Sachi Minowa, formerly known as Jaja Santiago, continues to elevate her career on the global stage as she earns a spot in the prestigious KYK Invitational Tournament 2025, an All-Star event honoring South Korean volleyball legend Kim Yeon-koung.
Sachi Minowa, formerly known as Jaja Santiago, continues to scale new heights in her volleyball career as she receives a prestigious invitation to the KYK Invitational Tournament 2025.
Set at the Incheon Samsan World Gymnasium in South Korea, the event gathers some of the world’s best players to celebrate the legendary Kim Yeon-koung.
The KYK Invitational is a tribute to Yeon-koung’s extraordinary impact on the sport.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest volleyball players of her generation, Kim Yeon-koung is a global icon who has represented South Korea in multiple Olympic Games and starred in top professional leagues across Asia and Europe.
She is best known for her dominant performances as an outside hitter, her leadership on and off the court, and her role in elevating the visibility of Korean volleyball worldwide. Her 2020 Olympic campaign, where she led South Korea to a fourth-place finish, remains one of the most memorable runs in modern volleyball history.
Minowa is set to share the court with Yeon-koung herself, along with other volleyball greats such as USA’s Jordan Larson and Kelsey Robinson-Cook, Brazil’s Natalia Zilio, Serbia’s Brankica Mihajlovic, Turkey’s Eda Erdem, and Russia’s Nataliya Goncharova.
“It’s an honor to be part of this event. Playing alongside such talented and amazing players is one of the greatest experiences I will ever have. A special thanks to Kim Yeon-Koung for being such a generous, thoughtful, and dedicated person. As well as to everyone behind this event,” Sachi posted on her Instagram.
Minowa has been making waves overseas, most recently with her stint in the 2024–25 SV.League, where she powered Osaka Marvelous to a championship victory over the NEC Red Rockets.
[ALSO READ: Jaja Santiago proudly represents the Philippines in breakthrough SV.League title win]
Following their title run, Osaka announced that Minowa had parted ways with the club. Her next destination remains unconfirmed, though she is reportedly eyeing a move to Europe.
[ALSO READ: Jaja Santiago eyes European volleyball stint after title run with Osaka in Japan SV.League]