Flo Hyman was a towering figure in American volleyball—both literally and figuratively—whose athletic excellence and advocacy helped lay the foundation for the rise of women’s sports in the United States. A dominant outside hitter known for her powerful spike and unmatched presence on the court, Hyman helped guide the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team through a transformative era in international play.
Hyman was a key member of the team selected to compete at the Olympic Games Moscow 1980, but the U.S. boycott kept her from making her Olympic debut. Undeterred, she continued training with the national team, becoming a leader and symbol of resilience. Her perseverance paid off four years later at the Olympic Games Los Angeles 1984, where she helped lead Team USA to a silver medal—the first Olympic medal ever won by the U.S. women’s volleyball team.
After the 1984 Games, Hyman moved to Japan to play professionally, where she quickly became a fan favorite and continued to elevate the visibility of the sport on the international stage. Off the court, her impact was just as profound. Hyman was a passionate advocate for gender equity in athletics and became a vocal supporter of Title IX. She even testified before Congress, lending her platform and personal story to the fight for equal opportunities for women and girls in sport.
Tragically, Hyman passed away in 1986 at the age of 31 from complications related to Marfan syndrome. Her sudden death shocked the sports world, but her legacy continued to grow in the years that followed. In 1987, National Girls and Women in Sports Day was established in her memory, honoring her pioneering efforts and enduring influence.
Though her Olympic career was brief, Flo Hyman left an indelible mark on the volleyball community and on the broader movement for equity in sports. In 2025, she was inducted into the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Hall of Fame—an honor that recognizes not only her athletic achievements, but also her fearless leadership, unshakable integrity, and the lasting inspiration she provided to generations of athletes.
