IVHF Mourns the Passing of Hall of Famer Miloslav Ejem

The International Volleyball Hall of Fame joins the worldwide volleyball family in mourning the loss of Miloslav Ejem, whose lifetime of teaching, leadership and service helped advance the sport across generations and continents.

A member of the IVHF Class of 2014, Ejem was honored in the Leader category for a remarkable career that touched nearly every aspect of volleyball. The Prague native served the game as a player, coach, referee, administrator, researcher and educator, but his greatest influence came through his ability to teach others and expand the sport’s technical knowledge.

Beginning in 1970, Ejem traveled extensively as an FIVB instructor and ultimately taught at more than 70 international courses conducted through the FIVB, the Sport Aid Programme and Olympic Solidarity. The coaches he instructed carried his lessons back to their own teams and countries, multiplying his impact throughout the international volleyball community.

Ejem also helped shape the sport through several important leadership positions. He served on the FIVB Coaches Commission for 14 years, including terms as secretary and president, and later contributed to the FIVB Technical Commission and Board of Administration. His experience was called upon at many of volleyball’s premier competitions, where he served on committees and control juries for Olympic Games, World Championships and World Cups.

His coaching career included work with men’s and women’s teams in Czechoslovakia, leadership of Iran’s men’s and women’s national teams from 1970 to 1972, and a later coaching assignment in Finland.

​Ejem’s knowledge also lives on through an extensive body of written work. He authored or helped produce approximately 30 books—including influential FIVB coaching manuals—along with dozens of scientific studies and more than 100 professional articles. These contributions created a lasting educational resource for coaches, teachers and volleyball professionals around the world.

Recognized as an honorary member of the Czech Volleyball Association, Ejem devoted his life to strengthening volleyball through education, thoughtful leadership and the generous exchange of ideas. His 2014 induction into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame ensured that his extraordinary service would be permanently remembered among the game’s most influential figures.

The IVHF offers its heartfelt condolences to Miloslav Ejem’s family, friends and colleagues, as well as to the Czech volleyball community and all those around the world who had the privilege of learning from him. His place in volleyball history—and in the Hall of Fame—will endure.

MILOSLAV EJEM - INDUCTEE PAGE