TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras, May 25, 2026.- Everything is set for the start of the second edition of the Girls’ U17 Pan American Cup, taking place from May 26 to 31 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, with the participation of nine national teams from across the continent.
The tournament will bring together some of the most promising emerging talents in women’s volleyball and will serve as an important preparation event for the United States (NORCECA champions), Venezuela (South American champions), Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Peru, all qualified for this year’s FIVB U17 World Championship in Chile.
Canada’s Head Coach, Richard Schick: “It’s an amazing opportunity to be here; for the majority of the girls, it’s their first opportunity to compete for Canada and represent our country, and we are extremely honored. It’s new to all of us. We want to enjoy ourselves and have fun.”
Costa Rica’s Head Coach, Kareem Richards: “The core of the team is the same one that competed at the Continental Championship in Costa Rica last year. The goal is to compete and finish as high as possible in the standings. We know this is a unique opportunity because seven of the teams here will compete at the World Championship this year. It is a great growth opportunity for the athletes individually and collectively, as several of them will move up to the U19 category. We have high expectations and will give our very best.”
Dominican Republic’s Head Coach, Prisilla Rivera: “The girls have matured and grown compared to the NORCECA Championship last year in Costa Rica. I think we did not have ideal preparation, but we are ready to compete. There are new members on the team: Crisbel Payano, a very young player with a promising future; Joanna Fanil, who did not have the opportunity to be in Costa Rica; and Yolgeissy Ozuna, daughter of a great Dominican athlete. Like all the teams, we come with great enthusiasm to fight for a medal and, most importantly, to prepare for the World Championship in Chile next August.”
Honduras’ Head Coach, Marvin Andino: “This is a unique opportunity for our players and for the National Federation to shape the future of women’s volleyball in our country. Facing elite teams from the Americas will allow us to raise our level of play and aspire to other international competitions. The team has trained hard; we are going to battle, give everything on the court, and enjoy this beautiful sport.”
Mexico’s Head Coach, Migdael Ruiz: “Eighty percent of the team will be competing at the World Championship. The squad has been reinforced with two younger players as part of continuing the development process and beginning to focus on new talents; both definitely have the level for this category. We are coming for revenge against the United States after the gold medal match at last year’s continental championship.”
Puerto Rico’s Head Coach, Leira Ortíz: “We started working in February with a large group of approximately 26 players. We increased the amount of training while gradually reducing the number of players. We still have a long-term plan with the World Championship in August as our main goal, so this will not necessarily be the same group that goes to the World Championship. This group will also soon compete in the NORCECA U19 Championship as part of the preparation for the World Championship. The group is similar to the one that competed in the NORCECA U17 Championship last year and won a medal, so they know each other well, but we strengthened the training for this tournament.”
Peru’s Head Coach, Marcelo Diniz: “Peru is well prepared; we have worked for two months. We have high expectations for our participation here. This competition is very important for all the athletes to grow, learn, and evolve. The World Championship is our goal, which is why this event is so important, and we hope to make the most of it.”
USA’s Head Coach, Marie Zidek: “It feels fantastic to have the opportunity to be here just when these players are starting these international competitions. There are very good teams here that play very good volleyball. It’s going to be excellent development for these players; for some it’s their first international tournament, for some it’s their first time leaving the country, so it’s going to be educational volleyball, educational travel, and learning how to represent and wear the USA team logo. Some of the players here are competing to be on the USA roster for the World Championship.”
Venezuela’s Head Coach, Ihosvanny Champions: “We are very happy to participate here. Our main objective is preparation for the World Championship and taking advantage of having two teams here (Peru and Mexico) that are in our group at the World Championship; observing them is very important. We have added new players to the team. It will be a great experience for the group.”
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