COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (April 18, 2022) – USA Volleyball was saddened to learn of the death of Paul Albright, a national and international volleyball referee and former USAV staff member.
According to his obituary, Albright, 55, of Elgin, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on April 14 after battling esophageal cancer.
Albright served as USA Volleyball’s first director of officials from 2016-18.
Albright was considered one of the top FIVB referees in the world. He worked many international events including several men’s and women’s world championships, Olympic qualifiers, World League, Volleyball Nations League and more.
He also officiated domestically for all levels of indoor and beach volleyball, including countless NCAA Women’s Division I Volleyball Championship assignments.
He frequently officiated sitting volleyball events throughout his career.
In addition to his accolades as a referee, Albright gave back to his volleyball family through training and education, influencing the careers of countless volleyball officials in the United States and around the world.
Albright won the USA Volleyball Junior Outstanding Referee Award in 1996 and the USAV Golden Whistle Award in 2007.
He received the 2021 Honor Award from the Professional Association of Volleyball (PAVO) and was inducted into the PAVO Hall of Fame.
Albright is survived by his wife Devonie McLarty, son Andrew (Renee) Albright and father Gary Albright among other family.