IVHF Announces Class of 2025 Inductees and Award Winners

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

• 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist with Karch Kiraly, winning the first-ever men’s Olympic beach volleyball title.
• One of the most dominant players in AVP history, with 105 golds in 156 podium finishes across 220 events including four Manhattan Beach Opens.
• 7-time FIVB podium finisher in limited international appearances, including 3 golds and a bronze medal with Dain Blanton at the first FIVB World Championships in 1997.
• Has 165 podium finishes in 233 total events (70.8%) one of the highest percentages in history
• Inducted into the CBVA Hall of Fame (2004) and honored as a USAV All-Time Great Male Beach Player (2020).
• Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most efficient players in beach volleyball history.

Laura Ludwig (Germany)
Female Beach Player

• Five-time Olympian (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024)
• Olympic gold medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics with Kira Walkenhorst (first European women's team to win Olympic gold).
• 2017 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Champion with Kira Walkenhorst.
• Four-time European Beach Volleyball Champion (2008, 2010, 2015, 2016).
• 2016 and 2017 FIVB Best Defensive Player.
• 35 FIVB World Tour event wins and podium finishes.
• One of the most decorated female beach volleyball players from Europe.

Dimitar Karov (Bulgaria)
Male Indoor Player

• Three-Time Olympian for Bulgaria (1964, 1968, 1972), helping the team to a best finish of fourth in 1972.
• Key leader in Bulgaria’s rise, earning a silver medal at the 1970 FIVB World Championship and winning the Champions Cup with CSKA Sofia in 1969.
• Recognized as Best Setter at the 1970 World Championships, highlighting his exceptional playmaking skills.
• Honored with the CEV Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 for his lasting impact on European and international volleyball.
• Remembered as one of Bulgaria’s all-time great setters, known for his skill, leadership, and contributions to the sport.

Ivan Miljković (Serbia)
Male Indoor Player

• Three-Time Olympian (2000, 2004, 2008), winning gold at the 2000 Sydney Games.
• Multiple International Medals across the World Championship, World Cup, World Grand Champions Cup, and World League.
• CEV Champion in both 2001 and 2011, anchoring top European club teams to success.
• Won national championships in three different countries, Greece, Turkey and the highly competitive Serie A1 league in Italy.
• Consistently dominant attacker, often ranked among the top hitters in major international tournaments earning MVP, Best Scorer, and Best Spiker honors in elite competitions like the World League, European Championship, and CEV Champions League.

Rosa García Rivas (Peru)
Female Indoor Player

• Legendary Setter for Peru’s national team, competing in four Olympic Games and earning a silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. (1980, 1984, 1988, 2000)
• World-Class Competitor, winning silver (1982) and bronze (1986) at the FIVB World Championships.
• Dominant in South America, earning eight South American Championship medals, including four golds, and two Best Setter honors.
• Successful International Club Career, playing professionally in Japan, Italy, Brazil, and Peru.
• Renowned Leader and Playmaker, celebrated for her court vision and strategic setting throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

Francesca Piccinini (Italy)
Female Indoor Player

• Four-Time Olympian (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012) and a key figure in Italy’s golden era, helping secure the 2002 World Championship title.
• Major International Titles include gold at the 2007 FIVB World Cup, 2009 Grand Champions Cup, and 2009 European Championship.
• Dominant Club Career, winning 7 CEV Champions League titles, multiple Italian Serie A1 medals, and accolades in both Europe and Brazil.
• Highly decorated individually, earning MVP honors in youth European Championships, Italian leagues, and the CEV Champions League.
• Renowned Outside Hitter, recognized for her all-around excellence as Best Spiker, Best Receiver, and multiple-time MVP.

Jürgen Wagner (Germany)
Coach (Beach)

• Two-time Olympic Champion coach in beach volleyball:
  • 2012 with Brink/Reckermann (first European Olympic gold in beach volleyball)
  • 2016 with Ludwig/Walkenhorst (first European Olympic gold in women’s beach volleyball)
• Two-time FIVB Beach World Champion coach: 2009 (Brink/Reckermann) & 2017 (Ludwig/Walkenhorst) and six-time European Beach Champion coach.
• Also coached indoor volleyball, winning the German Championship with both men’s and women’s teams in the early 1990s.
• Served as Germany’s National Beach Volleyball Coach (2020–2022) and named DOSB Coach of the Year in 2017.
• One of the most accomplished beach volleyball coaches in Olympic history, with groundbreaking success for European teams.

Barry Couzner (Australia)
ParaVolley

• Served as President of World ParaVolley (WPV) for ten years from 2014 to 2023 starting the World Super 6 competitions and supporting the creation, development and update of WPV Commissions and Committees among many accomplishments
• Served several other leadership roles in major organizations including President of Volleyball Australia (1988-1997), President Oceania Volleyball Zonal Association (1993-1997); Executive Vice-President of the Asian Volleyball Confederation (1993-1997); Member of the FIVB Board of Administration (1994-1997)
• Volleyball Competition Manager for the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games
• Won the Order of Australia Medal for services to volleyball in Australia and internationally, awarded by the Australian government in 2008

Guillermo “Willy” Paredes (Argentina)
Referee

• Officiated at three Olympic Games, including the Men’s Gold Medal Match at Atlanta 1996, and refereed gold medal matches at multiple FIVB World Championships, World Cups, World League, and Grand Prix events.
• Served as President of the FIVB Rules of the Game & Refereeing Commission since 2017, leading modernization efforts and global referee development.
• Played a pivotal leadership role in officiating at the Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024 Olympic Games as part of the Refereeing Sub-Committee, including serving as President in 2020 and 2024.
• As President of the CSV Refereeing Commission, developed a strategic plan that elevated South American referees to the world stage.
• FIVB Referee Instructor since 1989, contributing to education, mentorship, and the professionalization of officiating worldwide.

Included in the 2025 Special Awards categories are:

Mintonette Medallion of Merit – Joop Alberda

• 2014 IVHF Inductee and global volleyball leader.
• Co-Chair of IVHF’s International Selection Committee and Chair of the FIVB Heritage & Legacy Commission.
• Champions IVHF visibility and partnership worldwide through advocacy, meetings, and strategy.
• Regularly returns to Holyoke and promotes international collaboration in preserving volleyball’s history.

Court of Honor - Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO)

• Recognized for over 30 years of commitment to improving volleyball officiating.
• Offers nationwide training, certification, and mentorship to volleyball referees.
• Developed initiatives like RefSchool and contributed to technological enhancements like the Challenge Review System.
• Works closely with major governing bodies (NCAA, USA Volleyball, etc.) to uphold officiating standards.

Mayoral Award of Excellence – Peter Diamond

• Honored by the Mayor of Holyoke for representing Olympic excellence and commitment to sport.
• Former NBC Executive Vice President of Olympic Programming.
• Directed coverage of 20 Olympic Games—most in U.S. TV history.
• Helped bring volleyball to wider audiences through strategic Olympic media programming.

Award for Media Excellence – Paul Sunderland

• Olympic gold medalist turned premier volleyball commentator.
• Lead voice for NBC’s Olympic and NCAA volleyball broadcasts for 30+ years.
• Known for insightful and passionate storytelling across NBC, ESPN, FOX, and Pac-12 Network.
• Advocated for improved media coverage and mentoring in the volleyball broadcast community.

William G. Morgan Award – Elegant Affairs (Peg Boxhold)

• IVHF’s long-time catering partner since 2012.
• Supports major IVHF events such as the Induction Dinner, President’s Luncheon, Morgan Classic receptions, and more.
• Renowned for elevating IVHF events with high-quality service and regional excellence in event catering.

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