Clash of Champions

 Six National Powerhouses, One Unforgettable Night

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, three organizations committed to advancing the game of volleyball—the International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF), USA International Sports Group, and Avance Sports—will join forces at the inaugural Clash of Champions at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

More than just a series of matches, the Clash of Champions is a celebration of excellence—featuring championship traditions, nationally recognized coaches, future NCAA and pro stars, and some of the most competitive volleyball programs in the United States. From California to Arizona to Nevada, these schools have built reputations as perennial contenders, producing state championships, All-Americans, national champions, and countless collegiate and international athletes.

With over a thousand fans expected and college recruiters from across the country watching closely, every match promises postseason intensity in the opening weeks of the high school season.

2026 Match Schedule
3:30 PM
Marymount (Los Angeles, California) vs. Marin Catholic (Kentfield, California)
The day begins with a clash between two of California's premier programs. Marymount, long recognized as one of the nation's elite volleyball schools, takes on the consistently successful Marin Catholic in a matchup featuring championship experience and exceptional talent.

5:30 PM
#7 Xavier College Prep (Phoenix, Arizona) vs. #20 Archbishop Mitty (San Jose, California)
Two regional powers collide as Arizona heavyweight Xavier College Prep battles California powerhouse Archbishop Mitty. Known for producing elite collegiate talent and competing annually among the nation's best, both programs bring championship pedigrees and relentless competitiveness to the court.

7:30 PM
Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nevada) vs. #2 Mater Dei (Santa Ana, California)
The evening concludes with a marquee showdown as hometown favorite Bishop Gorman welcomes legendary California powerhouse Mater Dei. Featuring elite athletes, passionate fan bases, and one of the premier volleyball environments in the country, this primetime matchup promises to be one of the highlights of the 2026 high school volleyball season.

Where Champions Meet
While the International Volleyball Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legends who built the game, the Clash of Champions highlights the athletes and programs that represent volleyball's future.

Together, the International Volleyball Hall of Fame, USA International Sports Group, and Avance Sports are committed to creating meaningful experiences that connect volleyball across generations—from aspiring student-athletes competing on the court today to the Hall of Fame legends whose achievements continue to inspire them.

The 2026 Clash of Champions is more than a showcase. It is a celebration of excellence, sportsmanship, and the continued growth of volleyball at the highest levels of scholastic competition.

The road to championships begins here. Six elite programs. Three incredible matches. One unforgettable day of volleyball in Las Vegas.

CLICK HERE FOR THE EVENT WEBSITE AND BROADCAST INFO

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Five players at the event have been announced as MaxPreps Top 10 nationwide for their position.

Top Hitters in the Country:
Tessa Larkin, Xavier College Prep (Phoenix, Ariz.)
6-1 | Committed to Stanford
Just named MVP of the NORCECA U23 Women's Pan American Cup, Larkin helped the Gators to back-to-back Class 6A titles with 419 kills as they went 35-2 and finished No. 4 in the final MaxPreps Top 25. She added 433 serve receptions, 281 digs and 71 blocks.

Westley Matavao, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
6-0 | Committed to UCLA
The No. 1 option for the Monarchs after 409 serve receptions, 394 kills, 177 digs, 37 aces and 32 blocks in 2025 as Mater Dei won the Open Division title and finished No. 2 in the national rankings.

Top Middles:
Emma Kingston, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
6-4 | Committed to Cal
A steady presence in the middle for the Open Division state champion Monarchs, Kingston tallied 176 kills and 82 blocks while making defenses stay honest and not key entirely on Mater Dei's pins. 

Katelyn Oerlemans, Marymount (Los Angeles, Calif.)
6-1 | Committed to Stanford (Beach)
A spark plug sharing time in the middle with Elle Vandeweghe last season, she pounded 248 kills with 107 blocks for the 38-7 Sailors.

Top 10 Setter:
Kalea Lee, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
5-9 | Uncommitted
She dished up 365 assists in the Monarchs' 6-2 system and helped Mater Dei to a 35-5 season with the Open Division title. The championship was the second straight for Lee after winning the prior year with Cathedral Catholic (San Diego).