BEAUMONT, Texas — Nisaan Martinez is no stranger to competing — and excelling — on the international volleyball stage.

She will have another opportunity to represent her home country of Belize at the 2026 North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation U21 Pan American Cup, scheduled for July 7-12 at Ohio State's Covelli Center in Columbus.

A native of the capital city, Belmopan, Martinez has helped lead Belize to three medals, including back-to-back golds in 2024 and 2025.

In 2024, Martinez earned Best Blocker honors at the U23 Central American Championship in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, while helping Belize capture a bronze medal.

Later that summer in July, she was named Most Valuable Player at the 20th Central American U21 Championship of AFECAVOL.

Martinez played a key role in Belize's undefeated run to its first gold medal at an AFECAVOL event, highlighted by a sweep of Guatemala in the final in front of the home crowd in Belize City.

Last year, Martinez was named Best Opposite after leading Belize to another gold medal at the U23 Central American Championship, capped by a four-set victory over Guatemala.

Martinez has also found success on the sand.

She teamed with partner Nelissa Ramirez to capture first place at the 2023 Landshark Beach Volleyball National Championship in Belize City.

Martinez arrives in Beaumont after spending the past two seasons at Alabama A&M.

In 2025, she recorded 275 kills, 332 total points and 20 service aces across 31 matches, helping lead Alabama A&M to a 19-12 record and its first winning season since 2019.

Martinez is one of four transfers in a signing class that also includes six freshmen under head coach Ariel Apolinario, who enters his third season.

This marks the second consecutive summer a Cardinal volleyball player will represent their home country at an international tournament.

Last August, Maja Malinowska competed for Poland at the U21 Federation of International Volleyball World Championship in Surabaya, Indonesia.