Timeline
Milestones & Memories
From Strangers to Strangers
The New York Strangers trace their roots back to 1988, when a group of passionate volleyball players—led by Rickey Leung—formed a team named “Strangers” to compete in USVBA (USA Volleyball) tournaments. At the time, the name was a playful reflection of how little they knew each other. But what started as a team of strangers quickly grew into a brotherhood united by the love of the game, a shared cultural identity, and a deep connection to New York City’s Chinatown.
9-Man Era Begins
The Strangers evolve into a full 9-man team and join the expanding Asian-American volleyball community, traveling to compete across the U.S. and Canada. The New York Strangers become a staple in both the NACIVT and NYMini tournaments, proudly representing NYC with spirit, pride, and sportsmanship.
From Team to Legacy
The New York Strangers officially become a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, laying the foundation for a lasting impact beyond the court—investing in youth, culture, and community for generations to come.
Hosting Our Own
The team begins hosting the New York Mini Tournament, building it into one of the East Coast’s most competitive and culturally important 9-man events.
Hosting the NACIVT
The New York Strangers host the NACIVT in NYC for the first time. The tournament breaks records with over 100 teams participating—a milestone in the sport’s growth.
Growing the Game
We expand our reach by launching beginner and intermediate youth clinics, mentoring programs, and women’s volleyball sessions to grow the next generation of players and leaders.
The Next Generation
What began in 2023 as a single co-ed youth team has now expanded into a full youth program. In 2024, we proudly launched our first girls team and two competitive boys teams (16U and 20U), bringing our total number of teams to 12+! This milestone reflects our continued commitment to developing young athletes and growing the Strangers family across all levels.
Hosting the 80th NACIVT at Javits Center
A historic milestone: the New York Strangers are proud to host the 80th Anniversary NACIVT at the Jacob Javits Center. With 200+ teams expected, this will be the largest tournament to date.
Continuing to Grow and Inspire
As we look ahead, the New York Strangers remain committed to expanding our impact—on and off the court. We’ll continue to grow our youth programs, increase opportunities for players of all levels, and strengthen our role in the Asian-American sports community. With each year, we aim to build stronger connections, create new experiences, and inspire the next generation of players, leaders, and advocates. The future is bright, and we’re just getting started!
