The U.S. Virgin Islands celebrated success in softball and volleyball this week, capturing a regional softball championship and earning a division title at the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championships.
The U.S. Virgin Islands won the Caribbean Region championship at the 2026 Nike RBI Softball Regional Championships 18U, defeating teams from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico while finishing 5-0.
Amanda Thompson led the pitching staff, throwing 12 innings without allowing an earned run for a 0.00 ERA.
The offense was equally impressive, with six batters finishing the tournament with batting averages of .500 or better.
“The team did an amazing job in the regionals,” coach Richard Clendinen said. “They played well defensively. Pitching was amazing, and the bats were alive this weekend. We plan to carry these same tools to the World Series.”
With the regional title, the 18U team secured a berth in the 2026 Nike RBI Softball World Championships, scheduled for Aug. 9-13 in Vero Beach, Florida.
The championship roster includes Amanda Thompson, Alahya Jackson, Mekaela Richardson, Jaimia Cochrane, Jelissa Cochrane, Rashani Sackey, Kleniya Titus, Nia Byron, Brielle Creque, Love Moise-Creque, Adrianna Gomez, Erin Suggs, Alina Muhammad, Isaella Virut, Keira Frazier and Ryann Giddins.
The coaching staff includes manager Elroy Hill and coaches Innocencia Bermudez, Brock Creque and Richard Clendinen.
Meanwhile, several Virgin Islands volleyball teams wrapped up competition at the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championships.
Island Heat 15-1 closed out Wave Four by winning two matches on the final day to capture the Aquamarine Division championship. After advancing to the single-elimination placement bracket, Island Heat defeated CMass Edge 15 Blue 20-25, 25-20, 15-8 for the title.
Island Heat 16-1 entered the final day after winning all three of its matches on Day 3 to earn a berth in the Topaz Division. The team was eliminated by Ellevate Academy 16U, falling 25-18, 25-16.
Island Mixx also fielded two teams during Wave Four.
Island Mixx 16-1 compiled a 5-1 record through the first two days and entered Day 3 with an opportunity to qualify for the Gold Bracket in the 16U Spirit Division. The team won one of its three matches on the final day before advancing to Ruby Division A, where it fell to FAV 16 Phoenix 25-26, 23-25, 15-7. Island Mixx finished tied for 41st out of 159 teams in its division.
Island Mixx 15-1 concluded tournament play in Amethyst Division A against Unified 15-3. The Mixx held a 24-21 lead in the opening set before dropping it 27-25. They rebounded with a 25-10 victory in the second set but were unable to overcome unforced errors in the deciding set, falling 15-9.
