Nine figures from international volleyball were inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame as part of 40th induction class, honoring Olympic champions, world title winners and influential contributors to the sport.
The ceremony took place in Holyoke, where volleyball was invented in 1895. The Class of 2026 includes former International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) President Ary Graça of Brazil, American beach volleyball champion April Ross and Brazilian Olympic gold medalists Fabiana “Fabi” Alvim and Alison Cerutti.
Also inducted were Russia’s Ekaterina Gamova, Cuba’s Yoel Despaigne, French coach Laurent Tillie, Japanese referee Takashi Shimoyama and England’s Denis Le Breuilly.
Alvim helped Brazil win consecutive women’s Olympic titles in 2008 and 2012, while Gamova claimed two world championships and two Olympic silver medals. Despaigne was a key player in Cuba’s 1989 World Cup victory.
In beach volleyball, Ross won Olympic gold, silver and bronze across three Games, along with the 2009 world title. Alison captured Olympic gold at Rio 2016 and two world championships. Both players recorded 61 podium finishes on the FIVB Beach Tour.
Graça was recognized for his leadership of the FIVB from 2012 to 2024, including the creation of Volleyball World. Tillie guided France’s men’s team to its first Olympic gold medal at Tokyo 2020.
Shimoyama officiated at three Olympic Games, while Le Breuilly was honored for advancing sitting volleyball and its development within the Paralympic movement. He became the first representative of England inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Four special awards were also presented. The late Gabriel Cherebetiu received the Mintonette Medallion of Merit, former Nebraska volleyball coach John Cook earned the Mayoral Award of Excellence, Starlings Volleyball USA received the Court of Honor award, and Argentine broadcaster Alejandro Coccia was recognized for media excellence.
Alvim, Despaigne and Alison also won fan votes in their respective induction categories.
The nine additions bring the Hall of Fame’s membership to 194 individuals from 28 countries, reflecting the sport’s international reach and development across generations.
More information: International Volleyball Hall of Fame — 2026 Induction Class.
