If you’ve ever seen a volleyball actually disappear mid-air, chances are Hilir Henno was behind it.
Towering at 6’8″, straight outta Pornichet, France, this UC Irvine senior isn’t just playing volleyball—he’s throwing down a masterclass in destruction. Henno isn’t just a name on the roster. He’s the main character energy in every gym he walks into.
🏆 Career Snapshot:
Straight Dog Mode, Stat Sheet Edition
- 2024 AVCA National Player of the Year
- 2024 Big West Player of the Year
- Back-to-Back First Team All-American (2023, 2024)
- Big West Offensive Player of the Week? Too many to count.
- Led the nation in points (5.52) & second in kills (4.76) in 2024
And oh yeah—he doesn’t just serve. He terrorizes.
- UCI & Big West record-holder for most aces in a match (9)
- Career aces: 181 and counting
- 2023: 87 aces — second most in NCAA history
That’s not a typo. That’s a problem. For literally everyone across the net.
🔥 2025: Still Cooking
Hilir’s not slowing down. Not even close.
- Dropped 26 kills on CSUN (April 19, 2025) like it was casual Friday.
- Still top-tier nationwide in kills, points, and aces per set.
- If UC Irvine’s in a close match, just assume the Henno Hammer™ is coming.
“Henno is the most dynamic outside hitter in the country.
He can change a match with his serve or his arm.”
— Big West Analyst
💣 The Henno Effect
You know those guys who just flip a switch and take over?
That’s Henno. Except the switch is always on.
- Lethal lefty cannon
- Absurd vertical
- Clutch gene on full display
He’s the kind of guy who takes the air out of a building with one swing, then casually aces you two plays later. Opponents don’t just prep for him—they pray for low rotation matchups.
“He’s the heart of our team, and we go as he goes.”
— UC Irvine Coaching Staff
🧠 Grit + Grind = Greatness
Henno’s not all flash. Behind the kills and viral clips is a relentless work ethic, the kind that turns potential into production. Coaches rave about his leadership. Teammates ride his intensity. Fans? They just watch and scream.
He’s the kind of player who shows up early, stays late, and still outworks everyone during warm-ups.
🎯 Legacy Loading…
Let’s be clear:
Hilir Henno is already one of the best to ever wear a UC Irvine jersey.
And depending on how this postseason shakes out?
He might just leave as a certified legend of the game.
One more match. One more ace. One more moment where he silences a crowd — or makes one explode.
📣 The Final Word
If you’re making a list of the most electric players in college volleyball right now, and Henno’s not on it?
Toss the list.
Because there’s only one French flamethrower who’s rewriting record books, lighting up the scoreboard, and leaving opposing coaches begging for mercy.
And his name is HILIR HENNO.
