Student-athletes from Camp Humphreys Volleyball Academy (CHVA), Gwangneung Middle School, and Cheonan Sports Cube Volleyball Academy pose for a group photo during a guided tour of the Eighth Army, 2nd Infantry Division, and Korean Theater of Operations Museum at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, June 13, 2026. The museum tour served as part of the inaugural CHVA Friendship Cup Cultural Exchange Tournament and highlighted the enduring Republic of Korea–United States Alliance. (Photo courtesy of Derrick Sonnier/Camp Humphreys Volleyball Academy)
The Camp Humphreys Volleyball Academy (CHVA), in partnership with Humphreys Middle School, Gwangneung Middle School, and Cheonan Sports Cube Volleyball Academy, proudly hosted the inaugural CHVA Friendship Cup Cultural Exchange Tournament on June 13, 2026, bringing together middle school student-athletes from the United States and the Republic of Korea for a day centered on friendship, leadership development, cultural understanding, and athletic competition.
Hosted at Humphreys Middle School, the Friendship Cup welcomed 51 student-athletes, including 25 athletes from the Camp Humphreys Volleyball Academy (CHVA), 20 athletes from Gwangneung Middle School, and six athletes from Cheonan Sports Cube Volleyball Academy. The event provided a unique opportunity for students from both nations to learn, compete, and build meaningful relationships through the universal language of sport.
The day began with a guided educational tour of the Eighth Army, 2nd Infantry Division, and Korean Theater of Operations Museum, where participating students learned about the history of Camp Humphreys, United States Forces Korea (USFK), and the enduring Republic of Korea–United States Alliance. Through this experience, students gained a deeper appreciation for the partnership, shared sacrifices, and commitment that continue to strengthen relations between the two nations.
Student-athletes participating in the CHVA Friendship Cup Cultural Exchange Tournament gather outside the Eighth Army, 2nd Infantry Division, and Korean Theater of Operations Museum at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea, June 13, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Derrick Sonnier/Camp Humphreys Volleyball Academy)
CHVA extends its sincere appreciation to Sergeant First Class (SFC) Sibrian, 2nd Infantry Division Museum Guide, whose engaging presentation provided valuable insight into the history of the alliance and the significance of the Korean Theater of Operations. CHVA also extends special recognition to Private First Class (PFC) Haechan Kang, Army Field Support Battalion-Korea (AFSBn-K) KATUSA Soldier, who served as the event translator. Through his support, athletes, coaches, parents, and volunteers from both nations were able to communicate more effectively, fostering meaningful cultural exchange, friendship, and mutual understanding throughout the day.
Following the museum tour, student-athletes participated in a joint volleyball skills clinic, team-building activities, friendship lunch, cultural exchange discussions, club introductions, and the Friendship Cup tournament.
Throughout the day, athletes demonstrated teamwork, sportsmanship, resilience, and mutual respect while learning from one another’s cultures, experiences, and perspectives.
Lim Yu-Na of Cheonan Sports Cube Volleyball Academy receives the 2026 CHVA Friendship Cup Most Valuable Player Award following the inaugural Friendship Cup Tournament held at Humphreys Middle School on June 13, 2026. (Photo courtesy of Derrick Sonnier/Camp Humphreys Volleyball Academy)
Representing Cheonan Sports Cube Volleyball Academy were student-athletes Kim Jin-Sun, Lim Yu-Na, Lee Ha-Rin, Jang Min-Ha, and Seo Ho-Yeon under the leadership of Coaches Kim Sang-Yun and Yun Ji-Hye. Gwangneung Middle School was represented by Head Coach Ki-Young Choi and his student-athletes.
Competition throughout the Friendship Cup showcased the dedication, skill, and sportsmanship of all participating student-athletes. At the conclusion of tournament play, Cheonan Sports Cube Volleyball Academy earned First Place honors, the Camp Humphreys Volleyball Academy (CHVA) Elite Team earned Second Place, and the Camp Humphreys Volleyball Academy (CHVA) Advanced Team earned Third Place.
In recognition of her exceptional performance, leadership, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament, Lim Yu-Na of Cheonan Sports Cube Volleyball Academy was named the 2026 CHVA Friendship Cup Most Valuable Player (MVP). Her contributions on and off the court exemplified the spirit of competition, teamwork, and international friendship that defined the event.
SFC Sibrian, 2nd Infantry Division Museum Guide, Derrick Sonnier, Founder and President of Camp Humphreys Volleyball Academy, and PFC Haechan Kang, Army Field Support Battalion-Korea KATUSA Soldier, pose for a photo during the CHVA Friendship Cup Cultural Exchange Tournament at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea. (Photo courtesy of Derrick Sonnier/Camp Humphreys Volleyball Academy)
Beyond competition, the Friendship Cup highlighted the important role organized youth athletics can play in developing confidence, leadership, communication skills, teamwork, and global citizenship among military-connected and Korean youth. The event also demonstrated how athletic partnerships can create meaningful opportunities for students to engage across cultural and language barriers while fostering friendships rooted in mutual respect and shared experiences.
The Friendship Cup further showcased the growing network of relationships being established between Camp Humphreys-area students and Korean middle schools throughout the Republic of Korea. Through athletics, cultural exchange, and educational engagement, CHVA and its community partners continue to create opportunities that connect military-connected youth with their Korean peers, strengthening understanding, friendship, and cooperation across communities.
As one of the few organizations currently providing recurring international athletic exchange opportunities for middle school-aged military-connected students in the region, CHVA remains committed to creating experiences that promote leadership, personal growth, cultural awareness, healthy lifestyles, and positive youth development. Events such as the Friendship Cup demonstrate the significant impact athletics can have in supporting students while fostering meaningful educational and cross-cultural experiences.
Student-athletes from the United States and the Republic of Korea gather for a group photo following competition during the inaugural CHVA Friendship Cup Cultural Exchange Tournament. (Photo courtesy of Derrick Sonnier/Camp Humphreys Volleyball Academy)
The Friendship Cup represented a collaborative community effort and would not have been possible without the support of Camp Humphreys Middle School, Gwangneung Middle School, Cheonan Sports Cube Administration, United States Army Garrison Humphreys (USAG Humphreys), the 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division, Eighth Army, the 194th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Army Field Support Battalion-Korea, coaches, volunteers, parents, and community leaders.
CHVA extends special appreciation to Command Sergeant Major Cory Blair, Command Sergeant Major, 194th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, whose support and coordination efforts were instrumental in synchronizing the museum experience and helping provide participating students with a unique educational opportunity that complemented the athletic competition.
Together, these organizations and individuals created an environment where students could learn, compete, and develop meaningful relationships while gaining a deeper appreciation for the cultures, values, and partnerships that unite the Republic of Korea and the United States.
Student-athletes from Camp Humphreys Volleyball Academy and Gwangneung Middle School pose for a group photo following a day of cultural exchange, leadership development, and athletic competition during the CHVA Friendship Cup. (Photo courtesy of Derrick Sonnier/Camp Humphreys Volleyball Academy)
Reflecting on the significance of the event, CHVA Founder and President Derrick Sonnier emphasized the broader impact of youth sports:
CHVA Coach Derrick emphasized the relevance of this momentous occasion “The Friendship Cup was never intended to be just a volleyball tournament. Our vision was to create an opportunity for young people from the United States and the Republic of Korea to learn from one another, build lasting friendships, and strengthen the bonds that connect our communities. The success of this event demonstrates what is possible when schools, military organizations, community leaders, coaches, parents, and athletes come together in the spirit of partnership.”
Gwangneung Middle School Head Coach Ki-Young Choi also reflected on the experience and the hospitality shown throughout the event:
“This visit was much more than a friendly volleyball match. It became an opportunity for learning, friendship, and personal growth.”
Coach Choi further noted the lasting impact the experience had on his students:
“This experience reminded us that volleyball has the power to bring people together beyond language, culture, and nationality.”
The Friendship Cup represents CHVA’s ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for military-connected youth to engage with Korean schools and communities throughout the Republic of Korea. By connecting students through athletics, leadership development, educational experiences, and cultural exchange, CHVA continues to help strengthen people-to-people relationships that support the enduring Republic of Korea–United States Alliance while providing meaningful developmental opportunities for middle school-aged youth.
As military-connected students continue to live and learn in a globally connected environment, events such as the Friendship Cup demonstrate how athletics can serve as a platform for cultural understanding, leadership development, and international friendship. Through competition, collaboration, and shared experiences, participating students gained lessons that will remain with them long after the final match was played.
The inaugural CHVA Friendship Cup stands as a testament to the enduring strength of the Republic of Korea–United States Alliance and the positive impact youth sports can have in building future leaders, strengthening communities, and fostering goodwill between nations.
2026 CHVA Friendship Cup Results
1st Place: Cheonan Sports Cube Volleyball Academy
2nd Place: Camp Humphreys Volleyball Academy (CHVA) Elite Team
3rd Place: Camp Humphreys Volleyball Academy (CHVA) Advanced Team
Most Valuable Player (MVP): Lim Yu-Na, Cheonan Sports Cube Volleyball Academy
