The International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) revealed its 2026 induction class, honoring nine volleyball legends whose achievements helped shape the sport on and off the court. The induction ceremony will take place on October 17, 2026, in Holyoke, Massachusetts, the birthplace of volleyball.
The 40th Hall of Fame class includes former FIVB President Dr. Ary Graça of Brazil, Olympic beach volleyball champion April Ross of the United States, Brazilian libero Fabiana “Fabi” Alvim, Russian star Ekaterina Gamova, Cuban standout Yoel “Joël” Despaigne, Brazilian beach volleyball gold medalist Alison Cerutti, French Olympic-winning coach Laurent Tillie, ParaVolley leader Denis Le Breuilly of England, and Japanese referee Takashi Shimoyama.
The IVHF said the group represents excellence across multiple disciplines of volleyball, including indoor, beach, coaching, officiating, leadership, and ParaVolley.
FIVB President Fabio Azevedo praised the class, calling the inductees “some of the most outstanding figures in our sport” and highlighting the Hall of Fame’s role in preserving volleyball’s legacy worldwide.
In addition to the inductees, the IVHF announced four special award recipients. Former Nebraska coach John Cook received the Mayoral Award of Excellence, while Argentine broadcaster Alejandro Coccia earned the Award for Media Excellence. Starlings USA was honored with the Court of Honor Award, and the late Dr. Gabriel Cherebetiu received the Mintonette Medallion of Merit.
According to the IVHF, the Hall currently includes 185 inductees from 27 countries. Following the 2026 ceremony, the total will increase to 194 inductees from 28 nations, with England receiving its first-ever inductee.
