Columbus, Ohio (May 24, 2024) – The USA Volleyball community came together at the Hilton Polaris in Columbus, Ohio, on Wednesday to recognize the annual award recipients and inductees into the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame.
The ceremony, held on the eve of the 2024 US Volleyball Open Championship, celebrated the achievements of volleyball greats across multiple categories. More than 300 guests attended the star-studded event.
The awards ceremony was attended by outstanding players, coaches, officials, club directors and leaders who have left a lasting impact on the world of sport.
The evening was filled with special tributes and passionate speeches. Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, spoke of her excitement for this summer’s Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris and her gratitude to those involved in the game of volleyball for their dedication and service.
Danielle Scott Courage Award recipient Janae Edmondson was honored with a special video tribute from friends, family and teammates. Edmondson lost both legs after being hit by a car while walking in St. Louis to compete in a tournament with her club team, MidTN VBC. Five-time Olympian Danielle Scott presented the award, which she received in 2019.
USA Volleyball Regional Leader Jennifer Urmson Dyer was presented with the Commissioner’s Dr. Neville A. “Doc” Booth Award and Kevin Wendelbaugh was presented with the George J. Fisher Volleyball Leader Award, both of which were recognized for their contributions to the sport.
Two-time Olympic coach Hugh McCutcheon was awarded the Harry E. Wilson International Achievement Award for his work as a senior adviser to the FIVB.
USA Volleyball recognized 40Number The video marked the anniversary of the U.S. Men’s National Team’s gold medal win at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The Hall of Fame represents the very best of USA Volleyball,” said USA Volleyball President and CEO Jamie Davis. “We are honored to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to our sport.”
Some of the all-time great athletes, including Hall of Fame inductees Reid Priddy, Robin Ah Mou, Jeff Nygard, Heather Vaughn, Carolyn Kirby, Dayne Blanton, Tracy Lang and Brenda (Mamon) Jensen, shared memories from their time on the varsity team and expressed gratitude to their coaches and families.
Long Beach State men’s coach Alan Knipe received the Donald S. Shondell Best Coach of All Time award, while longtime coach at Portland State, University of California, UC Davis and Willamette University Marlene Piper received the Bertha H. Lucas Best Coach of All Time award.
Former USA Volleyball CEO Doug Beal accepted the James E. Coleman National Team Service Award and spoke about the impact the late coach Jim Coleman had on the world of volleyball. Later that evening, coach Marv Dunphy joined Beal to accept the Harold T. Furiamoood “Furia” Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of the late coach Carl McGown. Dunphy and Beal spoke about the lasting impact of Carl’s character and work with the national team program, as well as his contributions and influence on a generation of volleyball coaches.
Fellow Flyer Award recipient Cathy DeBoer, former Executive Director of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), received a standing ovation for her passionate acceptance speech, in which she acknowledged the impact the leaders in the room have had on volleyball and encouraged compassion for those who work tirelessly to grow the sport.
Charlie Feublinger from the Southern California region and David Wolff from the Great Lakes region were honored as Junior Athletes of the Year.
All proceeds from the event went to the USA Volleyball Foundation.
The full list of 2024 winners can be found here , and a photo gallery from the day will be released soon.
The 2025 USA Volleyball Hall of Fame ceremony will be held in Denver, Colorado.
About the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame
The U.S. Volleyball Hall of Fame celebrated its 79th inauguration with the Dorothy C. Boyce Banquet.Number The annual awards ceremony is the largest awards ceremony in the United States, recognizing volleyball legends and leaders and celebrating the entire volleyball community. This annual awards ceremony pays tribute to individuals who have shaped the game of volleyball in the United States.
