Bermuda Head To Florida Volleyball Challenge
The Bermuda Volleyball Association will send two teams to compete at the 2025 Nike Florida Holiday Challenge in Daytona Beach on December 13–14.
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Volleyball Association is excited to announce that two teams will represent Bermuda at the 2025 Nike Florida Holiday Challenge volleyball tournament, held in Daytona Beach, Florida on December 13th and 14th. This marks the first overseas tournament of the 2025/2026 season, setting the tone for an exciting year ahead.
“Both teams, competing under the Paradise Hitters Volleyball Club banner in the 15 & Under and 17 & Under divisions, have been training intensively since September. Their dedication and hard work have prepared them for this important milestone, which will serve as a key benchmark to assess their progress and readiness for upcoming tournaments, both on the local stage as well as overseas in 2026.”
Back Row: Layla Lightbourn, Raya Burgess, Lilian Collette, Sarah Gosse, Makenna Fraser, Victoria Frisby, Alexandra Llwellyn-Jones Front Row: Zaierra Bean, Garbriella Francis, Rielle Gaglio. Not Pictured: Sean Tucker [Head Coach], Brenda Dalida [Assistant Coach]
“This is a smaller tournament but is always a great way to test our teams in a highly competitive environment. We are very excited to see how they do.” said Gary LeBlanc, National Team Committee Chairman [Indoor].
Sean Tucker, Head Coach of Paradise Hitters 15 added, “Our U15 girls have worked hard all season to earn the opportunity to compete internationally in Daytona this weekend. Coming off last year’s strong performance, in the U14 category, where they won the silver bracket in Boston, this team has shown remarkable dedication and growth. Moving up to the U15 this year we have many of the same talent as last year but with some new faces, it brings new ways to uplift this team. We’re proud to represent our community again and excited to see how they perform on a bigger stage.”
Back Row: Jasmine Showers, Jada Tannock, Jasmine McIntosh, Talia Batista, Maya Fitzmaurice-Trott, Hailey Trott Front Row: Olivia Gazzard, Gemma Batista, Gabriela Gonzalez, Tatiana Sousa. Not Pictured: Mike Gazzard [Head Coach], Gary LeBlanc [Assistant Coach], Cailey Longworth [Assistant Coach]
The 17 & Under team is well seasoned, with an average of five years in the program and several players earning spots on the Bermuda Women’s Senior National Volleyball Team.
Head Coach Mike Gazzard commented, “Our U17 girls have been working incredibly hard in preparation for the Nike Florida Holiday Challenge in Daytona Beach this December [13th-14th]. With a roster of ten athletes, co-captains Hailey Trott and Tatiana Sousa along with court captain Olivia Gazzard leading the way, the team has been training twice a week and competing in the Women’s Winter League to raise their level of play.
“This event is a valuable opportunity for our players to test themselves against strong, seasoned U.S. club teams, and we’re excited to see them rise to the challenge. A huge thank-you to the Bermuda Volleyball Association and our sponsors for their continued support — it truly makes opportunities like this possible.”.
A spokesperson added, “The Bermuda Volleyball Association extends its gratitude to JVC Tournaments and all sponsors for their ongoing support, which makes these opportunities possible.”
