IN TRIBUTE 

PARAVOLLEY REFEREE REMEMBERED AND MISSED

The international volleyball community was extremely saddened to learn of the passing of World ParaVolley Referee Dan Apol on November 16, 2016. The 44-year-old American suffered an aneurism while officiating a NCAA Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference volleyball match in Colorado Springs. Dan is survived by his wife Bonnie.

Dan was a referee for indoor, beach and sitting volleyball. Dan was one of 20 sitting volleyball referees at the 2016 Paralympic Games and one of 16 beach volleyball referees at the 2016 Olympic Games. The Denver native became a World ParaVolley Referee in 2011 and an FIVB International Referee in 2004. During his time as a referee oversaw two Olympics, one Paralympics, a World ParaVolley World Champtionship, more than 600 FIVB matches, and two FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships. Dan was also a NCAA official in the United States for both volleyball and beach volleyball.

Dan touched the lives of his family and friends whom he made all over the globe. He was a friend, mentor, and role model with a smile you could always count on. As we reflect on Dan’s life, memories and stories of his positive influence capture the legacy he now leaves behind. He was a student of the game and of life. Wherever his travels took him, he immersed himself in the culture and the people. Away from the court Dan loved the outdoors and enjoyed golf, camping, fishing and skiing.