Premier Academy Delivers Strong Performances at the Nike Classic in Columbus

As the club season gets underway with the first tournament for the Girls program, Premier Academy's Girls and Boys programs traveled to Columbus, Ohio for one of the Midwest’s most competitive early-season events — the Nike Classic. With hundreds of teams competing across multiple divisions, the weekend served as an important benchmark: a chance to measure progress, test depth, and identify areas for growth against high-level competition. Premier was able to be one of the top clubs represented in terms of the number of teams with twenty Premier teams in attendance for this event.

Across three days of play, Premier teams competed with consistency and purpose, producing strong records, multiple top-half finishes, and meaningful development moments across age groups and divisions.

Strength at the Top

Premier 18 Onitsuka – 18 Open

Finish: T-5th (16-team division) Record: 3–4 | Sets: 7–8

Competing in a condensed and competitive Open field, 18 Onitsuka battled through a challenging schedule. The group gained valuable reps against experienced opponents and showed growth as the weekend progressed.

Premier 17 Kayano – 17 Premier

Finish: T-5th (24-team division) Record: 5–2 | Sets: 10–5

Premier 17 Kayano put together one of the most complete weekends in the program, finishing tied for fifth in a loaded Premier division. The group showed composure under pressure and continued to establish themselves as a reliable presence in high-stakes matches. 17-Ks were able to provide a balanced attack from all positions and was able to produce solid in first contact.

Premier 18 Antare – 18 Club

Finish: 10th (28-team division) Record: 4–4 | Sets: 11–9

Antare navigated a demanding schedule with poise, earning quality wins and competing deep into bracket play to have a top 10 finish. Their ability to respond in tight moments and maintain consistency across the weekend reflected both experience and growth, setting a strong tone for the rest of the season.

Premier 15 Trabuco – 15 Premier

Finish: 13th (24-team division) Record: 8–1 | Sets: 16–5

Despite a finish outside the top bracket, Trabuco posted one of the most impressive overall records of the weekend. Their efficiency and consistency throughout pool play were highlights, and the team left Columbus with confidence and momentum.

Building Toward What’s Next

The Nike Classic offered exactly what it’s designed to provide: perspective. Across divisions, Premier Academy teams measured themselves against high-level competition, identified areas for refinement, and reinforced habits that will carry forward through the season.

While podium finishes matter, weekends like this are about trajectory — and Premier continues to trend in the right direction. The effort, adaptability, and professionalism displayed in Columbus reflect the foundation being built daily in the gym.

We’re proud of how our athletes and coaches represented Premier Academy and look forward to carrying these lessons into the next phase of the season.

📊 Full Event Results

Up next for Premier Academy is the Central Zone Invitational in Indianapolis the weekend of January 24^th and 25^th. For a full schedule of the upcoming tournament, click here.