LOUISVILLE, Ken. (March 22, 2024) - It’s with heavy hearts the AAU announces the passing of longtime AAU volunteer, Robert “Bob” Blanford.  As an instrumental part of the growth of the sport of volleyball in the United States, Blanford was an active member of the AAU National Volleyball Committee for many years up through his passing. 
 
A Louisville, Kentucky native, Blandford served the Kentucky AAU District in various roles for more than three (3) decades -- including Kentucky AAU’s District Registrar and Volleyball Director.  Through the years, he also served terms on various AAU national committees including AAU Legislation, Insurance, and Sullivan Award committee as well as Registration Committees (where he served as Chair for many years).  Blanford served on the AAU Board of Directors for a few terms as well.
 
He was a “founding father” of club volleyball in the Louisville area when he and his wife Wanda, created the Kentuckiana Junior Volleyball Association (KJVA) in the early 1980's. Blanford’s KJVA club won their first AAU National Championship in the 12 & Under division in 1990. 

Through the years, Blanford has received various awards from AAU and other volleyball organizations for his many contributions to the sport including the AAU Jack Schatz Award, AAU Emil Breitkreutz Leadership Award, USAV Honorable Mention Outstanding Service Award, USAV Outstanding Program Director Award and USAV Pioneer Region Salute Award.
 
For his many contributions to the growth of AAU volleyball and his outstanding commitment to the overall AAU, Blanford was inducted into the AAU Hall of Fame in 2002.  
 
As we remember Bob Blanford, we honor not only his accomplishments but also his spirit of service and dedication. His passing is a loss felt by all in the AAU community.
 
Arrangement plans are not currently announced but will be shared once released.