VolleyBar6# : Monday May 25, 2026

After the weekend break, we’re back with our press review…actually, no. VolleyBar.
Just a quick clarification: our idea was already shamelessly — and rather poorly — copied last week by people who’ve been around online far longer than we have. Honestly, we’ll take that as confirmation that we’re doing something right!

IVHF, the International Volleyball Hall of Fame, 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, not by chance 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, legendary 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, and FIVB President Fabio Azevedo praised the class, calling them “some of the most outstanding figures in our sport”, also 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, including Former Nebraska coach John Cook, who 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 awards!

In France, middle blocker William Nack Minyem will wear Saint-Nazaire’s jersey also in 2026/27.
This season he collected 187 points including 16 aces and 51 blocks.
Meanwhile, Tourcoing hired Tunisian intetnational Oussama Ben Romdhane.

In Italy, newly appointed Massimo Colaci, now sporting director of Sir Safety Perugia, officially announced the contract extension of Ukrainian outside hitter Oleh Plotnytskyi through 2028, while Giampaolo Medei will continue coaching Cucine Lube Civitanova next season as well.
Cisterna Volley have confirmed veteran outside hitter Filippo Lanza, in what will be his sixteenth season in the Italian SuperLega.
Belgian outside hitter Pierre Perin, who spent last season in his home country with Greenyard Maaseik, has officially become a new player for Vero Volley Monza.

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