In the historic event where Turkey defeated Brazil 3-1 and won the Nations League trophy for the second time, students from Üsküdar University, İlkin Aydın from the Department of Visual Communication and Design, Faculty of Communication, Defne Başyolcu, a student from the Department of New Media and Communication, Faculty of Communication, and Aleksia Karutasu, a student from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, were among the names representing the rising power of Turkish volleyball.
The success of the Sultans of the Net, who once again brought the joy of a world championship to Turkey, once again revealed Üsküdar University's vision of supporting both sports and education.
In the 2026 FIVB Nations League final played in Macau, China, the Women's National Volleyball Team, facing Brazil, defeated their opponent 3-1 with sets of 23-25, 25-23, 26-24, and 25-21, winning their second VNL championship in history. The Sultans of the Net, once again the world's best after 2023, added a new golden page to Turkish sports history.
This great success also held a special meaning for Üsküdar University. Üsküdar University students, who are part of the national team squad and the national team pool, continue to set an example for young people with both their academic and athletic achievements.
İlkin Aydın Continues Success Both On the Field and At University
İlkin Aydın, one of the important names of the Women's National Volleyball Team, continues her education in the Department of Visual Communication and Design, Faculty of Communication, Üsküdar University. After her successful performance with the Galatasaray jersey, İlkin Aydın, who became one of the national team's indispensable players, also became Turkey's pride as one of the key components of the team in the Nations League championship.
Young Star Defne Başyolcu's Rise Continues
Defne Başyolcu, a student in the Department of New Media and Journalism, Faculty of Communication, Üsküdar University, is considered one of the important star candidates of the future.
Defne Başyolcu, who also plays for the Üsküdar University Women's Volleyball Team, achieved significant success by rising to the extended squad of the Women's National Volleyball Team. The young athlete is regarded as one of the important names in Turkish volleyball in the coming years.
Aleksia Karutasu Continues Her Academic and Athletic Careers Together
Aleksia Karutasu, a student in the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Üsküdar University, is among the successful athletes in the Women's National Volleyball Team pool. Karutasu, who was not in this year's VNL finals squad, successfully continues her professional volleyball career and university education together.
University Model Supporting Both Sports and Education
Üsküdar University draws attention not only with its academic achievements but also with its structure that allows athletes to continue their education without interruption. The ability of national athletes to continue their university education while representing their country in international organizations is among the important indicators of the university's athlete-friendly approach.
National athletes, who receive education in various faculties ranging from communication to health sciences, continue their academic development alongside their professional sports careers.
Üsküdar University Also Shared the Pride of Championship
The 2026 FIVB Nations League championship was not only for Turkish volleyball but also a great source of pride for Üsküdar University, which provides educational support to its national athletes.
While Üsküdar University students İlkin Aydın and Defne Başyolcu were directly involved in the historic success of the Sultans of the Net, Aleksia Karutasu, who is in the national team pool, also continues to be one of the important names for the future successes of Turkish volleyball.
The success of the Sultans of the Net, who once again brought the joy of a world championship to Turkey, once again revealed Üsküdar University's vision of supporting both sports and education. The ability of national athletes to continue their international successes alongside their academic development stands out as one of the most concrete examples of the university's athlete-friendly educational approach.
