USVI Teams Battle at Two Volleyball Tournaments

By Mark J Daniel
-

The United States Virgin Islands deployed two volleyball teams to do battle at the 2026 North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation Under 21 Women’s Pan American Cup in Columbus, Ohio, and the 2026 Amateur Athletic Union National Volleyball Boys Championships in Orlando, Florida.

Team USVI celebrates a point at the U21 NORCECA Women’s Pan American Cup. (Submitted photo)

The USVI under-21 women’s team marched into its final day of play on Sunday, nursing a 0-4 record.   Wounded and thoroughly tested, the USVI young women were optimistic that their new battle tactics would lead to a more favorable result against a familiar foe, whom they had on the run just a few days earlier in this tournament. However, misguided serves, errant passes, and spikes that missed their intended targets sank this young team’s hopes, as they suffered a 25-14, 25-16, 25-18 defeat to Belize. The USVI coaching staff will spend time in the war room as they prepare for another imminent confrontation at the 2026 NORCECA U19 Continental Championships in San Jose, Costa Rica, July 19-24. Eleven players from the under-21 roster are eligible and have reenlisted for the second championship event.

USVI Head Coach Isaac Raphael speaks to the U21 USVI team during a timeout. (Submitted photo)

Elite 340 Volleyball Club, based on St. Croix, sent a 14-and-under male squad to the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championships in Orlando, Florida. Elite 340 went into its final day of play with 4 conquests and 5 matches lost for a 4-5 record. This placed them in the Flight 4 single-elimination bracket. They took care of Fusion 14 Green 25-20; 25-14 in the semifinal match. Elite 340 made their final stand against DallasOne 14 Black in the championship match. The team from Texas mounted a strong defense; however, the boys from the USVI held their position to claim the championships 25-22, 17-25, 15-12. Elite 340 boys finished tied for 32nd place out of 52 teams.

Elite 340 14U Boys accept plaque and medals for winning the 14U Club Flight 4 Bracket at 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championships. (Submitted photo)

Here are the names of the Elite 340 Volleyball Club 14-Under Roster:

Dante Gerard

Chad Lewis

Raymoi Meyers

Malique Morton

Brylle Pascual

Ridley Smith

Andrew Sommer

Jeremiah Stubbs

Ahmal Taylor

David Williams

Elijah Mondesir – Head Coach

Khari Hobson – Assistant Coach

DeAndrae Taylor – Assistant Coach

Shakuille Williams – Assistant Coach

Clio Brown – Team Representative