The Island Mixx 15U Elite volleyball team made history over the weekend, finishing as the runner-up in the Gold Bracket at the prestigious Prez Day Invitational in Orlando, Florida. Competing against 28 teams from across the U.S., the squad delivered the best-ever tournament performance by a Virgin Islands team, cementing their status as a rising force in youth volleyball.
Guided by Coach Scott Ozarski and Coach Mark Daniel, the team showcased resilience and skill, winning multiple matches to advance to the championship game. This marks their second podium finish in Florida this year, according to the press release.
“I’m truly honored to be a part of this team and their story. They never gave up and, first and foremost, play for each other,” said Ozarski. “To come in and make our mark here in such a big way is just the start of a legacy for these ladies.”
Coach Daniel echoed that sentiment: “This is the best showing of any Island Mixx team. We are proud of their process. Coach Scott and I are reaping the harvest of Coach Myriam and Coach Carissa’s foundation-building work in the 2024 club season.”
Standout Athletes
Island Mixx 15U Elite consists of a talented group of athletes from across the Virgin Islands:
- Danielle Allen, 14, Home School – Libero
- Lindsey Allen, 13, Home School – Setter
- Chelsea Leonce, 14, All Saints Cathedral School – Middle Blocker/Middle Hitter
- Kiera McNally, 15, Antilles School – Outside/Middle Hitter
- Xade Richardson, 14, Charlotte Amalie High School – Left Hitter
- Taylor Spillane, 14, Antilles School – Opposite Hitter
- Kinsley Taylor, 14, Antilles School – Outside Hitter
Each player played a crucial role in the team’s success, executing key plays throughout the tournament.
Tournament Recap
Island Mixx dominated pool play with three consecutive victories:
- Set’em Up 15 – Won (25-9, 25-14)
- Jellys 15 Black (FL) – Won (25-12, 25-17)
- 15U Leaside Dragons (CA) – Won (25-19, 28-26)
The team maintained its momentum in bracket play:
- Tribe 15 Premier White (FL) – Won (25-27, 25-11, 15-9)
- Cape Coast 15 ATHENA (FL) – Won (25-17, 22-25, 19-17)
In the championship match, Island Mixx fell to OVA 15 Blue (FL) (21-25, 18-25), securing a hard-fought second-place finish, the press release stated.
With back-to-back podium finishes, Island Mixx 15U Elite continues to build a reputation on the national stage, it said.
Looking Ahead
The season is far from over as the team prepares for two more major tournaments:
March 20-23 – Caribbean Championship (Puerto Rico)
June 25-28 – Nationals (Orlando, FL)
Supporting Island Mixx Volleyball
Island Mixx Volleyball operates under In the Zone Athletic Club, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to developing young athletes in the Virgin Islands. Donations help fund travel, training, and competition expenses.
To support the program, contact Coach Mark Daniel at inthezonevi@gmail.com or
340- 626-4515.
