Laredo’s 13s Volleyball Team Takes Fifth at National Tournament
The Laredo Juniors 13s volleyball team has made history by finishing fifth at the 2025 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championships in Kansas City, Missouri — a groundbreaking achievement for the South Texas city and a proud moment for youth sports in the region.
Competing in the 13s American Division, which included 64 of the best teams from across the United States, the Laredo squad impressed both on and off the court. Their final record stood at 7 wins and 2 losses, with 15 sets won and just 8 dropped. This outstanding performance placed them among the top five in the country, the highest finish ever by a Laredo volleyball team at the national level.
Coached by Eduardo Martinez, the team was made up of a group of driven and talented young athletes: Isabella Garza, Natalia Santos, Karime Avena, Alyssa Chavez, Hanna Garcia, Valentina Gonzalez, Karime Sanmiguel, Ameli Flores, and Ana Sophia Martinz. Their teamwork, discipline, and determination were evident throughout the tournament as they battled their way through pool play and into the highly competitive gold bracket.
The journey began with a dominant showing in pool play, where Laredo went 6–1. They secured impressive victories over teams from volleyball-rich states such as California, Idaho, New Jersey, Arizona, and Arkansas. Their only pool play loss came in a tight contest against a squad from Milwaukee.
In the challenge round, Laredo defeated a strong Florida team in a nail-biting third set. That victory pushed them into the gold bracket, where they faced the eventual national champions from Houston. Despite putting up a valiant effort, Laredo fell short in that matchup but their top-five placement was already secured, capping off a remarkable run.
The significance of this result wasn’t lost on the city. Upon their return home, the Laredo Juniors were honored by local officials who recognized not just their performance, but the pride and inspiration they brought to the community. The celebration highlighted the team’s role in putting Laredo on the national volleyball map and encouraged younger athletes to follow in their footsteps.
Beyond the wins and rankings, this milestone marks a cultural shift for youth athletics in Laredo. It shows that with the right coaching, community support, and athlete commitment, even smaller markets can compete at the highest levels. It’s a wake-up call to the rest of Texas — and the country — that Laredo is cultivating top-tier talent in the volleyball world.
Coach Eduardo Martinez praised his team not just for their skills, but for their heart. “These girls showed the country what Laredo is made of,” he said. “They played with courage, and they never backed down. This is just the beginning.”
With momentum on their side, the Laredo Juniors 13s have not only made history — they’ve opened the door for the next generation of volleyball stars from their city. Their story is one of passion, perseverance, and proof that greatness can come from anywhere.
This fifth-place finish isn’t just a trophy it’s a legacy in the making.
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