It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the sudden passing of Charlie Diener on October 29, 2024, a dedicated and long-time member of the IVHF Board of Directors. Charlie's passion for volleyball and his unwavering commitment to the Hall of Fame were exemplified through his leadership as past Chair of the Events Committee and his many years of service to our mission. "Charlie’s legacy will live on in every event that we host, in every inductee that we honor, and in the many lives that he influenced while on the IVHF Board," remarked IVHF President Steve Bishop. "Back in 2017 we honored Charlie (& Rick Barry) with the inaugural IVHF President’s Award for their longtime service. They set the standard for future recipients of this award." "Charlie’s contributions went far beyond the planning and execution of events," noted George Mulry, IVHF Executive Director. "He brought energy, creativity, and a collaborative spirit that inspired those around him. His tireless work and genuine love for the sport have left an indelible mark on our organization, and his efforts have played a significant role in shaping the IVHF’s legacy." We mourn the loss of a true champion of the Hall and a cherished friend. Join us for a Celebration of Life in loving memory of Charles Diener
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2024 5:30PM - 7:30PM INTERNATIONAL VOLLEYBALL HALL OF FAME 444 DWIGHT STREET HOLYOKE, MA
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Class includes nine names with impressive accolades; IVHF Special Awards also announced HOLYOKE, Mass., May 20, 2024 - The International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) announced via video (click here to watch) its induction class of 2024, to be honored on October 19 in Holyoke. The class includes nine members who were at the top of the game in their respective category, setting the standard and making history en route to being honored with this prestigious recognition. Five of these inductees were also top in the record-setting fan vote for this class. The 38th IVHF Induction class includes the following members: four-time Olympian Ana Paula Henkel (Brazil, Female Beach Player); Tim Hovland (United States, Male Beach Player), who won 60 titles in the course of his career; three-time Olympic gold medalist Regla Bell (Cuba, Female Indoor Player); three time Olympian Andrea Zorzi (Italy, Male Indoor Player); the only coach to win an Olympic gold medal with both men’s and women’s teams Jose “Zé Roberto” Guimarães (Brazil, Coach); Hadi Rezaei (Iran, ParaVolley), the most decorated coach in the history of sitting volleyball; an international official for 24 years Juan Angel Pereyra (Argentina, Official/Referee); Sue Lemaire (United States, Official/Referee), the first female international official from the U.S.; and influential Italian volleyball leader Giuseppe Panini (Italy, Leader). Also announced are IVHF special award winners, recognized for their contributions to the IVHF or the sport of volleyball itself. They include international grassroots legend John Kessel (Mintonette Medallion of Merit Award), and Bill Kauffman and Ed Chan (Award for Media Excellence), both recognized posthumously with the inaugural award for their communications, photography and promotional contributions to the sport, and the Mayoral Award of Excellence to former Massachusetts State Senators and Representatives Mike Knapik, Mike Kane, Aaron Vega and Don Humason for their legislative efforts in getting volleyball designated as the Official Team and Recreational Sport of Massachusetts. “Since 1985, the IVHF has had the distinct honor of inducting the legends of our sport and telling their stories to our worldwide volleyball family,” said IVHF Board President Steve Bishop, also the President of the Florida Region of USA Volleyball. “This year we are honored to welcome the outstanding Class of 2024 Inductees and their families, along with several very deserving special award winners. We cannot wait to meet them, hear their stories, and welcome them to Holyoke, the Birthplace of Volleyball.” All told, the IVHF has inducted 167 individuals from 26 countries into its historic Hall of Fame – those totals will rise to 176 inductees from 27 countries after the 2024 event. More detailed information on each inductee can be found below. "We are thrilled to announce this year's class of Hall of Fame inductees, a group that truly reflects the diversity and global reach of our sport,” stated IVHF Executive Director George Mulry. “These remarkable individuals come from varied backgrounds and have made significant contributions to volleyball in different parts of the world. Their unique stories and achievements exemplify the spirit of inclusivity and excellence that defines our sport. We hope the entire volleyball community will come together to experience their enshrinement, whether in person or online, as we honor their legacy and celebrate their impact on the volleyball world." The 2024 International Volleyball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place in Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The event is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, and ticket packages are available online at www.ivhf.org. Volleyball enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up for an IVHF membership which will provide behind-the-scenes and exclusive content before, during and after Induction Weekend. More information on the IVHF membership program can be found on the organization’s website. Located in Volleyball City - Holyoke, Massachusetts - the city where volleyball was created, the IVHF is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to honoring the legends, recognizing the greats, and preserving the history of volleyball worldwide. The IVHF museum is home to over 167 inductees from 26 different countries and over 5,000 square feet of volleyball history. Thousands of people visit the IVHF museum each year to learn about the game and experience the exhibits. Best known for its annual marquee Induction Celebration honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates youth, collegiate, and recreational programs annually in New England. For more information on the induction events, please visit the Hall’s website at www.ivhf.org or email [email protected]. Included in the 2024 Induction class are: Ana Paula Henkel (Brazil, Beach)
Tim Hovland (United States, Beach)
Regla Bell (Cuba, Indoor)
Andrea Zorzi (Italy, Indoor)
Jose “Zé Roberto” Guimarães (Brazil, Coach)
Hadi Rezaei (Iran, ParaVolley)
Juan Angel Pereyra (Argentina, Official)
Sue Lemaire (United States, Official)
Giuseppe Panini (Italy, Leader)
Included in the 2024 Special Awards categories are:
John Kessel (Mintonette Medallion of Merit Award)
Bill Kauffman (Award for Media Excellence)
Ed Chan (Award for Media Excellence)
For more Information, contact; George Mulry, IVHF Executive Director (E-Mail: [email protected], Phone: 413-536-0926) 444 Dwight Street / Holyoke, Massachusetts USA 01040 / Website: www.ivhf.org
Kotsis’ volleyball career dates back to the 1950s when she played for the national team of Hungary at the 1950 European Championship in Sofia, Bulgaria, and the 1955 European Championship in Bucharest, Romania. She also played in the first women’s FIVB World Championship in 1952 in Moscow, leading Hungary to a sixth-place finish. After her international playing career ended, Kotsis brought the same intensity she had on the court to the sidelines and began a long, successful coaching career. Kotsis’ road to success began in 1971, as Hungary finished fifth at the European Championship, and continued as Kotsis made her first Olympic appearance the following year in Munich. Kotsis’ squad placed fifth at the 1972 Olympic Games, but she would get another chance for a medal four years later in Montreal. After a second-place finish at the 1975 European Championship in Belgrade, Yugoslavia, expectations for an Olympic medal in Montreal were high. However, Hungary lost in the bronze-medal match to Korea. Hungary remained a contender over the next four years, finishing third at the 1977 European Championships in Finland and fourth at the 1979 European Championship in France. Hungary put itself again in a position to win an Olympic medal. With several countries boycotting the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, the chances looked even better. But once again, Kotsis’ Hungarian team was denied a medal, as at it posted a fourth-place finish as Bulgaria rallied back from a 2-1 deficient to win in the Bronze-Medal match. Kotsis would not get back to the Olympic stage, but she continued to coach the national team with Hungary winning Bronze medals at the 1981 and 1983 European Championships in Bulgaria and East Germany, respectively. Kotsis’ last European Championship appearance came in 1985 the team posting a ninth-place finish. The volleyball world is mourning the passing of Vyacheslav Alekseyevich Zaytsev (Russian: Вячеслав Алексеевич Зайцев). The champion of the 1980 Olympic Games and the long-time captain of the USSR national team has died at the age of 70. His son, Italian Men's National Team member and professional volleyball player at Lube, Ivan Zaytsev, announced his dad's passing on Instagram on June 12, 2023 saying - “Goodbye, dad ...have a good trip, rest now if you can." The elder Zaytsev (a 2013 IVHF Inductee) paired with teammate Aleksandr Savin, a 2010 Volleyball Hall of Fame inductee, to form one of the most dominating setter-hitter pairs to ever play the game. Zaytsev was adept at delivering quick sets to his favorite hitter leading to dominating victories and international titles along the way. Zaytsev was also well-known as among the best blocking setters in the game. "It is with profound sadness, the volleyball world bids farewell to a true legend and a cherished member of our Hall of Fame family," said George Mulry, IVHF Executive Director. "Vyacheslav Zaytsev's exceptional talents and contributions to the sport of volleyball have left an indelible mark on the fabric of history. His enduring legacy will forever be enshrined within these hallowed walls, reminding us of the profound impact he had." Making his debut in 1969 with Russian club Avtomobilist as a 17 year old schoolboy, Zaytsev quickly established himself as a leader and force on the court. In 1971 he won his first European Championship and by 1977 he had become captain of the national team for USSR. Zaytsev was a key player for Avtomobilist and the Soviet National team throughout most of the 1970s and 1980s- 20 year span of international competition that includes two gold medals and two silver medals at the FIVB World Championship, two gold medal and a silver at the FIVB World Cup, and seven gold medals at the European Championships among many other accomplishments. Zaytsev was considered one of the best setters in the world, being named the most valuable player of the 1981 FIVB World Cup, best defensive player of the 1977 FIVB World Cup and included in the list of annual 24 best players of the USSR 17 times. Perhaps Zaytsev’s biggest accomplishments, however, came at the Olympic Games. Representing the USSR in three Olympic Games, Zaytsev netted the gold medal at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow and led his team to the silver medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games and again at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games. He was one of the first Russian players to play professional club volleyball abroad and spent five seasons competing in Italy from 1987 to 1992. He played for Olio Venturi Spoleto the first two seasons with the team moving into the top Serie A1 division the second season. Zaytsev played in Serie A2 the next two seasons with Sanyo Agrigento and G.S. Citta di Casello before his final season with Citta di Castello returning to the top division. At the age of 40, Zaytsev played his last International match while playing for the Swiss club “Lugano” and quickly focused full-time on coaching. As a coach, he adapted many of the volleyball techniques introducred by other coaches to retain the Russian pre-eminence in men’s volleyball competition. He coached the Russian Men’s National Team from 1996-1997 and led them to the bronze medal at the 1997 FIVB World League. He coached the Belogorie club to the silver medal in the Russian Championship five times and in 2007, he helped the Dynamo women’s club win the Russian Championship. Zaytsev will be forever remembered for his long career, remarkable success, impeccable setting skills on the court and his inspirational leadership. CLICK THE VIDEO ABOVE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CLASS OF 2023 HOLYOKE, Mass., May 22, 2023 - The International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) is proud to present its induction class of 2023, to be honored on October 21 in Holyoke. The class includes six members across four disciplines who were at the top of the game in their respective category, setting the standard and making history en route to being honored with this prestigious recognition. The 37th IVHF Induction class includes the following members: Olympic gold medalist and four-time Olympian Phil Dalhausser (United States, beach male player); two-time Olympic medalist and five-time FIVB World Tour Champion Larissa França Maestrini (Brazil, beach female player); three-time Olympic medalist and iconic setter with a twenty year career Katsutoshi Nekoda (Japan, indoor male player); four-time Olympian and three time Olympic medalist Yumilka Ruiz (Cuba, indoor female player); Olympic medalist and longtime professional and National Team coach Silvano Prandi (Italy, coach); and longtime administrator within various national and international federations and the first member to represent Thailand in the IVHF, Shanrit Wongprasert (Thailand, leader). Also announced are four special award winners, recognized for their contributions to the IVHF or the sport of volleyball itself. They include the AVP (Court of Honor), the Homewood Suites Holyoke / Susan Concepcion (William G. Morgan Award) and outgoing American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Executive Director Kathy DeBoer (Mintonette Award). Also honored earlier in 2023 was Hector “Picky” Soto (Puerto Rico) with the Mayoral Award of Excellence. “Since 1985, the IVHF has had the distinct honor of inducting the legends of our sport while recognizing them for their storied careers and numerous accomplishments,” said IVHF President Steve Bishop, also the President of the Florida Region of USA Volleyball. “This year we look forward to welcoming another amazing class of inductees, along with several very deserving special award winners. We cannot wait to create new memories with this 2023 class of award winners. So many of the world’s greatest volleyball athletes, coaches, administrators, officials and leaders have made the trip to Holyoke, MA, USA, the birthplace of volleyball, to have their names and plaques added to the Wall of Honor, and to experience the pinnacle moment as their name is called and their story is captured forever. We invite everyone to join us for this incredible celebration.” All told, the IVHF has inducted 161 individuals from 25 countries into its historic Hall of Fame – those totals will rise to 167 inductees from 26 countries after the 2023 event. More detailed information on each inductee can be found below. "The achievements of the class of 2023 are undeniably extraordinary," stated IVHF Executive Director George Mulry. "From exhibiting unparalleled dominance in both indoor and beach volleyball across for more than sixty years to overseeing structure and competition for an entire continent, the IVHF is privileged to recognize these deserving individuals, along with our award recipients. Each honoree brings a unique story that will be shared with the world and we invite you to join us in Volleyball City – Holyoke, Massachusetts - to witness the celebration in person." The 2023 International Volleyball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place in Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA on Saturday, October 21, 2023. The event is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, and ticket packages are available online at www.ivhf.org. Volleyball enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up for an IVHF membership which will provide behind-the-scenes and exclusive content before, during and after Induction Weekend. More information on the IVHF membership program can be found on the organization’s website. About the IVHF Located in Volleyball City - Holyoke, Massachusetts - the city where volleyball was created, the IVHF is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to honoring the legends, recognizing the greats, and preserving the history of volleyball worldwide. The IVHF museum is home to over 160 inductees from 25 different countries and over 5,000 square feet of volleyball history. Thousands of people visit the IVHF museum each year to learn about the game and experience the exhibits. Best known for its annual marquee Induction Celebration honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates youth, collegiate, and recreational programs annually in New England. For more information on the induction events, please visit the Hall’s website at www.ivhf.org or email [email protected]. Included in the 2023 Induction class are: Phil Dalhausser (United States, Beach)
Larissa França Maestrini (Brazil, Beach)
Katsutoshi Nekoda (Japan, Indoor)
Yumilka Ruiz (Cuba, Indoor)
Silvano Prandi (Italy, Coach)
Shanrit Wongprasert (Thailand, Leader)
Included in the 2023 Special Awards categories are:
AVP (Court of Honor)
Kathy DeBoer (Mintonette Medallion of Merit)
Homewood Suites / Susan Concepcion (William G. Morgan Award)
Hector “Picky” Soto (Mayoral Award of Excellence)
For more Information, contact; George Mulry, IVHF Executive Director (E-Mail: [email protected], Phone: 413-536-0926) 444 Dwight Street / Holyoke, Massachusetts USA 01040 / Website: www.ivhf.org HOLYOKE - The International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) has announced an organization rebrand to align with its strategic vision to be recognized as the authority on the history and excellence of volleyball around the world. The rebrand will encompass both the visual identity as well as the purpose, vision, goals and capabilities for the Hall to drive outreach, fundraising, exposure and growth. A fully realized brand strategy will cast the Hall further forward, aligned with the surge in popularity of volleyball around the globe. As the hall of fame for volleyball around the world, the organization will now officially be known as both the International Volleyball Hall of Fame and the IVHF. Utilizing the acronym of IVHF builds upon the prestige and equity of the existing brand, while leveling up the organization to meet other similar volleyball institutions, whose names have evolved in similar ways, bringing meaning and value to the unique but accessible name. Steve Bishop, IVHF Board President commented: “As volleyball continues to grow domestically and internationally, it is important that the brand of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame clearly positions the organization for recognition in every continent and every discipline of the sport worldwide. This rebrand process allowed the IVHF to reflect on the history and mission of the organization while also looking forward to where we want to be strategically in the global volleyball family. This was an important project that will help to highlight the IVHF and honor this great sport well into the future.” The Hall is on the cusp of major change highlighted by the creation of its International Media Advisory Group comprising media representatives, blog owners, and social media influencers from around the globe that will help create and share stories of volleyball history online and in the physical museum. With change and expansion, branded materials often need to be produced, making this an ideal time for this endeavor. “The IVHF is poised for expanded recognition nationally and globally due to the excellent leadership and contributions of its board of directors, advisors, and supporters,” said IVHF Executive Director George Mulry. “It is important we create the foundation for a strong brand that accurately represents our purpose, goals, and vision for the future. We’ve experienced incredible growth over the last decade and our brand new identity and logo will honor our roots while representing who we are today and where we are going tomorrow." The tools and resources of the rebrand, including a corporate strategic review, were part of an in-kind donation from is+at, a prestigious strategic brand house out of New York City led by Heather Furman and Matthew Thornton that are both big supporters of international volleyball and the IVHF. The timing and offering of this donation was utilized by a special work group, the IVHF Marketing Committee, and the IVHF Board of Directors to create the final brand concepts and marks. The new brand mark will be rolled out throughout the remainder of 2023 including transitioning the website to www.IVHF.org and will include new branding for the Induction Ceremony, to be held October 21, 2023 in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Tickets are on sale for the 2023 Induction with the Class of 2023 to be announced on May 22. For Induction info and to purchase tickets, click here. About International Volleyball Hall of Fame
Located in Holyoke, Massachusetts - the birthplace of volleyball - the International Volleyball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to honoring the legends, recognizing the greats, and preserving the history of volleyball. The IVHF Museum is home to more than 160 inductees from 25 countries and over 5,000 square feet of volleyball history. Thousands of people from around the world visit the museum each year to learn about the game and experience the exhibits. Best known globally for its annual Induction Celebration honoring the sport’s elite, the IVHF also supports more than a dozen youth, high school and collegiate competitions and programs annually.
INDOOR MALE PLAYERINDOOR FEMALE PLAYERBEACH PLAYERCOACHLEADERPARAVOLLEYHOLYOKE - PeoplesBank affirms its commitment to the IVHF with $5,000 donation to support local programming.
Since the founding of the Hall of Fame in 1978, PeoplesBank has taken a strong position of leadership regarding the Hall and its programs including sponsorship of major events and its officers' serving on the Hall's board of directors In 2003, PeoplesBank was awarded the IVHF William G. Morgan Award for its service to the community and the Volleyball Hall of Fame. "We are very thankful for the continued support from PeoplesBank," IVHF Executive Director George Mulry said. "Their generous donation will support our on-going youth programming in Western Massachusetts that includes boys and girls all-star games and tournaments as well as the IVHF's annual Induction Celebration." The grant was made as part of the bank's Community Care charitable giving program which, in 2022, included $2.3 million in grants and sponsorships to thousands of non-profits in Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. "PeoplesBank has a natural connection with the International Volleyball Hall of Fame – we both share Holyoke as our birthplace," said Matthew Bannister, PeoplesBank Senior Vice President for Marketing & Corporate Responsibility. "Past and present co-exist for the IVHF – preserving and honoring the history of volleyball, even as they are fostering the love of the sport in the next generation. We’re proud to support the sport and the City, and to welcome the players and visitors coming from around the region and globe to Holyoke." About Peoplesbank PeoplesBank is a leader in innovation, corporate responsibility, sustainability, and employee engagement. As the largest community bank in the market, we have a unique ability to help the communities we serve through volunteer efforts and millions of dollars in donations to charitable and civic causes. Our associates devote an average of 10,000 hours to volunteer work each year, and 74 of the bank’s associates have served on the boards of directors and committees of 54 nonprofit organizations in the area. PeoplesBank is a mutual bank and therefore responsible to our depositors, employees, and the community. This organizational structure allows us to focus on the long-term viability of the bank and the best interests of our customers who are served through our 20 banking centers located in Massachusetts and Connecticut. About International Volleyball Hall of Fame Located in Holyoke, Massachusetts - the birthplace of volleyball - the International Volleyball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving, honoring and promoting the sport of volleyball at every level - men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches and contributors, in the United States and internationally. The IVHF Museum is home to more than 160 inductees from 25 countries and over 5,000 square feet of volleyball history. Thousands of people from around the USA and the world visit the museum each year to learn about the game and experience the exhibits. Best known globally for the annual Induction Celebration honoring the sport’s elite, the IVHF also supports and operates more than a dozen youth, high school and collegiate competitions and programs annually in the New England area. Pedro "Pete" Velasco died at home in Pahoa, Hawaii USA on March 21, 2023. A 1997 Hall of Fame Inductee, Pete was a starting player on the U.S. Men’s Olympic Volleyball team in Tokyo in 1964, serving as team captain, and again in Mexico City in 1968. Pete first appeared on the national volleyball scene at the United States Volleyball Championships in Seattle in 1956, his freshman year at the University of Denver, as a member of the Denver YMCA team. He returned to his Hawaiian Island home the following year, hooking up briefly with the Central Hawaii YMCA team, before a long and glorious relationship with the Outrigger Canoe Club. As part of the Outrigger team, Pete took the mainland by storm, beginning a ten-year run of first team All-American Team honors in 1962, and was also named the National Tournament “Most Valuable Player” in 1965. Not content with just winning over the country, Pete joined the United States National team and represented Uncle Sam in the 1963 Pan American Games in Sao Paulo, Brazil and again in 1967, when the U.S. Team won the Gold Medal at the Pan American Games in Winnipeg, Canada. When the XVIII Olympiad opened in Tokyo, Japan in 1964, volleyball was officially presented to the world, and leading the U.S. Olympic Volleyball team onto the floor was its team captain, Pete Velasco. He returned to the Olympic forum in Mexico City four years later as a member of the 1968 US Olympic Team, which scored a tremendous victory in the early going, upsetting the highly favored Soviet team in pool play. After the ’68 Olympics, Pete decided to return to school, but still teamed up with John Lowell, the assistant Olympic coach in Mexico, playing the 1969 and ’70 seasons at Church College in Hawaii. The honors also followed Pete home, as he earned collegiate All-American status in both years, and was named the Outstanding College Athlete of America Award recipient in 1970. The year 1970 was doubly rewarding to Pete as the USVBA named him an “All-Time Great Player” award recipient as well, in recognition of his many achievements over the years. While Pete retired from national competition following the 1972 Nationals in Salt Lake City, the honors still continued. In 1978, he was the first volleyball player elected to the Hawaii Sports Hall of Fame and Museum. Pete was appointed AAU Junior Olympic Volleyball Development Chairman in 1979, and was named to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Hall of Fame in 1980. |
AuthorThe IVHF exists to honor the legends, recognize the greats, and preserve the history of volleyball. Archives
November 2024
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