Former IPFW great Ball selected to Volleyball Hall of Fame

One of the top setters in both college men’s volleyball and USA Volleyball history will be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

The International Volleyball Hall of Fame announced Friday morning that former IPFW All-American setter Lloy Ball will be part of the 2015 class inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Ball was the starting setter for the U.S. Men’s National Team at the 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008 Olympics. He also helped lead the United States to the 2008 gold medal — one of three men’s volleyball Olympic gold medals in U.S. history.

Before his professional career, Ball played four seasons with IPFW from 1991-94 and led the Mastodons to three appearances in the NCAA Tournament. The three-time All-American and 1991 National Freshman of the Year still holds the school records for career aces and assists.

The National Setter of the Year in NCAA Division I-II men’s volleyball was also named the Lloy Ball Award in honor the former IPFW setter’s outstanding career.

“The 2015 Volleyball Hall of Fame class represents four remarkable individuals who elevated the sport to new levels over a long period of time on the international stage,” Doug Beal, co-chair of the Volleyball Hall of Fame Selection Committee, said in a statement. “This induction class upholds the highest qualities of the game through its athletes and coaches.”

Ball was the only U.S. player included in the new Volleyball Hall of Fame class. Brazil’s Renden Dal Zotto, Helia Souzo Fofao and Bebeto De Freitas were also selected to the hall of fame.

“The class of 2015 honors a diverse group of legendary players amassing 16 Olympic Games appearances among the four individuals and a coach who led his team to an Olympic silver medal,” George Mulry, executive director of the Volleyball Hall of Fame, said in a statement. “These remarkable individuals have brought distinction to the sport over a number of years and we are humbled to honor them here in the birthplace of volleyball.”

The Volleyball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies will be the weekend of Oct. 23-24 in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

This is the 30th induction class to the Volleyball Hall of Fame that opened in 1978.