A new Dolphins delegation arrives at the LAI hungry for victory.
With just days to go before the start of the Interuniversity Athletic League (LAI) Sports Festival, the Dolphins of Universidad del Sagrado Corazón are gearing up for a campaign that promises to be historic. The Sagrado delegation arrives with experience, proven talent, and a strong drive to win.
Sagrado’s representatives will compete in key disciplines including beach volleyball, track and field, swimming, basketball, and dance, with multiple programs projected to contend for podium finishes. Beyond results, their performance reflects the sustained growth of Sagrado’s athletic program.
For Athletic Director Rafael Colón, who marks five years leading the Athletics program, this moment is the result of consistent work. Under his leadership, the university has dominated the LAI Global Commissioner’s Cup in its category and is once again positioned as a top contender.
With runner-up teams determined to take the next step and athletes who have already set league records, Sagrado enters the festival in one of its most competitive phases.
Basketball
The men’s basketball team has already secured its place in Sagrado’s recent history. For the first time since 1986, the Dolphins advanced to the LAI finals after a 70–67 victory over the Tigers of the Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico.
The final series, beginning April 25 at the Palacio de Recreación y Deportes in Mayagüez, places Sagrado back on the biggest stage in collegiate sports. Under head coach Eddin Santiago, with assistant Enrique Trenche, the Dolphins now set their sights on a podium finish.
Beach Volleyball
Under the leadership of head coach Eric Delgado, a key figure in the program’s recent success, and assistant Verónica Hernández, Sagrado’s beach volleyball teams return to competition with a clear goal: reach the podium.
On the women’s side, Alondra Javier Feliciano, Francheska Medina Merced, Yeiliz A. López Mikasobe, and Valentina Cabanillas lead a strong and cohesive squad. On the men’s side, Miguel Figueroa, Gabriel Rondón, Pablo Rivera, Hediel Santana García, and Sebastián Berríos Rodríguez are ready to take on the challenge.
Track and Field
The track and field team, led by Nathaniel Hernández, will compete in qualifiers on Friday, May 1, and finals on Saturday, May 2. Particular attention will be on the 4×100 and 4×400 relays, where Sagrado projects a strong chance of reaching the podium.
Swimming
Dolphins on their third qualifying competition. (Photos by Nayomi Ortiz, from Sagrado Deportes)
From April 23 to 25, the long-course pool in Mayagüez will host one of Sagrado’s most promising teams. Led by head coach Fernando Delgado, who brings more than three decades of experience in the league, alongside assistant Vanessa Morales, the team arrives following a standout short-course season and aims to dominate in long-course competition as well.
Among the athletes to watch is Daniela Pacheco, an international student from Venezuela and multiple-time MVP, who has already set records in previous seasons. Alongside her, team captain Michelle Ramirez of Honduras—also an LAI MVP—provides leadership and consistency as the team targets a championship finish.
On the men’s side, swimmers Rodolfo J. Falcón Mojorrieta and Siul Ayala Quiñones round out a roster with strong potential to contend for the title and continue elevating the university’s competitive level.
Dance Team
Sagrado’s Dance Team heads to Mayagüez with the mission of returning to the podium. Last year, the team missed third place by just half a point—an outcome that has fueled their motivation this season.
Competing in both hip hop and jazz, the team is led by head coach Vivian Rodríguez, with assistant Dan Delgado (hip hop) and Amanda Alemán (jazz). Under the leadership of captains Dianilette Sánchez and Fernando Mendoza Torres, the group is set to deliver a high-level performance on May 1.
Flag Bearers
Beyond competition, Sagrado’s flag bearers will play a leading role in the festival’s parade, marking the closing of the university’s participation. Under the coordination of Nicole Vega, the team has prepared throughout the semester to showcase Sagrado pride.
The success of this delegation reflects the commitment of coaches who embrace the institution’s mission and the dedication of student-athletes who represent the heart of the program. Each performance adds to a growing athletic legacy. The Dolphins are ready to take on the challenge—and leave their mark on the festival.
To see the full schedule, visit Sagrado Sports’ profiles on Facebook and Instagram.