Inside the International Volleyball Hall of Fame with Executive Director George Mulry

In this episode, we're joined by George Mulry, Executive Director of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) and founder of Pioneer Valley Juniors Volleyball Club.

George shares his incredible volleyball journey—from discovering the sport and developing his coaching philosophy to building one of New England's premier volleyball clubs. We dive into what separates great coaches from good ones, what parents often don't see behind the scenes, and what it takes to create a successful club culture.

We also explore the fascinating history of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame, why it's located in Holyoke, Massachusetts—the birthplace of volleyball, and the story behind the invention of the sport by William G. Morgan. George explains the Hall's mission to preserve volleyball's rich history while inspiring future generations around the world.

Plus, we discuss the 2026 IVHF Induction Class, the Showcase of Champions, memorable moments with volleyball legends, growing boys volleyball in New England, and how fans can support the Hall of Fame.

Whether you're a player, coach, parent, or lifelong volleyball fan, this conversation is packed with stories, history, and insights you won't want to miss.

In this episode:
🏐 George's volleyball journey
🏐 Discovering a passion for coaching
🏐 Building Pioneer Valley Juniors
🏐 Coaching philosophy and mentorship
🏐 What great coaches do differently
🏐 The history of volleyball
🏐 Why the IVHF is located in Holyoke
🏐 Behind the scenes of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame
🏐 The 2026 Hall of Fame induction class
🏐 Growing volleyball for future generations
🏐 How you can support the IVHF

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Follow the International Volleyball Hall of Fame:
volleyhall.org

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0:00
1:00 GM's background
3:17 The volleyball hook
4:10 The coaching hook *
4:35 First coaching experience
5:25 coaching philosophy
5:50 Jon Kessel *
6:40 What separate a good coach from great coaches *
7:57 Giovanni and Karch
9:30 Japan high five
9:50 what do parents not see that coaches that care do **
11:20 PVjr's **
12:50 earliest challenges starting a club **
13:55 What as a parent I'm looking to get out of club
14:12 what makes PV jr different than other clubs **
15:25 Things GM is most proud when it comes to the club **
16:20 Starlings *
17:00 D1 D3 Club ball **
18:11 IVHOF beginnings **
19:05 Volleyball Origins **
19:35 The start *
20:05 volleyball milestones *
20:55 How did GM get involved in IVHOF *
23:23 GM role *
24:15 Speech's Lloy and Cathy **
25:00 Lack of boys in vball in New England
26:55 Typical year at IVHOF
27:55 This years Inductee Story
29:15 Class of 2026
33:20 The Showcase of Champions *
34:30 Memorable interactions ** Francesca
35:40 Who would GM sit down and chat with **
38:00 What exhibit should people check out at IVHOF
40:30 IVHOF mission *
41:30 Initiatives *
43:20 The role of the IVHOF to grow the game *
45:10 Bring the IVHOF to the people
45:30 How can people support the IVHOF ** FOLLOW THE Socials
46:50 Toughest position in VBall **
48:25 Away from volleyball
49:05 who is next