The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) announced on its website that Cuban athlete Joel Despaigne has been selected for induction into the International Volleyball Hall of Fame. The official ceremony is scheduled to take place on October 16 and 17, 2026, at the Hall’s headquarters in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

This significant recognition falls under the men’s indoor player category, making Despaigne the first Cuban athlete to achieve this distinction in that gender. During the 1980s and 1990s, Despaigne was regarded by specialists as an outstanding player, particularly for his performances in top-tier tournaments. Notable achievements include the 1989 World Cup, where he was a member of the Cuban team that won the title, and the 1990 World Championship, where he earned a silver medal.

The Cuban star will join other illustrious figures in world volleyball, including Dr. Ary Graça, Alison Cerutti, and Fabiana Alvim of Brazil; April Ross of the United States; Ekaterina Gamova of Russia; Laurent Tillie of France; Denis Le Breuilly of England; and Takashi Shimoyama of Japan.

Joel will become the ninth Cuban player inducted into the Hall of Fame. He follows coach Eugenio George and legendary members of the “Caribbean Belles” — Mireya Luis, Magaly Carvajal, Regla Torres, Regla Bell, Taimaris Agüero, Mirka Francia, and Yumilka Ruiz. This year, Ana Ibis Fernández was also a female candidate in the indoor volleyball category. She is the only Cuban player who, in addition to three Olympic gold medals (Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000), also holds a bronze medal from Athens 2004. “This is a historic moment for Cuban volleyball,” the FIVB noted in its announcement.