Beach Volleyball Players Impress In Saint Kitts
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Bermuda’s beach volleyball team have reflected on their encouraging displays at the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association Under-21 Beach Volleyball Championships in Saint Kitts and Nevis at the weekend.
Anijahe dos Santos Martin, 16, and Riley Morbey, 18, competed in the men’s competition, reaching the quarter-finals before losing to Dominica 2-0 [21-11, 21-5].
Morbey, of Bermuda College, has described the championships as an “eye-opening experience” and said Bermuda proved they can be a “real threat” at future tournaments.
His team-mate Dos Santos Martin, of Mount Saint Agnes Academy, added: “The experience brought a lot of opportunities. It stemmed from how we were able to face off against fierce competition, interact with people from all over, shape our game, and adapt to each country’s playing style.”
In the women’s competition, Bermuda’s Hailey Trott, 15, and Sophie Weikl, 14, also reached the quarters but had to forfeit their match against Dominica because of an injury to Weikl.
“It’s been a wonderful experience here in St Kitts,” Trott, of Berkeley Institute, said. “This trip has inspired me to continue this career, which I love so much.”
Weikl, of Mount Saint Agnes Academy, added: “I’ve learned so many new things and gained so many new experiences from this opportunity.
“It showed me there are many opportunities and chances to get out there and play and show your skills and interact with people around the world.”
Allison Settle, the team’s coach, said the level of competition at the championships provided the perfect challenge for Bermuda’s players.
“All of the kids learned how difficult the heat and wind conditions are in beach volleyball,” she said. “I hope this experience has motivated them, and they now understand how they need to train to prepare for future events.”
The zonal championships are part of the Youth Development Pilot Project of the International Olympic Committee [IOC] and the Federation International de Volleyball [FIVB].
The three-year project is aimed at helping players from the region qualify for the World Under-21 Beach Volleyball Championships in 2025.
Great. May you continue to feel the knowing we can do anything and thank you for competing. Congratulations