2026 Indutees and Award Recipients Announced

Nine highly decorated individuals to be inducted; IVHF Special Awards also revealed

HOLYOKE, Mass., May 18, 2026 - The International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) is proud to announce its 2026 induction class, with the official ceremony scheduled for October 17 in Holyoke, Mass., USA, the Birthplace of Volleyball. This prestigious group of nine legends, representing eight distinct disciplines within the sport, has been selected for their history-making contributions, standard-setting excellence as global icons on the field of play and significant impact off the court. In addition, four special award honorees will also be honored for their contributions to the sport.

The 40th IVHF induction class features transformational leader and former FIVB President Dr. Ary Graça (Brazil, leader); three-time Olympian and FIVB World Champion April Ross (United States, female beach player); two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and legendary libero Fabiana “Fabi” Alvim (Brazil, female indoor player); two-time Olympian and World Cup Gold medalist Yoel “Joël” Despaigne (Cuba, male indoor player); four-time Olympian and two-time World Champion Ekaterina Gamova (Russia, female indoor player); three-time Olympian and two-time World Champion Alison Cerutti (Brazil, male beach player); legendary player who also coached his country’s first Olympic Gold Medal-winning team Laurent Tillie (France, coach); the architect of Paralympic inclusion Denis Le Breuilly (England, ParaVolley) and three-time Olympic referee Takashi Shimoyama (Japan, referee). ​

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Also announced are four special award winners, recognized for their contributions to the IVHF or the global sport of volleyball itself. They include the late Gabriel Cherebetiu (Mintonette Medallion of Merit, Romania/Mexico), John Cook (Mayoral Award of Excellence, United States), Starlings USA (Court of Honor, United States) and Alejandro Coccia (Award for Media Excellence, Argentina).

“The IVHF 2026 Induction Class brings together some of the most outstanding figures in our sport. Big congratulations to the inductees and to the IVHF Leadership,” said Fabio Azevedo, President of the FIVB. “The entire Global Volleyball Movement thanks and fully supports the excellent work carried out by the IVHF in promoting the values, legacy and heritage of our sport by honouring the athletes, leaders and officials who have made an exceptional contribution to the development of volleyball and beach volleyball around the world.  Celebrating these legends strongly aligns with the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, and our continued partnership with the IVHF helps bring this vision to life. Together as One!”

All told, the IVHF has inducted 185 individuals from 27 countries into its historic Hall of Fame -  those totals will rise to 194 inductees from 28 countries after the 2026 event, as this will be England’s first inductee. Three of the inductees also earned one of their votes by winning the Fan Vote for their respective category. More detailed information on each inductee can be found below.

“The International Volleyball Hall of Fame continues to serve as a bridge between the sport’s remarkable history and its exciting future,” said Steve Bishop, President of the IVHF Board of Directors. “The Class of 2026 reflects the worldwide growth, diversity, excellence, and enduring legacy of volleyball across every level and discipline of the game. On behalf of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame Board of Directors, we are proud to honor these extraordinary individuals whose achievements and lifelong contributions have helped inspire generations of athletes, coaches, officials, leaders, and fans while continuing to shape the future of our sport around the world.”

The 2026 International Volleyball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place in Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The event is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, and ticket packages are available online now at VolleyHall.org/Induction-Celebration. 

“This is one of the most historically significant classes ever assembled by the International Volleyball Hall of Fame,” said George Mulry, Executive Director of the IVHF. “Collectively, the Class of 2026 and this year’s special award recipients have helped shape, elevate and redefine the sport of volleyball across multiple eras, disciplines and continents. From Olympic champions and transformational global leaders to innovators in coaching, officiating, media and ParaVolley, their influence can be seen in nearly every corner of the game today. Together, they represent the evolution of volleyball itself — honoring the sport’s rich history while inspiring its future generations.” 

Volleyball enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up for the IVHF Insider e-newsletter for behind-the-scenes and exclusive content before, during and after Induction Weekend, including the new series “The Road To Holyoke.” To sign up for free, please visit ivhf.org/ 

The International Volleyball Hall of Fame is a 501c3 nonprofit based in Holyoke, Mass., and is dedicated to honoring the legends, recognizing the greats and preserving the history of volleyball at all levels - men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches and contributors, around the world. The IVHF was incorporated in 1978 and continues to create a diversely representative institution from a wide range of countries and disciplines. For more information on the induction events, please visit the Hall’s website at www.ivhf.org or email [email protected]. 

Included in the 2026 Induction class are:

Dr. Ary Graça (Brazil)
Leader

• Elected President of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) in 2012 and served until 2024, leading a comprehensive modernization of the sport’s global governance, commercial strategy, and event portfolio. 
• Spearheaded landmark partnerships and  launched Volleyball World as the commercial arm of the FIVB, significantly increasing global broadcast distribution, digital  reach, sponsorship revenue, and athlete visibility worldwide.
• Oversaw the continued growth of Olympic volleyball and beach volleyball, strengthening relationships with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and elevating volleyball’s global profile within the Olympic Movement. 
• Recipient of the prestigious Olympic Order in 2025, the highest honor awarded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in recognition of his transformational leadership, global expansion of volleyball, and lasting contributions to the Olympic Movement. 
• Former President of the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation (CBV) (1997–2012), during which Brazil achieved sustained international dominance across indoor and beach disciplines, establishing one of the most successful national federation models in the world. 
• Advanced worldwide development  initiatives, governance reforms, and investment in emerging volleyball nations, strengthening the sport’s footprint across all five continental confederations.

April Ross (United States)
Female Beach Player

• Competed internationally from 2006 to 2022 and established herself as one of the most accomplished and consistent athletes in the history of beach volleyball.
• Became one of the few beach volleyball players to earn a complete Olympic medal collection, winning Olympic Gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Silver at the London 2012 Olympic Games, and Bronze at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games across three consecutive Olympic appearances.
• Captured the 2009 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship and consistently performed at the highest international level for more than a decade against one of the deepest eras in the sport’s history.
• Recorded 61 FIVB Beach Tour podium finishes, including 27 gold medals, while also dominating domestically with 86 AVP Tour podium finishes and 46 AVP titles.
• Earned numerous international individual honors, including FIVB Top Rookie (2007), two-time FIVB Best Hitter and five-time FIVB Best Server, showcasing her complete all-around game and elite technical skill.
• Widely respected for her versatility, athleticism and competitive longevity, Ross helped elevate the visibility and popularity of women’s beach volleyball both in the United States and worldwide.

Fabiana “Fabi” Alvim (Brazil)  *IVHF Fan Vote Winner - Female Indoor Player
Female Indoor Player

• A pioneering libero and one of the greatest defensive specialists in volleyball history, Fabi helped define the importance and impact of the libero position on the international stage.
• Played a vital role in Brazil’s rise to global dominance during her era, helping the Brazilian Women’s National Team capture back-to-back Olympic Gold medals at the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympic Games.
• Also helped Brazil earn two FIVB World Championship Silver medals while serving as one of the emotional leaders and defensive anchors of the national team.
• Enjoyed remarkable success at the professional level in Brazil, winning 10 Brazilian Superliga championships and establishing herself as one of the most decorated players in league history.
• Earned more than 20 individual awards recognizing her excellence as a libero, receiver and defensive player, including being named Most Valuable Player of the 2009 South American Championship — a rare honor for a libero.
• Her relentless energy, defensive brilliance and leadership helped inspire a new generation of libero players and elevated defensive play worldwide.

Ekaterina Gamova (Russia)
Female Indoor Player

• Widely regarded as one of the most dominant scorers in women’s volleyball history, Gamova became an international icon through her combination of size, power, skill and consistency at the highest levels of the sport.
• Represented Russia in four Olympic Games and helped lead her national team to two Olympic Silver medals while competing during one of the most competitive eras in international volleyball.
• Guided Russia to two FIVB World Championship titles and two European Championship crowns, serving as the centerpiece of Russian women’s volleyball for more than a decade.
• Earned multiple international individual honors as Best Scorer and Best Blocker throughout her career, consistently establishing herself among the world’s premier offensive players.
• Achieved tremendous success at the professional club level, including titles in the CEV Champions League and FIVB Club World Championship competitions.
• Her global impact, sustained excellence and unforgettable performances helped define an era of women’s volleyball and inspired future generations of athletes around the world.

Yoel “Joël” Despaigne (Cuba) *IVHF Fan Vote Winner - Male Indoor Player
Male Indoor Player

• One of the most explosive and physically gifted players of his generation, Despaigne became internationally known for his extraordinary vertical leap, power and attacking ability.
• Represented Cuba in two Olympic Games and helped lead the Cuban Men’s National Team during a golden era of international success in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
• Played a key role in Cuba’s victory at the 1989 FIVB World Cup and its Silver medal performance at the 1990 FIVB World Championship.
• Competed in more than 350 matches for the Cuban National Team, establishing himself as one of the country’s most recognizable and feared offensive players.
• Became a fan favorite around the world for his electrifying style of play and remarkable athleticism, helping raise the international profile of Cuban volleyball.
• His influence and highlight-reel performances continue to be remembered as some of the most exciting moments in the history of men’s volleyball.

Alison Cerutti (Brazil)  *IVHF Fan Vote Winner - Male Beach Player
Male Beach Player

• Established himself as one of the premier blockers and most dominant players in modern beach volleyball during an international career that spanned from 2006 to 2023.
• Represented Brazil in three Olympic Games, winning Olympic Silver at the London 2012 Olympic Games and Olympic Gold on home sand at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
• Captured two FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship titles and consistently ranked among the world’s elite teams throughout more than a decade of international competition.
• Recorded 61 FIVB Beach Tour podium finishes, including 28 gold medals, demonstrating exceptional consistency and sustained excellence at the sport’s highest level.
• Earned multiple international individual honors, including two FIVB Tour Championships, multiple Best Hitter and Best Blocker awards, and FIVB Best Offensive Player recognition.
• Known for his physical presence at the net, competitive intensity and elite two-way play, Alison helped continue Brazil’s rich tradition of excellence in beach volleyball.
  
  

Laurent Tillie (France)
Coach

• Helped transform France into one of the world’s elite volleyball nations as head coach of the French Men’s National Team, culminating in the country’s first-ever Olympic Gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
• Led France through one of the most successful periods in program history, including two FIVB World League titles, a CEV European Championship title and multiple Volleyball Nations League podium finishes.
• Earned recognition as CEV Coach of the Year in 2021 for his leadership, innovation and role in elevating the French national program to unprecedented international success.
• Before becoming a championship coach, Tillie also enjoyed an outstanding playing career with the French National Team from 1982 to 1995, appearing in 407 international matches and serving as team captain.
• Represented France at two Olympic Games as a player and helped the national team earn medals at the European Championship level during the 1980s.
• His rare combination of elite success as both a player and coach has made him one of the most respected and influential figures in French volleyball history.

Denis Le Breuilly (England) 
ParaVolley

• Played a pivotal leadership role in aligning World  ParaVolley with the IPC Classification Code and WADA Anti-Doping Code -  a critical  step in securing Sitting Volleyball’s continued inclusion in the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. 
• As WPV Sport Director (2010–2018), became the first in  federation history to serve as Technical Delegate at two Paralympic Games (London  2012, Rio 2016) — reflecting unparalleled trust and global expertise. 
• Led WPV during a period of expansion that added 14+ member nations, developed the World ParaVolley World Ranking System,  implemented Beach ParaVolley Rules production, and chaired both the Rules and  Constitution Commissions. 
• Served more than 45 years as a referee across  FIVB (Beach), World ParaVolley (Sitting & Standing), and Volleyball England — including officiating gold medal matches at major international competitions and  mentoring generations of referees worldwide. 
• Interim WPV General Manager (2006–2008),  Senior Staff Tutor (1999–2023), Founder and 20-year President of the Jersey Volleyball  Association; honored as a World ParaVolley Honorary Life Member (2018) and inducted  into the Volleyball England Hall of Fame (2024). 

Takashi Shimoyama (Japan)
Referee

• Widely respected as one of the leading international referees of his era, Shimoyama officiated at three Olympic Games and consistently earned assignments for the sport’s highest-profile matches.
• Served as First Referee for 16 Olympic matches across the Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, demonstrating exceptional consistency, professionalism and trust from the international volleyball community.
• Accumulated 23 total Olympic match assignments as either First or Second Referee, reflecting sustained elite-level performance across multiple Olympic cycles.
• Continued to shape the sport beyond the court as an FIVB Referee Delegate and international clinician, contributing significantly to the development and education of referees worldwide.
• Served as a member of the FIVB Rules of the Game and Refereeing Commission, helping influence global officiating standards and the evolution of volleyball rules and their application.
• His decades of leadership, mentorship and excellence in officiating have had a lasting impact on international volleyball and referee development around the world.

Included in the 2026 Special Awards categories are:

Mintonette Medallion of Merit – Dr. Gabriel Cherebetiu (Romania/Mexico)

• The Mintonette Medallion of Merit is awarded in recognition of significant individual achievement and dedication to the sport of volleyball or the International Volleyball Hall of Fame for at least ten years.
• Has made multifaceted contributions to the sport as a player, coach, educator and international leader through decades of service at the FIVB. 
• Served as head coach of Mexico Men’s National Team in the 1968 Olympic Games.
• Served within the FIVB Medical Commission from 1971 to 1991, as a member, secretary and ultimately president, was instrumental in advancing the health, safety, and performance standards of athletes worldwide during a critical period of the sport’s evolution.
• Also served as an FIVB Technical Director and contributed to the development of the game through his involvement with the Mini-Volley Commission, helping to promote grassroots participation and youth development globally.
• An accomplished author, he further extended his influence through his writings, including Modern Volleyball and Fundamentos Técnicos del Volei Moderno, which have helped educate and inspire coaches and players across multiple generations and continents.

Mayoral Award of Excellence – John Cook (United States)

• Honored by the Mayor of Holyoke for representing volleyball excellence, commitment to sport and profound community engagement and impact.  
• Former University of Nebraska Women’s Volleyball Coach who helped build the program into one of the most successful and widely supported programs in American collegiate athletics, redefining the visibility and impact of women’s volleyball.
• A defining moment of Cook’s legacy came in 2023, when Nebraska volleyball hosted a historic outdoor match at Nebraska football’s Memorial Stadium that drew 92,003 fans, setting the world record for attendance at a women’s sporting event. The event captured global attention and demonstrated the extraordinary power of volleyball to bring communities together on an unprecedented scale. 
• Cook has further invested in the future of women’s professional volleyball through his role as General Manager and Co-Owner of Major League Volleyball’s (MLV) Omaha Supernovas. The franchise has led the world in professional volleyball average attendance for the past two seasons, including a 10,925 fan average attendance in 2025. Earlier this year, with Cook in the organization, the Supernovas set a new all-time U.S. professional volleyball attendance record, hosting a sold-out crowd of 16,838.
  
  

Court of Honor – Starlings (United States)

• The Court of Honor award is given to a group, corporation, organization, or team/program in recognition of significant contribution and commitment to the sport of volleyball for at least ten years 
• Founded in 1996 by Byron Shewman and Olympian Kim Oden, Starlings Volleyball USA began with just 11 inner-city girls and a mission to provide volleyball and academic opportunities for underserved youth.
• What started as a single team has grown into the nation’s largest junior volleyball club, serving approximately 3,000 girls annually in more than 50 cities and Native American reservations across the United States.
• Starlings provides far more than volleyball training — it creates a supportive “home base” where girls can find empowerment, mentorship, direction, and a sense of belonging through sports.
• Since launching the first Starlings National Championship in 1998, the event has expanded into a premier annual competition in Southern California that now welcomes more than 100 teams and 1,200+ athletes each year.
• Through volleyball, Starlings promotes academic success, teamwork, healthy lifestyles, and positive mentorship while helping reduce barriers faced by girls from low-income communities.

Award for Media Excellence – Alejandro Coccia (Argentina)

• The IVHF Award for Media Excellence is given to an individual, group or organization in recognition of outstanding media contributions and dedication to the sport of volleyball or the International Volleyball Hall of Fame  for at least three years. 
• Served for 21 years as the anchor of ESPN’s SportsCenter for the Spanish-speaking market
• Indoor volleyball commentator and analyst in six Olympic Games (2000, 2004, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)​ ​

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