Against the Odds

Three Elmhurst athletes helped 1st Alliance make club history at the AAU 13Club National Volleyball Championship

Four days. More than 100 teams. One historic finish.

When the final point landed on the championship court at the AAU Club Volleyball National Championships in Orlando, Florida, the Lions 13-Red players rushed together in celebration. After competing on a championship court complete with a jumbo-tron, DJ, announcers, professional referees, and line judges, the team was escorted to the main stage to receive its gold medals, first-place trophy, and National Championship banner.

The celebration marked more than a tournament victory. Lions 13-Red became the first 13U team in the more than 30-year history of 1st Alliance Volleyball Club to win the AAU 13 Club National Volleyball Championship. The team finished the tournament with a 12-2 match record and a 25-5 mark in sets, defeating opponents from Texas, Florida, South Carolina, Hawaii, Michigan, California, Missouri and Kentucky. Three players were named AAU All-Americans, including Elmhurst’s Antonia Niles.

The team poses with the championship trophy and banner after winning the 2026 AAU 13 Club National Volleyball Championship in Orlando.

Three members of the championship team—Antonia Niles, Emma D’Anna and Jocelyn Guzman—are rising eighth graders at Immaculate Conception Grade School in Elmhurst. Each played a key role throughout the tournament and helped the club’s “Cinderella team” complete an unforgettable run to the AAU 13Club National Volleyball Championship.

The nickname reflected the team’s season. After battling injuries for much of the year, Lions 13-Red arrived in Orlando with little outside expectation of making a deep run. Instead, the players embraced the underdog role and grew more confident with every match.

“We referred to ourselves as the ‘Cinderella team’ because we weren’t expected to make the run that we did,” head coach Cydney Martinez said. “We embraced the underdog mentality and believed in each other, even when others counted us out. With every match, we gained more confidence, proved we belonged, and continued to exceed expectations.”

Martinez said the championship was built over months of hard work rather than one successful weekend.

“Their hard work was evident in every practice, every tournament and every rep they took,” she said. “Nothing comes easy, but with consistency, resilience and trust in one another, great things can be accomplished.”

She credited every player for embracing her role while highlighting the contributions of the three Elmhurst athletes. Antonia, an outside hitter, played with confidence, grit and determination while consistently putting pressure on opposing defenses. Jocelyn, a middle hitter, made an impact with disciplined blocking, quick transitions, and smart shot selection. Emma, a first-year setter, impressed with her composure, consistency and ability to distribute the ball while making good decisions under pressure.

For Antonia, competing on the championship court was an experience she will never forget.

“Playing on the AAU Orlando championship court was unreal and so fun,” she said. “Once we won the first set, we had so much confidence and knew we could win it all.”

The tournament became even more memorable when she was named an AAU All-American.

“Going home as a national champion is something I will never forget,” Antonia said. “To top it off, I was incredibly honored to be selected as an AAU All-American. This special honor proves all the hard work and sacrifice throughout our season paid off.”

Emma said the team’s chemistry developed over months of practicing and competing together.

“I remember thinking, ‘This is what we’ve worked for all season,’” she said of championship point. “I was excited more than nervous. I was ready to celebrate.”

She said the season taught her to trust her teammates.

Elmhurst’s Antonia Niles, an AAU All-American, attacks at the net during the 2026 season.

“We all grew so much by practicing together and getting better as a team,” Emma said. “Most importantly, we had fun, and I think that’s a big reason we were able to achieve our dream of winning the national championship together.”

Jocelyn said staying composed in the biggest moments came naturally because of the trust the team had built throughout the season.

“I was excited and nervous, but I tried to stay calm and focused on doing my job,” she said. “I trusted my teammates because we had all worked so hard to get to that moment.”

She believes that trust ultimately separated Lions 13-Red from the rest of the field.

“We trusted and communicated with each other, worked hard, supported one another, and always put the team first,” Jocelyn said. “We played for each other, which made us successful.”

For Martinez, the victory represents an important milestone for 1st Alliance Volleyball Club, which describes itself as one of the most elite and successful junior volleyball organizations in the United States. She hopes the accomplishment inspires future teams to dream big, work hard, and believe in themselves.

“To bring home the club’s first 13U national title is a special accomplishment and a testament to the commitment and culture our club has built over the years,” Martinez said. “We’re incredibly proud to be a part of 1st Alliance history, and we hope this championship inspires future teams to dream big, work hard, and believe in themselves.”