Share
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (March 17, 2026) – USA Volleyball is proud to announce the final honorees for the 2026 Hall of Fame and Annual Awards Ceremony, taking place during the Dorothy C. Boyce Banquet May 20 at the DoubleTree Orlando Theme Park Resort by Hilton in Florida.
Previously, USA Volleyball shared that U.S. Women’s Siting National Team head coach and Sitting Program Director Bill Hamiter will receive the organization’s highest honor, the Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Award. Foluke Akinradewo Gunderson, Prikeba (Keba) Phipps, Riley Salmon, Dave Saunders, Jen Kessy, Phil Dalhausser and Nichole Millage-Faust will be honored as All-Time Great Athletes.
Tickets for the banquet and ceremony are available for purchase. For sponsorship opportunities, please email Director of Stewardship and Foundation Operations Kyle Vaughn. Proceeds will benefit the USA Volleyball Foundation, supporting programs that grow and sustain the sport nationwide.
All-Time Great Coach
Toshi Yoshida is this year’s All-Time Great Coach. Yoshida had a long association with the U.S. Women’s National Team, serving as the assistant coach from 1979-83, and again from 1998-2000. In 2001, he took over as head coach, leading the team at the 2004 Olympic Games. He coached in Japan from 1983-97 and returned to coaching in Japan after the 2004 Games.
Hall of Fame Inductees
USA Volleyball also congratulates the following individuals for their upcoming induction into the Hall of Fame. They have all made significant contributions to the sport at various levels:
- George J. Fisher Leader in Volleyball Award: Jim Stone – Honored for his impactful leadership in advancing the sport through coaching, mentorship and service to the volleyball community. This award will be given posthumously
- Dr. Neville A. “Doc” Booth Commissioner’s Award: Joe Williams – Recognized for his exceptional dedication and commitment to the growth and governance of volleyball
- Joseph B. Sharpless Arbitrator Service Award: Michael McPoyle – Honored for his integrity and service in helping ensure fairness and resolution within the sport
- William G. Morgan “Founder’s” Award: Dave Gentile – Recognized for his longstanding contributions to the development and promotion of volleyball at multiple levels
- James E. Coleman National Team Award: Charles Johnson – Honored for his support and contributions that have strengthened USA Volleyball’s national team programs
- Wilbur H. “Wil” Peck Referee Emeritus Award: Bob Stanek – Recognized for a distinguished officiating career and decades of service supporting referees and the integrity of the game
- Harry E. Wilson International Service Award: Pat Powers – Recognized for significant contributions to USA Volleyball and the FIVB and for an impact on the international level
USA Volleyball will also recognize the following Annual Award winners at the ceremony:
- Junior Male Athlete of the Year: Aelijah Larkin, Ohio Valley Region – Recognized as the nation’s top junior male athlete for outstanding performance, leadership, and impact on the court
- Junior Female Athlete of the Year: Olivia Henry, Florida Region – Honored for exceptional play and leadership as one of the top junior female volleyball athletes in the country
- Indoor Junior Club Director of the Year: Curt Glesmann, North Country Region – Recognized for outstanding leadership and dedication in building a successful junior indoor volleyball club program
- Beach Junior Club Director of the Year: Ashley Ivy Swift, Lone Star Region – Honored for her commitment to growing and developing junior beach volleyball athletes and programs
- Junior Club Service Award: Jay Johnson, Badger Region – Recognized for his significant service and contributions to the junior volleyball community
- Junior Girls Indoor Coach of the Year: Elizabeth “Betty” Lange, Badger Region – Honored for exceptional coaching leadership and the development of junior girls indoor athletes
- Junior Boys Indoor Coach of the Year: Mark Maggio, Bayou Region – Recognized for his impact in developing junior boys athletes and advancing the sport through coaching
- Junior Girls Beach Coach of the Year: Paige Panter Mierl, Lone Star Region – Honored for outstanding leadership and success in coaching junior girls beach volleyball
- Nancy S. Sharpless Scorer Emeritus Award: Sue Mailhot, Great Plains Region – Recognized for many years of dedicated service and excellence as a volleyball scorer
- Glen G. Davies Referee Service Award: Clark Radcliffe, Great Plains Region – Honored for his continued service and commitment to supporting and developing volleyball referees
- Referee of the Year: Robert Owen, Florida Region – Recognized for excellence in officiating and contributions to maintaining the highest standards of the game.
- Jonathan Reeser Sport Science Award: Dr. Bill Briner – Recognized for significant contributions to the sports science of volleyball through either volleyball-specific research or through clinical contributions in the care of volleyball players
- Edward P. Lauten Scorer’s Service Award: Amber Fulk – Recognized for outstanding contributions to the USA Volleyball scorer’s development and certification program