Sunday, 22 Dec 2024

USA Volleyball Announces 2023 Hall of Fame Inductees

USA Volleyball has recently released the list of athletes, coaches, and leaders who will be inducted into its prestigious Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony will take place on May 24th at the Omni Hotel in Dallas, Texas, a day before the start of the 2023 USA Volleyball Open National Championship.

This annual event recognizes and celebrates the outstanding contributions and achievements of volleyball’s greatest athletes, coaches, officials, and leaders. It serves as a platform to honor the remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport.

The proceeds from the banquet will be directed towards the USA Volleyball Foundation, which supports the Olympic and Paralympic dreams of the national team program’s athletes. To attend the event or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit the official website of the 2023 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame.

Inductees

The Hall of Fame will welcome eight remarkable Olympic and Paralympic players:

  • Ryan Millar: A three-time Olympic middle blocker who won gold in Beijing in 2008.
  • Clay Stanley: A three-time Olympic opposite who also secured gold in Beijing in 2008.
  • Liane Sato: A two-time Olympic defensive specialist and setter who won bronze in Barcelona in 1992.
  • Logan Tom: A four-time Olympic outside hitter who won silver medals in Beijing in 2008 and London in 2012.
  • Kari (Miller) Ortiz: A three-time Paralympic libero who won gold in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
  • Edgar Laforest (posthumous): A Paralympic outside hitter who medaled at the Parapan American Games three times.
  • Elaine Youngs: A three-time Olympian who won bronze in beach volleyball in 2004.
  • Todd Rogers: A gold medalist at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
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Additionally, Jerritt Elliott, the women’s volleyball coach at the University of Texas, will be awarded the All-Time Great Coach Award for his impressive career and contributions to the sport.

Several leaders will also be recognized for their significant impact on volleyball:

  • Joe Williams: Delta Region Commissioner, will receive the George J. Fisher Leader in Volleyball Award.
  • Bob Price: Ohio Valley Commissioner, will be awarded the Dr. Neville A. “Doc” Booth Commissioner’s Award.
  • Pati Rolf: USAV Director of Officials Development and international referee, will receive the Harry E. Wilson International Service Award.
  • Bill Neville: A prominent coach, will be awarded the James E. Coleman National Team Award.

Furthermore, the late Dan Apol and Verna Klubnikin will be honored with the Wilbur H. “Wil” Peck Referee Emeritus Award, recognizing their outstanding contributions to the USA Volleyball referee program. Lynne Updegraff will be presented with the Nancy S. Sharpless Scorer Emeritus Award for her exceptional work as a scorer.

Lastly, Scott Fortune and the late Elroy Osorio will both receive the Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Lifetime Achievement Award, which is considered the highest honor bestowed by USA Volleyball.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the annual award winners in the coming weeks.

For more information about the 2023 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame and to purchase tickets, visit the official website.