SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador -- McKendree University's Director of Volleyball and Head Men's Volleyball Coach Nickie Sanlin led the U.S. Men's U23 National Team to its first ever gold medal at the 2026 NORCECA National Pan American Cup, after winning the final match against Costa Rica 3-1 (26-16, 23-25, 25-13, 25-17) on Sunday, Sept. 27.
The team posted an overall set record of 12-1, winning four matches throughout the international tournament. The only set the team dropped was in the championship match, losing 23-25 in the second set. The U.S. dominated statistically, almost doubling the number of kills in Costa Rica's offense (60-32), and had the advantage in blocks (13-6) and aces (8-1).
The pool play format gave the opportunity for the U.S. to earn back-to-back wins against the Dominican Republic (25-19, 25-18, 25-22) and Trinidad & Tobago (25-15, 25-19, 25-15) on Sept. 24, earning first seed in Group B.
The semifinal match was against Mexico Saturday, Sept. 26, where the U.S. displayed a dominating sweep (25-19, 25-21, 25-20) to advance to the gold medal match of the Pan American Cup.
U.S. opposite David Decker was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Men's U23 Pan American Cup after his performance in the gold medal match, posting 30 points on 27 kills, a block, and two aces. Decker was a key contributor in the U.S. offense, who hit .505 as a team in attack percentage.
Sanlin earned the silver medal during the 2025 Men's U23 Pan American Cup hosted in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
"Winning gold is incredibly special. We came home with silver last year, so there was definitely some unfinished business and a little redemption in coming back and getting it done this time. I am just incredibly grateful. I got to lead an amazing group of men alongside a staff that I have so much respect for, and we did it representing our country," Sanlin stated.
Sanlin also expresses her gratitude to McKendree, and the community she is representing on an international stage.
"Bringing a gold medal home makes it even more special, but the people I got to do it with are what I'll remember most," she said.
Results from the 2026 U23 NORCECA Men's Pan American Cup can be viewed here. For USA Volleyball's recap of the gold medal match, view here.
