 HOLYOKE, Mass., May 19, 2025 - The International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) is proud to present its induction class of 2025, to be honored on October 18 in Holyoke, the Birthplace of Volleyball. The class includes nine members across seven different areas of the sport who set the standard and made history en route to being honored with this prestigious recognition.
The 39th IVHF induction class includes the following members: Olympic gold medalist and first-ever men’s beach medalist Kent Steffes (United States, male beach player); five-time Olympian and part of the first European women’s team to win an Olympic gold medal Laura Ludwig (Germany, female beach player); three-time Olympian who aided in Bulgaria’s rise to international prominence Dimitar Karov (Bulgaria, male indoor player); three-time Olympian and dominant middle attacker Ivan Miljkovic (Serbia, male indoor player); four-time Olympian and legendary setter Rosa García Rivas (Peru, female indoor player); four-time Olympian and a key figure in Italy’s golden era Francesca Piccinini (Italy, female indoor player); one of the most accomplished beach coaches in Olympic history Jürgen Wagner (Germany, coach); legendary ParaVolley administrator Barry Couzner (Australia, ParaVolley) and internationally-recognized and influential official Guillermo "Willy" Paredes (Argentina, referee). Also announced are five special award winners, recognized for their contributions to the IVHF or the sport of volleyball itself. They include Joop Alberda (Mintonette Medallion of Merit); the Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO) (Court of Honor); Peter Diamond (Mayoral Award of Excellence); Paul Sunderland (Award for Media Excellence) and Elegant Affairs (William G. Morgan Award). “Since 1985, the IVHF has proudly inducted the legends of our sport, celebrating their remarkable careers and enduring contributions,” said IVHF President Steve Bishop, who also serves as USA Volleyball’s Chief Operating Officer. “In 2025, we’re honored to welcome another outstanding class of inductees alongside deserving special‐award recipients. We look forward to making new memories with this exceptional group.” “For decades, the world’s greatest volleyball athletes, coaches, administrators, officials, and leaders have traveled to Holyoke, Massachusetts—the birthplace of volleyball—to see their names added to our Wall of Honor and to experience that unforgettable moment when their legacy is enshrined. We invite everyone to join us for this unforgettable celebration.” All told, the IVHF has inducted 176 individuals from 27 countries into its historic Hall of Fame – those totals will rise to 185 inductees after the 2025 event. More detailed information on each inductee can be found below. “Each year, the Induction Ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of volleyball’s global reach and the extraordinary individuals who shape its legacy,” said George Mulry, Executive Director of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame. “The Class of 2025 represents decades of excellence across every corner of our sport—from Olympic podiums and professional tours to the governing bodies and broadcast booths that elevate the game. We are proud to welcome these icons to Holyoke and look forward to sharing their remarkable stories with the world.” The 2025 International Volleyball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place in Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA on Saturday, October 18, 2025. 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. Volleyball enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up for the IVHF membership program and newsletter for behind-the-scenes and exclusive content before, during and after Induction Weekend. For more information on the membership program, visit VolleyHall.org/memberships. The International Volleyball Hall of Fame is a 501c3 nonprofit based in Holyoke, Mass., and is dedicated to preserving, honoring and promoting the game of volleyball at every level - men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches and contributors, both domestically and internationally. 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 2025 Induction class are: Kent Steffes (USA) Male Beach Player
Laura Ludwig (Germany) Female Beach Player
Dimitar Karov (Bulgaria) Male Indoor Player
Ivan Miljković (Serbia) Male Indoor Player
Rosa García Rivas (Peru) Female Indoor Player
Francesca Piccinini (Italy) Female Indoor Player
Jürgen Wagner (Germany) Coach (Beach)
Barry Couzner (Australia) ParaVolley
Guillermo “Willy” Paredes (Argentina) Referee
Included in the 2025 Special Awards categories are: Mintonette Medallion of Merit – Joop Alberda
Court of Honor - Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO)
Mayoral Award of Excellence – Peter Diamond
Award for Media Excellence – Paul Sunderland
William G. Morgan Award – Elegant Affairs (Peg Boxhold)
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.volleyhall.org
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 HOLYOKE, MA (May 15, 2025) – The International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors: Jesus Prieto (Puerto Rico), Cody March (Pacific Northwest, USA) and Alejandro Castillo (Mexico).
"The International Volleyball Hall of Fame is proud to welcome Jesus Prieto, Cody March and Alejandro Castillo to our Board of Directors,” said IVHF President Steve Bishop. “Their passion, experience, and commitment to volleyball will be invaluable as we continue to honor the sport's history and celebrate its greatest players, coaches, and officials." Prieto brings a wealth of financial and administrative experience to the board. Holding a BS in Business Administration from the University of Detroit and an MBA in Accounting and Finance from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Prieto's professional career includes roles at Arthur Andersen, Ernst & Young, and as an Audit Partner at Kevane Grant Thornton LLP. Beyond his professional achievements, he has been actively involved in civic and professional organization and contributing significantly to the volleyball community. Notably, he founded the Torrimar Volleyball Club, served as Treasurer and Scholarship Program Coordinator for the Federacion Puertorriquena de Voleibol, and held financial roles in the Confederacion Norte, Centroamérica y Caribe de Voleibol (NORCECA) and Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB). “Thanks to Steve Bishop, George Mulry and the rest of the IVHF board,” said Prieto. “My life in the volleyball community keeps getting better. I am truly looking forward to working with this fine group of people to help honor, recognize and preserve volleyball.” March brings a wide scope of experience to the IVHF Board, having served in various leadership roles within USA Volleyball. He is currently the Executive Director of the Columbia Empire Region and has been instrumental in the growth and development of volleyball in the Pacific Northwest. March has demonstrated a keen ability to foster community engagement and partnerships within the volleyball sphere. His dedication to the growth and accessibility of the sport has significantly impacted the Pacific Northwest region. “I am humbled & honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the International Volleyball Hall of Fame,” said March. “I look forward to working with such a forward-thinking group so dedicated to this organization, and I hope I can meaningfully contribute to the Hall’s continued growth and advancement. I’m grateful for the Board’s trust in me and I am deeply appreciative of this opportunity.” Castillo is a bilingual and multicultural marketing professional with a background in business. He served as a national referee in Mexico for nearly 20 years, is a TV analyst for collegiate indoor and beach volleyball in Mexico and has been a driving force behind the sport's popularity there. He is the founder of the Plus Volleyball platform, with outlets on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, which features more than 300 interviews with volleyball guests from more than 40 different countries. He will serve as the co-chair of the IVHF International Media Advisory Council (IMAC), a new endeavor to expand the global reach of volleyball. IMAC plays a crucial role in capturing and sharing stories of volleyball's legends and greats along with evaluating and developing criteria for the induction process across all categories, ensuring a fair and transparent selection of inductees that reflects the global nature of volleyball. Composed of respected members of the international volleyball media community, IMAC brings diverse perspectives and a wealth of experience to their advisory role. “I’m very honored to be appointed as a Board Member of the IVHF,” said Castillo. “I truly love the history of our sport and am committed to preserve it and share it.” "We are thrilled to welcome Jesus, Cody and Alejandro to the IVHF Board," said IVHF Executive Director George Mulry. "Their passion for volleyball and their extensive experience will be invaluable as we continue to expand the reach of the Hall of Fame and promote the sport around the world." The IVHF also recognizes the significant contributions of outgoing board member Rob Slavin. Slavin served on the IVHF Board and its Executive Committee as Treasurer for many years and has been instrumental in the Hall of Fame's success. "We are grateful to Rob for his dedication and service to the IVHF," said Mulry. "He has made a lasting impact on the Hall of Fame and the sport of volleyball." The IVHF is committed to honoring the sport's history and celebrating its greatest players, coaches, and officials. With the addition of Jesus Prieto, Cody March and Alejandro Castillo to the Board, the IVHF is poised for continued growth and success. |
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International Volleyball Hall of Fame
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