HOLYOKE — The 2025 International Volleyball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place in Holyoke, on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 444 Dwight St.
The event is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, and ticket packages are available online at VolleyHall.org/Induction-Celebration.
The class includes nine members across seven different areas of the sport who set the standard and made history in route to being honored with this prestigious recognition.
The 39th IVHF induction class includes Olympic gold medalist and first-ever men’s beach medalist Kent Steffes, five-time Olympian and part of the first European women’s team to win an Olympic gold medal Laura Ludwig, three-time Olympian who aided in Bulgaria’s rise to international prominence Dimitar Karov, three-time Olympian and dominant middle attacker Ivan Miljkovic, four-time Olympian and legendary setter Rosa García Rivas.
The 2025 class also includes four-time Olympian and a key figure in Italy’s golden era Francesca Piccinini, one of the most accomplished beach coaches in Olympic history Jürgen Wagner, legendary ParaVolley administrator Barry Couzner and internationally-recognized and influential official Guillermo “Willy” Paredes. The IVHF Also announced are five special award winners, recognized for their contributions to the IVHF or the sport of volleyball itself.
The Mintonette Medallion of Merit award will be presented to Jopp Alberda. The Professional Association of Volleyball Officials will be receiving the Court of Honor award.
Peter Diamond is set to receive the Mayoral Award of Excellence while Paul Sunderland will receive the Award for Media Excellence. Elegant Affairs is receiving the William G. Morgan Award.
IVHF President Steve Bishop, who also serves as USA Volleyball’s Chief Operating Officer, talked about the upcoming induction ceremony and induction class.
As of 2024, the IVHF has inducted 176 individuals from 27 countries into the Hall of Fame, those totals will rise to 185 inductees after the 2025 event.
More detailed information on each inductee can be found at volleyhall.org.
Bishop talked more about the history of the Volleyball Hall of Fame and its efforts to honor the players, coaches, officials and other members who shaped the sport all over the world.
He stated, “Since 1985, the IVHF has proudly inducted the legends of our sport, celebrating their remarkable careers and enduring contributions. In 2025, we’re honored to welcome another outstanding class of inductees alongside deserving special‐award recipients. We look forward to making new memories with this exceptional group.”
With inductees from 27 different countries being enshrined in the Volleyball Hall of Fame, International Volleyball Hall of Fame Executive Director George Mulry talked about the global impact of the sport and the importance of hearing the stories of the inductees.
“Each year, the induction ceremony serves as a powerful reminder of volleyball’s global reach and the extraordinary individuals who shape its legacy,” Mulry said, “The class of 2025 represents decades of excellence across every corner of our sport, from Olympic podiums and professional tours to the governing bodies and broadcast booths that elevate the game. We are proud to welcome these icons to Holyoke and look forward to sharing their remarkable stories with the world.”
Volleyball enthusiasts are encouraged to sign up for the IVHF membership program and newsletter for behind-the-scenes and exclusive content before, during and after Induction Weekend.
The International Volleyball Hall of Fame is a 501c3 nonprofit based in Holyoke, Mass., and is dedicated to preserving, honoring and promoting the game of volleyball at every level — men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches and contributors, both domestically and internationally.
For more information on the induction events, readers can visit the Hall’s website at www.ivhf.org or email info@ivhf.org.
