Legendary French coach Laurent Tillie and one of the greatest volleyball players in history, Ekaterina Gamova, are among the new members of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) for 2026. Both were officially selected for the most prestigious individual recognition in world volleyball, and their induction ceremony will take place on October 17 in Holyoke, Massachusetts – the birthplace of volleyball.
Tillie earned his place in the Hall of Fame after the historic successes at the helm of the French national team. It was under his leadership that the 'Roosters' won their first Olympic title in their history at the Tokyo 2020 Games. The French also triumphed in the World League and at the European Championship, and Tillie established himself as one of the most respected specialists in modern volleyball. Before his coaching career, he also had an impressive path as a French national with over 400 matches for the representative team.
Among the biggest names in the 2026 class is Russian superstar Ekaterina Gamova. Considered one of the most dominant point-scorers in the history of women's volleyball, she has two World Championship titles with Russia, two Olympic silver medals, and four Olympic Games appearances. With her powerful attack, impressive height, and consistency, Gamova marked an entire era in world volleyball.
In addition to Tillie and Gamova, the new IVHF class also includes former FIVB President Dr. Ary Graça, Brazilian libero Fabiana "Fabi" Alvim, Cuban legend Yoel Despaigne, Olympic beach volleyball champions Alison Cerutti and April Ross, international referee Takashi Shimoyama, and Dennis Le Brocq for services to paravolley.
The International Volleyball Hall of Fame in Holyoke is the most prestigious place for recognition in this sport, and Bulgaria also has a significant presence there. The first Bulgarian inducted into the IVHF is the legendary Dimitar Zlatanov, and the latest so far is the great setter Dimitar Karov, who became a Hall of Fame member last year.