COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Dec. 12, 2018) – John Kessel has placed footprints all over volleyball’s three disciplines – indoor, beach and sitting – and his imprint has been felt around the globe.
For his five decades of volleyball development, Kessel has been selected to receive the 2019 Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Award, USA Volleyball’s top honor bestowed on an individual for lifetime achievements. He will be inducted into the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame on May 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio, along with 24 other individuals in categories honoring players, coaches, officials and other leaders within the sport.
“As someone who speaks a lot because of my passion to grow volleyball together around the world, getting this award and joining so many USAV leaders who have been my role models, simply leaves me speechless,” Kessel said. Over his career, he has strived to help all coaches become more efficient, effective, positive and creative, no matter what level – from the elementary school level to national team programs – while having fun and always learning in the process.
Kessel, who currently serves as USA Volleyball’s director of sport development, has conducted thousands of seminars and clinics in all 50 states and in over 60 nations. He has been an FIVB Level IV instructor since 1986 and helped advance the sport worldwide through his teachings. Passionate about athletes with disabilities, Kessel has also served as the director of development and board member for World ParaVolley since 2012.
An announcement on other inductees into the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame will come in January.
Kessel will receive the Frier Award at the Dorothy C. Boyce Banquet in Columbus on May 22.