In a standout first-year performance, Arsenal Volleyball Club’s 15U girls team made history as the only Canadian team to podium at the 2025 AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships — capping off their debut season by winning the 15U Elite Amethyst A Championship.
With over 5,000 teams competing at AAU Nationals — and 1,000+ in the 15U age group alone, which is widely considered the most competitive division in junior volleyball — Arsenal’s finish as Amethyst A Champions in the 15U Elite division places them in the top 1% nationally, a phenomenal achievement for a first-year Canadian club.
The championship-winning roster includes:
Ataysha Thomas, Hannah Rivera, Julianna Apologista, Kylie Ritchings, Lauren Wichers, Malek Alkhudhur, Soraya Fortunato Robins, and Taylor Wolfram.
The team trains primarily in Coquitlam, BC (SD43), with athletes traveling from across the Greater Vancouver area. Entering the season as underdogs during the Volleyball BC Super Series — ranked low and flying under the radar — Arsenal’s climb to the top is a testament to their grit, chemistry, and relentless drive.
The team is led by club founder and coach Sheldon Robins (a former NBAE basketball player, co-producer of the NCAA Vancouver Showcase & Follow Me Fest Volleyball Tournament), and head volleyball coach Esra Betul Cetin, a former National Volleyball Champion from Turkey who has competed internationally in indoor, beach, and snow volleyball. Together, they bring elite international experience and a shared mission to provide Canadian youth athletes with global exposure and collegiate recruitment opportunities across both Canada and the U.S.
“Winning the Championships at the biggest volleyball tournament in North America was the best way to end the season,” said Sheldon Robins. “It represents the determination, commitment, and work ethic of the entire season.”
Team captain and MVP of the year, Soraya Fortunato Robins @sorayavolleyball — captured in a celebratory photo with the AAU mascot — added:
“We started the season ranked at the bottom, and now we’re AAU champions. It feels surreal. Our team worked hard, had each other’s backs, and never gave up.”
As part of the experience, Arsenal’s athletes were the only 15U team to attend a recruiting panel with college coaches from St. Francis University (PA), Duquesne University (PA), and Warner University (FL). The players received direct, one-on-one guidance on what it takes to be recruited and compete at the collegiate level — both athletically and academically.
Beyond the court, positive team culture was a core priority. The team and their families stayed in a shared vacation home featuring themed bedrooms and full resort amenities, including pools, a waterpark, beach volleyball courts, and arcades — creating bonding moments and lasting memories. Players were also fueled by organic home-cooked meals, supporting their performance and well-being throughout the tournament.
From overlooked newcomers to national champions, Arsenal’s 15U girls have proven that with the right coaching, culture, and commitment, even a first-year team can rise to the top of the podium.
Arsenal Volleyball is proudly sponsored by Follow Me LLC, Menina Entertainment, and Apex Management, whose support has helped fuel the team’s journey from underdogs to national champions.
Instagram: @arsenalvolleyball
Media Contact:
Company Name: Arsenal Athletics Youth Foundation
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://arsenalvolleyball.com/
Country: United States
