Sullie Sundara Signs Pro Contract with Spain’s Club Voleibol Sayre CC La Ballena in A1 League

HAMILTON, Ont. – McMaster’s Sullie Sundara (Kanata, Ont.) is heading to the Canary Islands next season to join Club Voleibol Sayre CC La Ballena, competing in Spain’s A1 League.

Throughout her volleyball career at McMaster, Sundara has been a standout player, helping lead the Marauders to an OUA gold medal in the 2024–25 season and a silver medal in 2023–24. She has earned numerous accolades at both the provincial and national levels. Beginning with an outstanding rookie season, Sundara was named OUA West Rookie of the Year, earned a spot as an OUA First-Team All-Star, and was selected for both the OUA and U SPORTS All-Rookie Teams. Following her contributions to McMaster’s 2022–23 OUA silver-medal season, she was named a U SPORTS Second Team All-Canadian and earned her second OUA First-Team All-Star nod.

Within the McMaster community, Sundara has also been recognized for her exceptional impact on the women’s volleyball program. She was named team MVP in both the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons, and at her final Marauder Athletic Banquet, she received The Silhouette Award for Individual Performance of the Year. A regular on the Marauders Athlete of the Week list, Sundara consistently demonstrated strength and reliability on the court.

Sundara expressed her excitement for the next chapter in her volleyball journey and credited the McMaster program for helping her reach this level.

“I genuinely owe it all to my time as a Marauder,” said Sundara. “Before coming to McMaster, I struggled to find my love for the game and the passion to sustain this lifestyle, but the people along the way pushed me and helped me find my own strength as an athlete and a person. I owe a huge thank you to my coaches, my teammates over the years, and the Hamilton community for supporting me on and off the court.”

While bittersweet about leaving McMaster, Sundara is confident in the future of the program.

“I’m so ecstatic to play at a higher level, but I’m even more excited to see the younger girls grow this program.”

Sundara will begin her professional season on August 18th. Club Voleibol Sayre CC La Ballena finished third in the Spanish Cup last season, and with Sundara’s dynamic skill set, they will be aiming to climb even higher on the podium this year.

McMaster women’s volleyball head coach Nathan Janzen shared his enthusiasm for Sundara’s next step.

“We’re incredibly proud of Sullie and thrilled to see her take the next step in her volleyball journey. She’s worked relentlessly for this opportunity, and it’s exciting to see her talent and dedication recognized at the professional level,” said Janzen.

Congratulations to Sullie Sundara on this remarkable achievement.