Alex Sanchez Sets the New Career Digs Record for the NAIA!
Waleska, GA - Reinhardt Men's Volleyball's Alex Sanchez has officially etched his name in history by breaking the All-Time NAIA Career Dig Record at the beginning of his senior season, a milestone that reflects four years of consistency, grit, and elite defensive excellence. Sanchez set the new mark of 1,264 in a match versus AAC opponent Bluefield University, played at Truett McConnell on Friday, February 13th.
During his time at Reinhardt, Sanchez has been steady and consistent while playing for the men's volleyball program. He has been a team leader and top-level player since his freshman year began in 2022. Over the past three seasons, Alex has been one of the top defensive players in the entire NAIA:
• 2023 – 1st in digs per set (4.03), 3rd in total digs (375)
• 2024 – 2nd in digs per set (3.9), 2nd in total digs (409)
• 2025 – 4th in digs per set (3.6), 4th in total digs (367)
The 2026 season is no different, and Sanchez has already racked up 127 digs in ten games for the Eagles. This has him at a 3.74 digs per set average.
His ability to anchor the backcourt has made him one of the most dominant defenders in the country year after year. Alex has also earned Conference Defender of the Year honors three consecutive seasons, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier liberos in the NAIA.
In 2024, Alex played a pivotal role in one of the most historic seasons in program history at Reinhardt University. The team captured its first-ever Men's Volleyball regular season and tournament conference championships, advanced to the NAIA National Tournament, won the opening round match vs the #4 OUAZ in the tournament, and finished just one win shy of the national semifinals. That team finished with a 29-2 overall record and a 25-match win streak, the longest win streak in NAIA history. Sanchez's leadership, defensive presence, and relentless pursuit of excellence were central to that historic run.
Head Coach Tessa Corrales has had the privilege of coaching Sanzhez the past four years, and she had this to say about Sanchez and the new record, "Coaching Alex for the past four seasons has been one of the greatest blessings of my career. Records are incredible, and this one is historic, but what means the most to me is the standard he sets every single day. His passion for the game is unmatched, and his commitment to excellence forces everyone around him to rise. We've faced adversity together. We've celebrated championships together. Through every high and every challenge, Alex has remained loyal, resilient, and deeply invested in this program. He understands that greatness isn't built in big moments alone; it's built in daily discipline, sacrifice, and a willingness to serve something bigger than yourself. I am beyond proud of the player he has become, but even more proud of the man he is. No matter where life takes him, we will always be family."
Sanchez has been a top-level student-athlete for Reinhardt University, and he exemplifies what a collegiate student-athlete should be. Sanchez has set a standard for all future men's volleyball athletes to follow, and his presence on campus will be missed next year. Sanchez will graduate this May at Reinhardt University's 2026 Commencement Ceremony.