William “Bill” Kauffman > World ParaVolleyWorld ParaVolley

William “Bill” Kauffman
June 13, 1969 – May 20, 2023

William “Bill” Kauffman, a member of the World ParaVolley Communications Commission and longtime press officer for USA Volleyball and the FIVB previously, passed away suddenly on 20 May 2023 at his home in Colorado Springs in the United States.  He was 53 years old.  Bill had been working for Angels of America’s Fallen in Colorado, supporting their communications and fundraising efforts on behalf of military families who have lost loved ones.  His 30-year career in sports communications included work in collegiate sports information at West Texas A&M University where he also earned his master’s degree.  Previously, he served as the Senior Manager of Communications for USA Volleyball for 14 years, and Senior Director of Communications, Awards & Technology for the American Volleyball Coaches Association.  He served as Press Officer for 3 Olympic Games for the United States women’s indoor Olympic volleyball team and was appointed by the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) to oversee communications at the 2014 FIVB Women’s World Championship in Europe.

His personal passion for Para sport led Bill to volunteer for the Communications Commission in support of World ParaVolley.  His mind for statistics and storytelling talents were among his notable traits.  He was appointed to the Communications Committee of Safe Sport International where he had been working to support the SSI Conference, a global international conference focused on the safeguarding of athletes.  His understanding of global media and communications, and his vast contacts made over 30 years of his career made him a valuable member of both organizations.

“Bill Kauffman was one of those incredibly dedicated people who contributed so much to the sport of volleyball around the world and still found time to assist World ParaVolley and ParaVolley Pan America in the field of media and communications.  There was so much more he would have been able to willingly contribute.  He will be sorely missed by all of the volleyball and paravolley community,” World ParaVolley President Barry Couzner said.