International Volleyball Hall of Fame Announces Finalists for Class of 2026 Election

April Ross, Xue Chen, Ana Ibis Fernández, Ekaterina Gamova, Joel Despaigne Among First-Time Finalists

HOLYOKE, Mass. — The International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) today announced the official finalists eligible for election to its Class of 2026, representing the categories of Indoor Player, Beach Player, Coach, Leader and ParaVolley.

These finalists were selected through the IVHF’s international screening process and will now be submitted to the International Selection Committee and Players/Coaches Fan Vote for consideration. The Class of 2026 will be officially announced on Monday, May 18.

INDUCTION ELIGIBLE FINALISTS BY CATEGORY

Female Indoor Player Finalists (alphabetical)

• Foluke Akinradewo-Gunderson (USA)
• Ana Ibis Fernández (CUB)
• Ekaterina Gamova (RUS)
• Fabiana “Fabi” Alvim (BRA)

Male Indoor Player Finalists (alphabetical)

• Joel Despaigne (CUB)
• Kim Ho-Chul (KOR)
• Yuriy Panchenko (UKR/RUS)
• Rafael Pascual (ESP)

Female Beach Player Finalists (alphabetical)

• Juliana Felisberta Da Silva (BRA)
• Xue Chen (CHN)
• April Ross (USA)

Male Beach Player Finalists (alphabetical)

• Alison Cerutti (BRA)
• Pablo Herrera (ESP)
• Jonas Reckermann (GER)

Coach Finalists (alphabetical)

• Marcelo Méndez (ARG)
• Laurent Tillie (FRA)
• Vladimir Alekno (RUS)

Leader Finalist

• Dr. Ary Graça (BRA)

ParaVolley Finalist

• Denis Le Breuilly (ENG)

“This year’s group of finalists truly reflects the global reach and evolution of our sport,” said George Mulry, Executive Director of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame. “From Olympic champions and world title holders to transformational leaders and pioneers, each of these individuals has left a lasting impact on volleyball in their own unique way. It’s a powerful reminder that greatness in our game is defined not only by medals, but by influence, innovation, and the ability to inspire future generations around the world.”

FAN VOTE BEGINS APRIL 1 - CLICK HERE FOR THE 2026 FAN VOTE

The next phase of the process invites the global volleyball community to participate through the official IVHF Fan Vote.

Beginning April 1, fans around the world can vote online for their favorites across five categories:

• Male Indoor Player
• Female Indoor Player
• Male Beach Player
• Female Beach Player
• Coach

Voting will remain open through April 15, with results announced on April 17.

The Fan Vote plays a meaningful role in the final outcome:

• The top vote-getter in each category earns one vote on the official selection ballot
• The overall leading vote-getter receives an additional bonus vote

Fans are encouraged to support their favorites throughout the voting period — and may vote multiple times.

INDUCTION WEEKEND

Induction Weekend will begin at the IVHF Museum on Friday, October 16, with the VIP Mayor’s Reception and Awards Gala, followed by the Enshrinement Dinner & Ceremony on Saturday, October 17 at Wyckoff Country Club in Holyoke
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Tickets and VIP hospitality packages will go on sale on May 18 at 1:00 PM ET, immediately following the Class of 2026 announcement.

For more information, visit: VolleyHall.org/induction-celebration

For the latest updates, follow @ivhfofficial and use #IVHFClassOf26 on Instagram and X.

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FEMALE INDOOR PLAYER FINALISTS

Foluke Akinradewo-Gunderson (USA) – 1st Ballot - A three-time Olympian, Foluke Akinradewo-Gunderson captured Olympic gold, silver, and bronze medals while serving as a cornerstone of USA Volleyball’s sustained success. A 2014 World Champion and multiple-time Nations League winner, she was named MVP of the 2010 World Grand Prix. Known for her speed, athleticism, and leadership, she also enjoyed a decorated international club career following her standout collegiate tenure at Stanford.

Ana Ibis Fernández (CUB) – 1st Ballot - A cornerstone of Cuba’s golden era, Ana Ibis Fernández is a four-time Olympian and three-time Olympic gold medalist who helped define one of the most dominant teams in volleyball history. She added a bronze medal, two World Championship titles, and two World Cup victories across a remarkable 14-year national team career. Known for her versatility and consistency, Fernández remains influential in the sport today as a coach in Spain.

Ekaterina Gamova (RUS) – 1st Ballot - Ekaterina Gamova stands among the most dominant scorers the sport has ever seen. A four-time Olympian and two-time Olympic silver medalist, she led Russia to two World Championship titles and multiple European crowns. Known for her height, power, and consistency, Gamova earned numerous Best Scorer and Best Blocker honors while also achieving success at the club level, including Champions League and Club World Championship titles.

Fabiana “Fabi” Alvim (BRA) One of the most decorated liberos in volleyball history, Fabi Alvim anchored Brazil’s backcourt during its most successful era. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, she also earned multiple World Championship medals and captured 10 Brazilian Superliga titles. Renowned for her defensive excellence, Fabi collected more than 20 individual awards as Best Libero, Receiver, or Digger, helping elevate the libero position globally.

MALE INDOOR PLAYER FINALISTS

Joel Despaigne (CUB) – 1st Ballot - Known for his explosive athleticism and scoring ability, Joel Despaigne was one of the most electrifying players of his era. A two-time Olympian, he helped Cuba capture the 1989 World Cup and a silver medal at the 1990 World Championship. With over 350 international matches, Despaigne became a symbol of Cuba’s powerful style of play and remains one of the most recognizable figures in the sport’s history.

Kim Ho-Chul (KOR) A long-time leader of South Korea’s national team, Kim Ho-Chul competed in two Olympic Games and represented his country for more than a decade. He helped guide Korea to strong international finishes, including a fourth-place result at the World Championship. Following his playing career, Kim transitioned into coaching, winning multiple V-League titles and continuing to influence the development of volleyball in Asia.

Yuriy Panchenko (UKR/RUS) – 1st Ballot - Yuriy Panchenko was a dominant force during one of USSR's strongest eras in international volleyball. A two-time Olympian, he earned gold in 1980 and silver in 1988, while also capturing a World Championship title and multiple European Championships. His success extended to club competition with five European Champions Cup titles. Following his playing career, Panchenko continued to shape the sport as an accomplished international coach.

Rafael Pascual (ESP) Widely regarded as Spain’s greatest volleyball player, Rafael Pascual earned 537 national team caps and was named MVP of the 1998 World Championship. A two-time Olympian and European Champion, Pascual brought global attention to Spanish volleyball through his powerful play and longevity. His professional career included MVP honors in the Italian League, and his sustained excellence helped elevate Spain’s presence on the international stage.

FEMALE BEACH PLAYER FINALISTS

Xue Chen (CHN) – 1st Ballot - Xue Chen has enjoyed one of the longest and most successful careers in beach volleyball history, competing across four Olympic Games and earning a bronze medal in 2008. She captured a World Championship title in 2013 and added multiple international podium finishes, including 52 on the FIVB Tour. A three-time Asian Games gold medalist, Xue has been a cornerstone of China’s global success in beach volleyball.

Juliana Felisberta Da Silva (BRA) A dominant force on the FIVB Beach Tour for over a decade, Juliana Felisberta amassed 95 podium finishes, including 49 gold medals. A World Champion and Olympic bronze medalist, she was also an eight-time FIVB Tour Champion and three-time Most Outstanding Player. Her sustained excellence and winning consistency established her as one of the most successful beach players of her generation.

April Ross (USA) – 1st Ballot - One of the most accomplished beach volleyball players of all time, April Ross is a three-time Olympic medalist, completing the full set with gold, silver, and bronze. She also captured a World Championship title and amassed more than 140 combined FIVB and AVP podium finishes. Known for her versatility and longevity, Ross earned multiple international awards and remains one of the most consistent and dominant competitors in the sport’s history.

MALE BEACH PLAYER FINALISTS

Alison Cerutti (BRA) – 1st Solo Ballot - One of the most dominant blockers in beach volleyball history, Alison Cerutti is a three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic medalist, including gold in 2016. He also captured two World Championship titles and amassed over 60 FIVB Tour podium finishes. Known for his physical presence and defensive dominance, Alison earned multiple individual awards and played a key role in Brazil’s continued excellence on the international stage.

Pablo Herrera (ESP) – 1st Ballot - A model of longevity and consistency, Pablo Herrera has competed in six Olympic Games and earned a silver medal in 2004. Over a career spanning more than two decades, he collected numerous FIVB and CEV podium finishes while representing Spain at the highest level. His sustained excellence and durability have made him one of the most respected and enduring players in beach volleyball history.

Jonas Reckermann (GER) – 1st Solo Ballot - Jonas Reckermann made history as part of Germany’s first Olympic gold medal-winning beach volleyball team in 2012. A World Champion in 2009 and FIVB Tour Champion, he was known for his blocking and tactical play. With 36 FIVB podium finishes and continued success on the European circuit, Reckermann helped elevate Germany’s standing in international beach volleyball.

COACH FINALISTS

Vladimir Alekno (RUS) – 1st Ballot - Vladimir Alekno is one of the most accomplished coaches in volleyball history, leading Russia to Olympic gold in 2012 in one of the sport’s most memorable finals. He also built Zenit Kazan into a global powerhouse, winning multiple Champions League and domestic titles. Known for his tactical innovation and leadership, Alekno’s teams consistently performed at the highest level.

Marcelo Méndez (ARG) Marcelo Méndez is one of the most successful club coaches in modern volleyball, leading teams to multiple FIVB Club World Championships and domestic league titles across Argentina, Brazil, and Europe. He also guided Argentina to an Olympic bronze medal in 2020. Known for his tactical expertise and ability to build winning teams, Méndez has consistently delivered success at both the club and international levels.

Laurent Tillie (FRA) Laurent Tillie led France to its first Olympic gold medal in men’s volleyball in 2020, capping a transformative era for the national team. Under his leadership, France also captured World League titles and a European Championship. A former national team captain with over 400 international matches, Tillie has had a lasting impact on the sport both as a player and as a coach.

LEADER FINALIST

Dr. Ary Graça (BRA) – 1st Ballot - As President of the FIVB from 2012-2024, Dr. Ary Graça oversaw a transformative period for global volleyball. He spearheaded the creation of Volleyball World, expanded the sport’s commercial reach, and strengthened its position within the Olympic Movement. Previously leading Brazil’s national federation during a period of sustained dominance, Graça has played a central role in shaping the modern global landscape of volleyball.

PARAVOLLEY FINALIST

Denis Le Breuilly (ENG) – 1st Ballot - Denis Le Breuilly has been a driving force in the growth and governance of ParaVolley for decades. As Sport Director for World ParaVolley, he played a key role in securing the sport’s place in the Paralympic Games and advancing international standards. A longtime referee, administrator, and mentor, he has contributed to the development of the game worldwide and remains a respected leader in the ParaVolley community.

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ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL VOLLEYBALL HALL OF FAME
Located in Volleyball City — Holyoke, Massachusetts — the birthplace of volleyball, the International Volleyball Hall of Fame is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the legends, recognizing the greats, and preserving the history of volleyball worldwide.

The IVHF museum is home to 185 inductees from 27 countries and features more than 5,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and archives celebrating the sport’s global impact. In addition to its annual Induction Celebration, the IVHF delivers year-round programming including youth events, collegiate showcases, and international initiatives.

For more information, visit www.ivhf.org or contact [email protected]