Volleyball legends and leaders honoured in International Volleyball Hall of Fame Class of 2026

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Nine influential figures from volleyball, beach volleyball and ParaVolley have been inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF), as the institution celebrated its 40th induction ceremony in Holyoke, Massachusetts, on Saturday, 17 October. The Class of 2026 brings together Olympic champions, world-class players, a celebrated coach, an international referee and a leading figure in sports administration, reflecting the many ways in which individuals have shaped the sport across generations.

The ceremony took place in the Massachusetts city where William G. Morgan invented volleyball in 1895. Among the new inductees are former FIVB President Ary Graça of Brazil, French coach Laurent Tillie, Japanese referee Takashi Shimoyama, five former international players and England’s Denis Le Breuilly, recognised for his work in ParaVolley. Together, their careers span Olympic triumphs, world titles, the development of international competitions and efforts to strengthen the structures that support the sport.

Graça led the FIVB from 2012 to 2024, a period marked by changes in governance, commercial strategy and the international promotion of volleyball and beach volleyball. His tenure included the creation of Volleyball World, alongside expanded broadcast and sponsorship partnerships designed to increase the sport’s global visibility. Before becoming FIVB President, he headed the Brazilian Volleyball Confederation, and in 2025 he received the Olympic Order in recognition of his contribution to sport.

Tillie’s induction celebrates a career distinguished by success both on the court and from the sidelines. A two-time Olympian and former captain of France, he guided the French men’s national team to its first Olympic volleyball gold medal at Tokyo 2020. His coaching achievements also include the 2015 European Championship and two World League titles, helping establish France among the leading forces in international men’s volleyball.

Shimoyama was recognised for his long service to international officiating. The Japanese referee worked at three Olympic Games — Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000 — and received 23 Olympic match assignments. After his career on the court, he continued to contribute to the sport as an FIVB Referee Delegate, supporting referee education and the development of international officiating standards.

Among the former players honoured, Brazil’s Fabiana “Fabi” Alvim stands out as one of the most successful liberos in women’s volleyball history. She played a key role in Brazil’s consecutive Olympic gold medals at Beijing 2008 and London 2012, while also helping the national team win two World Championship silver medals. Her achievements extended to the domestic game, where she collected 10 Brazilian Superliga titles during her club career.
Russia’s Ekaterina Gamova was another major figure recognised in the Class of 2026. A four-time Olympian, she won silver medals at Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 before claiming back-to-back World Championship titles in 2006 and 2010. She also won two European Championship titles and enjoyed major success in club volleyball, including honours in the CEV Champions League and FIVB Club World Championship. Renowned for her height, power and attacking ability, Gamova was one of the defining players of her generation.
Cuba’s Yoel “Joël” Despaigne was inducted in recognition of his contribution to the country’s outstanding international teams of the late 1980s and early 1990s. A powerful attacker with exceptional jumping ability, he helped Cuba win the 1989 World Cup and finish second at the 1990 World Championship. He represented his country in more than 350 international matches, becoming one of the most recognisable figures of Cuban volleyball’s golden era.

Beach volleyball was represented by two Olympic champions who enjoyed remarkable careers on the international circuit. American April Ross completed an Olympic medal collection that included silver at London 2012, bronze at Rio 2016 and gold at Tokyo 2020. She also won the 2009 Beach Volleyball World Championship, establishing herself as one of the most consistent players in the history of the women’s game.
Brazilian Alison Cerutti, known as Alison, also reached the top of the Olympic podium, winning silver at London 2012 before claiming gold on home sand at Rio 2016. His achievements include two world championship titles and a long list of successes on the international beach volleyball circuit. Ross and Alison each recorded 61 FIVB Beach Tour podium finishes, underlining their longevity and consistency at the highest level.

The Class of 2026 also recognises the importance of ParaVolley in the sport’s international development. England’s Denis Le Breuilly was honoured for his work in advancing sitting volleyball and strengthening its position within the Paralympic movement. As World ParaVolley Sport Director from 2010 to 2018, he contributed to the development of governance, classification and anti-doping standards, while supporting the sport’s presence at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. He also served as a technical delegate at both events and helped expand World ParaVolley’s membership and competition structures. His induction makes him the first representative of England to enter the International Volleyball Hall of Fame.

Fan recognition was also part of this year’s selection process, with Alvim, Despaigne and Alison winning the IVHF Fan Vote in their respective categories.
With the addition of the 2026 class, the Hall of Fame’s membership was expected to reach 194 individuals representing 28 countries. The new inductees reflect the breadth of volleyball’s history, from Olympic podiums and world championships to refereeing, coaching, administration and the development of inclusive competition. Their induction also reinforces the continuing partnership between the FIVB and the International Volleyball Hall of Fame, which aims to celebrate the people who have helped shape the sport and preserve its legacy for future generations.

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