World ParaVolley Development Director John Kessel has been selected to receive the 2019 Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Award, USA Volleyball’s top honour bestowed on an individual for lifetime achievements, for his five decades of volleyball development.

Kessel, who also serves as USA Volleyball’s director of sport development, has conducted thousands of seminars and clinics in over 60 nations around the world for both USA Volleyball and World ParaVolley. He has been an FIVB Level IV instructor since 1986 and helped advance the sport worldwide through his teachings. Passionate about athletes with disabilities, Kessel has served as the director of development and board member for World ParaVolley since 2012.

“As someone who speaks a lot because of my passion to grow volleyball together around the world, getting this award and joining so many USAV leaders who have been my role models, simply leaves me speechless,” Kessel said. Over his career, he has strived to help all coaches become more efficient, effective, positive and creative, no matter what level – from the elementary school level to national team programs – while having fun and always learning in the process.

He will be inducted into the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame on May 22, 2019 in Columbus, Ohio, along with 24 other individuals in categories honouring players, coaches, officials and other leaders within the sport. An announcement on other inductees into the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame will come in January.

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