After nine long years of effort and sacrifice, the Park University Pirates have tasted glory once again in a unique and historic way. After a historic undefeated season, Park captured the 2026 NAIA Men’s Volleyball National Championship by defeating Saint Xavier University 3-1 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, completing one of the most dominant campaigns in history.

The Pirates finished the season undefeated in conference play with a perfect 19-0 record in the Heart of America Athletic Conference which for many athletes, coaches and experts is one of the strongest volleyball conferences in the NAIA. It is worth noting that with this, Park archives its ninth regular season conference title.

However there is little detail that makes this history more unique and exciting, the impact of Latino players on the team’s identity and success. One of the things that made this team different to others are the three Latino athletes who re ceived major conference honors during the season. Adrian Figueroa from Dominican Republic was named Player and Attacker of the Year, Moises Ortiz also from Dominican Republic earned Middle Blocker of the Year honors, and the Brazilian player Murillo Silva was recognized as Co-Freshman of the Year.

For Ortiz, the team’s chemistry played a major role in their success.

“I believe that by helping each other like a family, without egos, and working for the common good, we were able to move forward and achieve success,” he said.

Figueroa shared a similar perspective, emphasizing how the team stayed united from the beginning of the season. “I think it was teamwork,” he said. “Since the beginning of the season, we had a clear goal: to win the conference and the national championship. A lot of things happened along the way that made us stronger and kept us even more united as a team.”

The teammates also reflected on what it means to see Latino players recognized among the conference’s best.

“To me, it means that those people who came chasing a dream, despite being far from home and welcomed here as members of the Pirate family, took advantage of the resources they did not have in their countries to work hard and stand out,” Ortiz said.

Figueroa added, “It means a lot to me because I’ve been working hard for a long time, not just me but everyone, to give our best and show our potential. I think these awards are the result of all that hard work.”

The international athlete students also highlighted how the international experience many of the players brought to Park became another important factor throughout the season. Ortiz explained that representing his national team helped shape the way he approaches leadership and competition. Like Ortiz, Figueroa believes his international experience influenced the way he led the team during the season.

“I think my way of leading comes from playing with the national team. I compete at a higher international level, and because of that, here I always try to give my best,” he said.

Now, after all the effort, hard work, sacrifices and completing one of the greatest seasons in program history, these Pirates will also be remembered for leaving a story of unity, culture, and representation — one where Latin flair helped guide Park University to championship treasure.

The players will have their well-deserved rest back in their countries before they come back into business at the college and national level.