Giuseppe Panini

Enshrined: 2024
Born: November 9, 1925, Italy
Died: October 18, 1996, Italy
Country: Italy

Category: Leader

BIOGRAPHY

Great individuals leave their mark in various ways, and Giuseppe Panini’s influence on the sport of volleyball is both profound and multifaceted. A visionary entrepreneur and passionate volleyball enthusiast, Panini significantly shaped the landscape of professional volleyball in Italy and beyond, creating a legacy that endures to this day.

In 1961, Giuseppe Panini, and his brothers Benito, Umberto and Franco, founded the world-famous Panini trading card company, which would become a global icon in the collectibles industry. However, Panini's passion for volleyball led him to make an equally significant impact on the sport. In 1966, he founded the professional volleyball club that would eventually become known as Modena Volley. Starting from humble beginnings in the third tier of the Italian League, Panini’s leadership and vision propelled the club to the top, achieving promotion to Serie A within just two seasons.

Under Panini’s guidance, Modena Volley quickly grew into the largest and most successful volleyball club in the world. The club became a powerhouse, attracting some of the sport’s most talented players, including 14 future International Volleyball Hall of Fame inductees. These athletes, along with many others, helped establish Modena as a dominant force in volleyball, both in Italy and internationally.

Since 1968, Modena Volley has competed at the highest level of the Italian Volleyball League without interruption, a testament to Panini’s enduring influence. The club has captured the Italian League title 12 times, a remarkable achievement that underscores its consistent excellence. Additionally, Modena Volley has won 13 European trophies, including four prestigious CEV Champions League titles, further solidifying its reputation as a volleyball powerhouse.

Panini’s contributions extended beyond the success of his club. In 1973, he played a crucial role in founding the Italian Volleyball League (Lega Pallavolo Serie A), which has grown to become one of the most competitive and prestigious leagues in the world. The SuperLega, as it is known today, is renowned for featuring a distinguished roster of Olympic medalists and world-class talent, a reflection of Panini’s vision for the sport.

In 1985, Modena’s Palazzo dello Sport was constructed, and after Panini’s death in 1996, it was renamed PalaPanini in his honor. This iconic venue stands as a lasting tribute to a man whose contributions to volleyball continue to inspire.

For his visionary leadership and unparalleled impact on the sport of volleyball in Italy and around the world, the International Volleyball Hall of Fame is proud to induct Giuseppe Panini as a Leader.

NEWS

  • International Volleyball Hall of Fame Presents the Induction Class of 2024

CLASS OF 2024

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Regla Bell
INDOOR PLAYER
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Tim Hovland
BEACH PLAYER
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Juan Angel Pereyra
REFEREE
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Jose Roberto Guimaraes
COACH
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Sue Lemaire
REFEREE
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Hadi Rezaei
ParaVOLLEY COACH
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Ana Paula Henkel
BEACH Player
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Giuseppe Panini
LEADER
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Andrea Zorzi
INDOOR PLAYER
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ALL INDUCTEES

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International Volleyball ​Hall of Fame
444 Dwight Street
Holyoke, MA  01040  USA
Phone: +1 413.536.0926
Email: [email protected]
Volleyball is the Official Recreational and Team Sport ​of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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  • VB130
  • PLAN YOUR VISIT
    • Hours & Admission
    • BUY MUSEUM TICKETS
    • Group Tours
    • PRIVATE EVENT RENTALS
  • HALL OF FAMERS
    • Inductees
    • Eligibility & Nominations
    • Awards
    • Induction Celebration
  • Events
    • Induction >
      • Induction Celebration
      • Induction Tickets
      • Induction Yearbook
      • 2025 Fan Vote
    • Morgan Classic
    • Girls VolleyHall Classic
    • Boys VolleyHall Classic
    • Girls W. Mass All-Star Showcase
    • Boys W. Mass All-Star Showcase
    • Battle of the Badges
    • IVHF Grass Smash
  • MUSEUM
    • Sand Stories: The Beach Volleyball Experience
    • In The Museum
    • Digital Exhibits >
      • The REAL History of Volleyball
      • William G Morgan - Father of Volleyball
      • Basketball & Volleyball
      • 1922 - First US Championship
  • SUPPORT
    • Memberships
    • VB130 - Volleyball's Global Impact
    • Sand Stories: The Beach Volleyball Experience
    • Donate Today
    • Donor Listing
  • NEWS
  • SHOP
  • About Us
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership & Staff
    • International Media Advisory Council