Some 70 courts were in play for the massive weekend event that annually draws tens of thousands of people to the metro area — including actor Vince Vaughn, former NBA star and Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd and former NFL star and broadcaster Rodney Harrison.
But most Kansas Citians might not be keenly aware of the NIT’s size or importance to the athletes involved, other than to see them wandering around downtown with gym bags and blankets.
The Star’s Tammy Ljungblad was on hand to capture the scene and some of the key players at the competition.
Volleyball competition was underway at The Triple Crown NIT (National Invitational Tournament), an elite-level youth volleyball tournament on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, at Bartle Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center. As one of the nation's premier youth volleyball events, this year's tournament drew 687 teams and roughly 40,000 attendees. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Members of the 1st Alliance Silver of Chicago, Kayla Street (9) has her foot worked on by teammate Brooklin Ritter (11) during some down time at The Triple Crown NIT Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Bartle Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Members of the Houston Skyline Volleyball club were on hand for The Triple Crown NIT (National Invitational Tournament) on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Bartle Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
A vendor selling volleyball shirts was packed with players and guests at The Triple Crown NIT on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at Bartle Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
College banners hang from the rafters during the Triple Crown NIT, an elite-level youth volleyball tournament, at Bartle Hall on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, at the Kansas City Convention Center. More than 1,000 scouts were attending the four-day event. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
An area was set aside for college scouts at The Triple Crown NIT, an elite-level youth volleyball tournament at Bartle Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. More than 1,000 scouts were attending the four-day event. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Spectators and players view vendor displays at the Triple Crown Women’s National Invitational Tournament (NIT), an elite-level youth volleyball tournament which brings about 40,000 people, including 687 teams, to Kansas City. The teams compete on courts setup at three venues including Bartle Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Actor Vince Vaughn, center, stood with other spectators watching the volleyball competition at The Triple Crown National Invitational, an elite-level youth volleyball tournament being held Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, at Bartle Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Spectators line the volleyball court at the Triple Crown Women's National Invitational Tournament (NIT) in Kansas City on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026, at Bartle Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center. As one of the nation's premier youth volleyball events, this year's tournament drew 687 teams and roughly 40,000 attendees. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Game action was underway at The Triple Crown NIT at Bartle Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Taylor Berg (9) of 1st Alliance 18 Gold spikes the ball past Players on Club V 18 Prodigy Wayne during The Triple Crown NIT on Sunday, Feb. 15, at Bartle Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Skylar Jackson (15) of Madfrog Volleyball team of North Texas region warms up before a match at The Triple Crown NIT on Sunday, Feb. 15, at Bartle Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Trophies for the Triple Crown NIT line the tables at the Kansas City Convention Center on Sunday, Feb. 15. This elite youth volleyball showcase has drawn 687 teams and 40,000 fans to the city, with the final awards set to be handed out this Monday. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
LOVB Nebraska middle blocker and Mizzou alum Emily Thater, right center #2, played in European leagues before coming back to the United States to play in League One Volleyball. She was one of several players with ties to Missouri who used to play in Triple Crown NIT as a youth player. Alex Todd League One Volleyball
Anthony and Kristen Jackson of Texas sit on the sidelines to watch their daughter, Skylar Jackson compete with the Madfrogs Volleyball team at The Triple Crown NIT on Sunday, Feb. 15, at Bartle Hall at the Kansas City Convention Center. Tammy Ljungblad tljungblad@kcstar.com
Tammy Ljungblad, at The Kansas City Star, since 1989, is a photojournalist producing videos and storytelling photographs covering a wide range of topics including the Kansas City Chiefs, breaking news, in-depth stories and personality profiles. She is also a FAA licensed drone pilot.Support my work with a digital subscription
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