Six Teams Set For Boston Volleyball Tournament
Six junior teams from the Bermuda Volleyball Association will compete in the Nike Boston National Qualifier over two weekends, showcasing Bermuda’s top young talent in both boys’ and girls’ divisions.
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Volleyball Association will be sending six of its junior teams to participate in the Nike Boston National Qualifier to be held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, in Boston, Massachusetts, over the next two weekends, with Nike #1 starting Friday, February 27th and Nike #2 starting Friday, March 6th.
“For Nike #1, two teams competing under the junior girls’ club, Paradise Hitters Volleyball Club [PH], will be playing in the 13 & Under and 15 & Under divisions and an additional two teams competing under the junior boys’ club, Big Wave Riders Volleyball Club [BWR], will be playing in the 15 & Under and 16 & Under divisions.
“For Nike #2, Paradise Hitters will send one team for the 17 & Under division while Big Wave Riders will send one team for the 18 & Under division.”
“All teams have been practicing very hard for this tournament outing and we’re excited to see them in action.” said Gary LeBlanc, Club Director and National Team Committee [Indoor] Chairman.
Kamryn Martins, Head Coach of Paradise Hitters 13 added, “Our U13 team consists of dedicated athletes between the ages of 11 and 13, with several players now in their fourth year in the junior program. Watching their growth in both skill and confidence has been incredibly rewarding. This season they have advanced their skill set and taken on new positions and rotations, adapting quickly and showing a strong understanding of the game.
“This trip to Boston is about more than competition. It is an opportunity to test their development in a higher -level environment. We have high expectations for this group and are eager to see them rise to the challenge.”
A spokesperson added, “This tournament will be the second outing of the season for the Paradise Hitters 15 team, coming off of their great finish at the Florida Holiday Challenge in Daytona Beach, Florida back in December of last year.”
Head Coach Sean Tucker commented, “Thrilled for our U15 Paradice Hitters girls as we head to Boston this weekend for a 3-day tournament! Their hard work in training has been unreal, and I’m so proud of their performances and growth. Coming off a silver bracket win last season and 5th place in Daytona, we look to continue to show the talents and skills that they have worked so hard to obtain.”
Paradise Hitters 17 will be attending their second tournament of the season as well.
Head Coach Mike Gazzard said, “The under 17 team heads to the Nike Boston National Qualifier having put in a tremendous body of work over the past several months. The girls have trained consistently and with real intent, pushing the standard at every practice.
“That commitment translated into results, as the team finished the Winter League on a high note, winning the final tournament-style competition and securing first place. Their performance reflected the hard work, drive, and resilience they have developed this season.
“We will look to carry that momentum and those lessons into Boston as we compete against top-level opposition. This is our final travel event of the year, and the girls are motivated to perform at their highest level and represent Bermuda with pride.
“A sincere thank-you to the Bermuda Volleyball Association and our sponsors for their continued support — opportunities like this are only possible because of their commitment to the program.”
This tournament will be the first overseas tournament of the season for the Big Wave Riders.
Kevin Manuel, Big Wave Riders 15 Head Coach, commented, “On the junior boys’ side, this will be their first overseas tournament this season. Head Coach of Big Wave Riders 15, Kevin Manuel, commented, “The BWRVBC U15 has had some new athletes mixed in with a team that has had past experience at this tournament. The new faces will be leaning on that experience. Like their opponents these players have gained experience, grown physically and learned new skills. That has made them a challenging team to play in men’s league home in Bermuda this year. This experience will help in a tournament where there opponent’s play in tournaments every weekend.”
Tyler Siese, Head Coach of Big Wave Riders 16 said this, “The U16 boys are very excited to see what they can do at the Nike Boston Volleyball Festival! They have put in a lot of work to improve this season and quite a few players are new to the program.
“For many of the boys it will be their first time traveling with the team so it will be a great experience and opportunity to play against strong competitors. We also only have 8 boys travelling which will provide lots of court time and chances to further develop their skills.”
Andrew Soares, Head Coach of Big Wave Riders 18 commented, “This year the U18 Boys team are playing in a higher age group, with many boys eligible for younger age groups. Although this will be a challenge, the team has worked extremely hard all year and is looking forward to seeing what they are capable of against some very strong competition. I am confident the team will deliver a strong performance in Boston.”
A spokesperson added, “The Bermuda Volleyball Association extends its gratitude to JVC Tournaments, their sponsors and to all of the volunteer staff for their ongoing support, which makes these opportunities possible.”
