New York City played host to a historic moment for Santander volleyball this week, as the Santander Women’s Team participated in the AAU New York Volleyball Tournament, marking their first foray onto the international stage. The tournament, held from to at the Javits Center, represents a significant step in the development of the program’s 2026 projection team.
The AAU New York Volleyball Tournament, organized by the Amateur Athletic Union of the United States, Inc., is widely recognized as a crucial platform for youth volleyball development. It attracts high-level teams and athletes, providing a competitive environment designed to hone technical skills, foster discipline and accelerate sporting growth. The event’s significance extends beyond the court, emphasizing values such as teamwork, respect, and the pursuit of excellence.
The Santander team, comprised of nine players – seven members of the Santander National Team and two invited athletes – competed in the 17-year-old age category despite the majority of the roster being younger, at 13, 14, and 15 years old. This ambitious move, according to Silvia Pérez Arboleda, president of the Santandereana Volleyball League, was intended to provide a valuable learning experience and prepare the players for future challenges.
“They also did very well because they are 13, 14, 15 years old and they played in the 17-year-old category, but the experience was the best because obviously the idea is that they go every year, that is, every year and that they can work and strengthen for the federated tournaments here,” Pérez Arboleda stated.
The tournament’s location at the Javits Center adds another layer of prestige to the event. The state-of-the-art facility provides a world-class setting for competition and offers athletes a glimpse into the potential of their sporting careers. The tournament guarantees each participating team at least seven matches, ensuring ample opportunity for development and exposure.
Beyond the immediate competitive benefits, the AAU New York Volleyball Tournament serves as a showcase for athletes seeking opportunities at the collegiate level. Numerous universities utilize the event to scout potential recruits, making it a pivotal moment for players aspiring to continue their volleyball careers in the United States. This aspect is particularly important for the Santander team, as it opens doors for potential scholarships and athletic opportunities.
The Santander program’s participation in this tournament is part of a broader strategy to build a sustainable and long-term development pipeline for volleyball in the region. Pérez Arboleda highlighted the program’s success at the U-15 level last year and expressed hope that this international exposure will translate into further opportunities for Santander’s young athletes.
“We were champions last year with the U-15, right? It wasn’t those girls, but the idea is that we start taking the strongest ones so that doors open for them and their professional development as athletes or with universities. It’s very good,” Pérez Arboleda explained.
The initiative mirrors successful models seen in other Colombian departments, such as Valle, which has consistently prioritized international competition to accelerate the development of its athletes. By providing Santander’s players with similar opportunities, the program aims to elevate the overall standard of volleyball in the region.
The Santander Women’s Team’s participation in the AAU New York Volleyball Tournament is more than just a sporting event; it’s a statement of intent. It signifies a commitment to investing in the future of volleyball in Santander and providing its young athletes with the platform to achieve their full potential. The team’s performance and the experience gained will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for continued growth and success in the years to come, paving the way for a new generation of volleyball stars from Santander.
The 2026 New York City Open, hosted by NEAAU Volleyball, features divisions for both boys and girls, ranging from 11 to 18 years old, with Open and Club levels available for most age groups. The tournament’s structure, with AM and PM waves, ensures a well-organized and competitive environment for all participants. Registration for the event, which requires a $995 team entry fee, is managed through SportWrench, a leading event management platform.
