(Left to right): Laurent Tillie, Takashi Shimoyama, April Ross, Dr. Ary da Silva Graça Filho, Alison Cerutti, Ekaterina Gamova, Fabi Alvim and Denis Le Breuilly pose after being inducted into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame on Oct. 17.
Photo credit: The SpikeNet
HOLYOKE — The International Volleyball Hall of Fame, located at 444 Dwight St., inducted nine new members in its 2026 class and highlighted four special award winners on Oct. 17.
Before the enshrinement ceremony, the IVHF hosted its annual mayor’s reception at the IVHF Museum on Oct. 16 to celebrate the Class of 2026 and this year’s special award recipients. The induction ceremony and enshrinement dinner took place on Oct. 17 to immortalize the inductees throughout the hall of fame.
The 40th IVHF induction class includes Fabiana “Fabi” Alvim, Alison Cerutti, Joël Despaigne, Ekaterina Gamova, Ary da Silva Graça Filho, Denis Le Breuilly, April Ross, Takashi Shimoyama and Laurent Tillie.
Their achievements reflect the extent of volleyball, from indoor and beach competition to officiating, coaching, leadership and the advancement of ParaVolley.
The IVHF also announced four special award winners, recognized for their contributions to the IVHF or the sport of volleyball itself.
This year’s special award recipients were the late Gabriel Cherebetiu, who received the Mintonette Medallion of Merit, Alejandro Coccia, who received the Award for Media Excellence, Starlings USA, who received the Court of Honor Award and John Cook, who received the Mayoral Award of Excellence.
More information on each inductee is available at volleyhall.org.
The mayor’s reception brought together honorees, their families and guests, community leaders, and supporters for an evening of conversation and celebration ahead of the enshrinement dinner and ceremony.
Mayor Joshua Garcia welcomed guests from different countries to the IVHF in Holyoke.
“Holyoke’s place in volleyball history is a tremendous source of pride for our community. Induction weekend gives us the opportunity to share that pride with the world,” Garcia said. “We are honored to welcome these extraordinary individuals and their families to the city where it all began and to celebrate the extraordinary reach of this sport.”
IVHF Executive Director George Mulry also talked about welcoming so many stars and influential members of the sport through its doors.
“This is one of the most historically significant classes ever assembled by the International Volleyball Hall of Fame,” Mulry said. “Collectively, the Class of 2026 and this year’s special award recipients have helped shape, elevate and redefine the sport of volleyball across multiple eras, disciplines and continents. From Olympic champions and transformational global leaders to innovators in coaching, officiating, media and ParaVolley, their influence can be seen in nearly every corner of the game today. Together, they represent the evolution of volleyball itself, honoring the sport’s rich history while inspiring its future generations.”
Now that the 2026 Induction Ceremony has concluded, IVHF has enshrined 194 players, coaches, referees and leaders from 28 countries around the world.
“The International Volleyball Hall of Fame continues to serve as a bridge between the sport’s remarkable history and its exciting future,” IVHF Board of Directors President Steve Bishop said. “The Class of 2026 reflects the worldwide growth, diversity, excellence and enduring legacy of volleyball across every level and discipline of the game.”
