Global Volleyball Movement celebrates Class of 2025’s passion, memories and contribution to the sport
The birthplace of volleyball once again became the centre of the volleyball world as the International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) celebrated its Class of 2025 Induction Weekend from 17-18 October in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
Spanning volleyball, beach volleyball and paravolley, the Class of 2025 showcases Olympic and World Champions, trailblazing pioneers and influential figures who have shaped the game at every level – from the court and beyond.
The Class of 2025 includes:
- Dimitar Karov (Bulgaria) – One of Bulgaria’s greatest volleyball legends known for his electric playmaking. Star setter of the Bulgarian national team, Karov represented Bulgaria at three Olympic Games (1964, 1968, 1972) and guided his country to silver at the FIVB Volleyball World Championship 1970.
- Ivan Miljkovic (Serbia) – Among the most dominant scorers in modern volleyball, Miljković led Yugoslavia to a historic Olympic gold medal at Sydney 2000. Over the next decade and beyond, Miljković collected an impressive array of medals and individual accolades from the sport’s most prestigious events.
- Rosa Garcia Rivas (Peru) – A visionary playmaker who led Peru through its most successful era on the international stage, earning Olympic silver at Seoul 1988, as well as silver and bronze at the 1982 and 1986 FIVB World Championships. García is celebrated as one of the greatest setters in South American volleyball history.
- Francesca Piccinini (Italy) – A four-time Olympian and cornerstone of Italy’s 2002 FIVB World Championship-winning team, Piccinini’s brilliant two-decade career saw her become one of the most decorated outside hitters in the sport’s history.
- Laura Ludwig (Germany) – A five-time Olympian, Ludwig achieved the ultimate prize at Rio 2016, capturing the first-ever Olympic gold medal for a European women’s beach volleyball team alongside partner Kira Walkenhorst. With 35 FIVB World Tour victories and podium finishes, she is among the most successful European players in history.
- Kent Steffes (USA) – Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most efficient players in beach volleyball history, Steffes reached the pinnacle of his career at the Olympic Games Atlanta 1996, where he and partner Karch Kiraly captured the inaugural Olympic gold medal in men’s beach volleyball, cementing his place as a pioneer of the sport.
- Jürgen Wagner (Germany) – One of the most accomplished coaches in beach volleyball history, Wagner achieved groundbreaking success that reshaped the sport in Europe. He remains the only coach to have guided both men’s and women’s teams to Olympic gold – first with Brink/Reckermann in 2012, and then with Ludwig/Walkenhorst in 2016.
- Barry Couzner (Australia) – Former World ParaVolley President (2014–2023), Couzner has been a driving force in the global growth of ParaVolley and has played a pivotal role in advancing the wider Global Volleyball Movement.
- Guillermo “Willy” Paredes (Argentina) – Paredes has been one of the most respected figures in international volleyball officiating for decades, known worldwide for his expertise, integrity and leadership. On the court, he officiated at three Olympic Games and numerous international events; off the court, he has been instrumental in referee development worldwide.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DJ2AhWZSf2_/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Alongside the Inductees, the IVHF Special Awards honoured individuals and organisations whose contributions have advanced the sport beyond the court:
- Joop Alberda – Mintonette Medallion of Merit
- Professional Association of Volleyball Officials (PAVO) – Court of Honor Award
- Peter Diamond – Mayoral Award of Excellence
- Paul Sunderland – Award for Media Excellence
- Elegant Affairs – William G. Morgan Award
For the first time ever, the Induction Ceremony was broadcast live on the Volleyball World YouTube Channel, reaching its audience of 4.2 million subscribers worldwide – bringing the celebration in Holyoke to fans in over 180 countries.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQCKvkRjUsr/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
A Weekend of Celebration and Legacy
Festivities began Friday evening with the Mayor’s Reception at the IVHF Museum, where Inductees were presented with their custom Mizuno Hall of Famer jackets and saw their new plaques and exhibits unveiled for the first time.
Honourees received proclamations from state and local officials, as well as commemorative Holyoke Police Department patches bearing the phrase “Birthplace of Volleyball.” The evening concluded with a warm and personal Q&A session with the Class of 2025, offering fans and guests a glimpse into the lives and journeys of volleyball’s newest legends.
Legends & Leaders Roundtable: Voices of the Game
Saturday began with the Legends & Leaders Roundtable, a dynamic conversation bringing together the Class of 2025 Inductees and Award recipients alongside 2014 Inductee Joop Alberda, 1989 Inductee Doug Beal, FIVB President Fabio Azevedo and FIVB Secretary General Hugh McCutcheon. The roundtable highlighted volleyball’s 130th anniversary with a global, multi-generational conversation that explored the past, present and future of the sport.
Moderated by Olympic gold medallist and broadcaster Paul Sunderland and journalist Lee Feinswog, the discussion explored the evolution of volleyball, the responsibilities of leadership and the importance of preserving the sport’s heritage for future generations.
A Historic Enshrinement Ceremony
The weekend culminated on Saturday evening with the Induction Dinner & Enshrinement Ceremony, where volleyball’s newest legends were formally welcomed into the IVHF before a packed audience. Each Inductee delivered heartfelt remarks, reflecting on their personal journeys and the meaning of being inducted into the sport’s most prestigious institution. Many were moved to tears as they spoke of the people, moments and memories that defined their careers.
QUICK LINKS
AVC Website: click www.asianvolleyball.net
AVC Facebook: click https://www.facebook.com/avcasianvolleyball
AVC Twitter: click: www.twitter.com/AsianVolleyball
AVC Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/avcvolley/?hl=en
Mikasa Instagram: click: https://www.instagram.com/mikasasports_official
AVC Youtube: click: Asian Volleyball Confederation
AVC WeChat: Asian Volleyball Confederation