Stubbed as one of the greatest setters in Russian volleyball history, legendary Irina Kirillova (Parkhomchuk) is recently nominated for entry into the Volleyball Hall of Fame in the homeland of the Game in the American city Holyoke, according to Russian Volleyball Association.
During her service for the former USSR team, the nation won the championship title sin Seoul Olympics 1988, World Championship-1990 and the European Championship- 1989. After the dissolution of Souviet Union, Kirillova had been playing for Croatia and helped the nation to clinch two silver medals in European Championship in 1995 & 1997.
Her coaching career began in 2000s. One of her most remarkable achievments was the champion title in World Championship with Russia team in 2006, during when she was taking part as the assistant coach to her husband, Gianni Caparra. Later in 2011, she was hired by Croatia to take the helm of the national team while unfortunately she quitted shortly due to the allegedly back pay issue.
The inauguration ceremony of new members of the Volleyball Hall of Fame will take place from November 16 to 19 directly in Holyoke.
(Photo: CEV)
