International Volleyball Hall of Fame honors William Morgan's legacy celebrating of 126 years of Volleyball

HOLYOKE, MA – In December of 1895, a Physical Director named William Morgan introduced a new game to his class of local businessmen in the third-floor gymnasium at the YMCA in Holyoke, Massachusetts.  Morgan needed something these older gentlemen could play after work or at lunch time that provided exercise but no physical contact. He termed this new game Mintonette.

The objective of this game seemed simple; volley a ball in the air sending it over a 6'6" high net to your opponents floor.    And though admittedly incomplete, it proved successful enough to win an audience at the YMCA Physical Director's Conference held in Springfield, Massachusetts several months later.  It was at this conference Dr. Alfred Halstead, a professor at the YMCA Training School (now Springfield College), suggested a two-word version of its present name - "Volley Ball" - and it stuck.  

“The International Volleyball Hall of Fame is proud to promote and preserve the game we love,” said George Mulry, IVHF Executive Director. “COVID caused us to pause our 125th anniversary celebration but we're back and ready to celebrate 126 years of volleyball's greatest moments and people.  The game has reached far more people than Morgan could have ever imagined and we look forward to commemorating his legacy and the great game of volleyball during this momentous anniversary.”

Throughout 2021 the International Volleyball Hall of Fame and the volleyball community will celebrate 126 years of volleyball – a game that has grown tremendously on the global stage and positively impacted an immeasurable number of players, coaches and fans. 

Beginning in the summer of 2021, the official IVHF social media (@vbhalloffame) will host a number of volleyball-themed countdowns including the Top Moments in the History of Volleyball. Fans are encouraged to use the hashtag #Volleyball126th to share their special volleyball moments and memories.

The IVHF will hold a one-of-a-kind Auction on www.volleyhall.org. where volleyball fans will have the opportunity to bid on collectibles of the game including the actual inductee plaques previously displayed at the Museum and autographed IVHF Induction memorabilia from the IVHF's private collection.

The festivities will culminate with the Induction of the newest class of inductees on October 16, 2021. Additional special events may be unveiled throughout the year. 

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