Woburn, Mass. – December 17, 2025 – 3STEP Sports, the nation’s largest and most connected youth sports organization, is driving the growth of a competitive volleyball ecosystem to create opportunities for athletes nationwide. Committed to empowering people through sport, 3STEP is expanding access, elevating competitive pathways and supporting long-term athlete development.

Top Court Events appoints leadership, grows circuit

Top Court Events, led by newly appointed Executive Director, Chris Hames – a former Olympic volleyball player and founder of K2 Volleyball Club – is launching a new era in youth volleyball. Built by athletes for athletes, Top Court is reshaping the competitive landscape with athlete-first leadership and a focus on elevating the sport.

Top Court also announced a strategic partnership with Under Armour, which will support the circuit through enhanced on-site activations, performance-driven athlete resources and expanded brand presence across key national events.

Top Court has expanded its footprint to 35 events this year, highlighted by 10 national tournaments, including Under Armour Bluegrass, the MLK Invitational and Presidents Day Invitational, as well as two Power Series and an expanded slate of regional tournaments, all powered by Under Armour.

Boys volleyball programming expansion

3STEP has acquired Fury Volleyball Club, a leading boys volleyball program, as well as The Point Series, the Midwest’s premier boys volleyball league built for top clubs and elite athletes. The organization has also added The Boys Winter Invitational held in Louisville, Kentucky, marking a major expansion into boys competitive volleyball.

According to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA), boys volleyball continues to grow faster than any other high school boys team sport.

Volleyball club acquisitions

3STEP Sports is also expanding its club portfolio through the acquisition of Legacy Volleyball Club, which has integrated into its prestigious KIVA Volleyball Club. 3STEP Sports is home to more than 1,200 volleyball club teams with over 13,000 athletes, as well as more than 130 volleyball events and leagues with over 190,000 athlete participants annually. 3STEP recently celebrated its 2026 National Signing Day class, which included 169 volleyball club athletes.

“The combination of the Top Court Events series, our continued expansion of boys programming and strategic club acquisitions positions 3STEP Sports as the preeminent leader in youth volleyball,” said Chad Gruen, CEO of 3STEP Sports. “Our initiatives create a scalable national ecosystem that drives athlete participation, strengthens club networks and maximizes commercial potential.”

“Under Armour is proud to partner with 3STEP as the Official Sponsor of the Top Court volleyball series,” said Craig Cummings, vice president of team division at Under Armour. “As they continue their mission to grow the sport of volleyball, we look forward to delivering premium resources and experiences to athletes across the United States.”

The expanded Top Court circuit – including the Under Armour Bluegrass Tournament (March 6–8, 2026) – along with integrated Kiva Volleyball Club programming and the new boys events, marks the beginning of 3STEP Sports’ next phase of national volleyball growth.

Additional event dates and circuit announcements are available on the Top Court website.

About Top Court

Top Court is a premier youth volleyball platform built by athletes for athletes. Led by former Olympic athlete and K2 Volleyball Club founder Chris Hames, Top Court is more than tournaments – it is a movement that connects athletes, clubs and coaches to elevate the sport at every level. Through a national circuit of elite events, strategic partnerships and a passionate community, Top Court creates competitive opportunities, fosters athlete development and unites volleyball enthusiasts nationwide. For more information and a list of events visit www.topcourt.com.

About 3STEP Sports

3STEP Sports is the nation’s largest and most connected youth sports club and event organization, serving 2 million athlete participants across seven sports in more than 40 states. By connecting the athlete journey through competitive clubs, elite events and its proprietary PlayerFirst platform, 3STEP is creating a next-generation foundation for youth sports. To learn more, visit:  www.threestep.com.