MANAGUA, Nicaragua, April 24, 2025.- The XV AFECAVOL U21 Central American Beach Volleyball Championship is set to begin this Friday, following the conclusion of team registration and uniform presentations.
Six Central American countries have confirmed their participation, each with one pair per gender, competing for the regional title in a tournament that began in 2008.
Costa Rica is the defending women’s champion, though Guatemala holds the most titles overall with eight. Costa Rica has been crowned champion three times, Nicaragua twice, and El Salvador once.
In the men’s division, Nicaragua has claimed the top spot on the podium seven times, followed by Guatemala with four and Costa Rica with three, including the most recent edition held in Panama in 2022.
Costa Rica will be represented by María Fallas and Sofía Vega, the latter a bronze medalist three years ago, who will face tough competition from experienced players such as Fátima Rendón and Devora Medina of El Salvador, as well as home favorites Yuliana Chávez and Elia Resau.
In the men’s bracket, Costa Rica features Julián Araya, champion in the previous edition in Panama, this time partnered with Stanley Grant. Their rivals include Rafael Vargas and Fernando Ortiz from El Salvador, local duo Justin Barrios and Deyner López, and a promising Panamanian pair in Víctor Aráuz and Adamit Del Cid.
Matches will take place at the Paseo Xolotlán courts in Managua, starting Friday at 8:30 AM and concluding on Sunday.
The tournament will follow a round-robin format in the first phase, with the top two teams advancing to the final, which will be played on Sunday afternoon.
Participating Duos
Women Mariana Fallas / Sofía Vega (CRC) Fátima Rendón / Devora Medina (ESA) Andrea Grijalva / Danna Aguilar (GUA) Valery Rodríguez / Ruth Villegas (HON) Yuliana Chávez / Ella Resau (NCA) Keisy Janeth / Dayanaris Ríos (PAN)
Men Julián Araya / Stanley Grant (CRC) Rafael Vargas / Fernando Ortiz (ESA) Fredy Luna / Robin Oliva (GUA) Jairo Gálvez / Isaac Méndez (HON) Justin Barrios / Deyner López (NCA) Víctor Aráuz / Adamit Del Cid (PAN)
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, April 24, 2025.- The defending champions, Cangrejeras de Santurce, capitalized on their home-court advantage at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum to take the opening match of the KIA Final Series of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), edging out the Criollas de Caguas in an exciting five-set battle (23-25, 25-13, 25-20, 24-26, 15-7).
Holding a 2-1 set lead, the home team took the first technical timeout of the fourth set 8-4 after a block by Kara McGhee on Alba Hernández. Caguas responded with a 12-7 run and clinched the second technical timeout by a narrow margin following a service error from Santurce.
Both teams continued in a fierce back-and-forth, testing each other’s serve reception. A deflected attack by Temi Thomas Ailara gave Santurce a two-point edge at 21-19. However, the Criollas regrouped, tied the set at 22 after an attack error by Andrea Rangel, and snatched the set 26-24 thanks to an ace by Thomas and a clean finish from Kath Bell.
Andrea Rangel of Cangrejeras
In the fifth and deciding set, Santurce jumped ahead 6-3 and reached the side switch with an 8-4 lead, boosted by a service ace from Tamara Otene. Caguas was unable to recover.
Following the win, Cangrejeras captain Débora Seilhamer stated:
“We knew it was going to be an extremely tough game. We were prepared to go to the full five sets. Obviously, it’s going to be a hard-fought series from start to finish.”
The series now moves to Caguas at the Roger Mendoza court for back-to-back matches on Saturday and Sunday. About this, the veteran Seilhamer added:
“We need to prepare physically for that. Caguas has a deep bench, so they can rotate players more. We need to manage ourselves better, take care of our bodies, and try to steal one or two games in Caguas.”
Criollas captain Raymarielys Santos commented:
“We must keep working. Every night there will be a battle, so we must continue improving in every area. I believe the next practice will be very important. We need to keep studying Santurce and improve our serving. It’s going to be a long series, and we have to keep going.”
On offense for Santurce, standouts included Tamara Otene with 27 points, Helena Grozer with 20, Andrea Rangel with 18, and Kara McGhee with 15.
For Caguas, Temi Thomas Ailara led with 21 points, followed by Kristin Lux with 12 and Kath Bell with 11.
Santurce dominated the stats: 64-51 in attacks, 17-13 in blocks, 9-3 in service aces, 119-110 in digs, 48-40 in receptions, and 41-25 in assists.
The series is a best-of-seven; the first team to win four games will be crowned champion.
VARADERO, Cuba, April 25, 2025.- The highly anticipated 2025 season of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Continental Tour kicks off in the paradise destination of Varadero, Cuba, marking the beginning of a circuit that promises excitement, a high level of competition, and valuable points toward the NORCECA and FIVB rankings.
This year, the prestigious NORCECA Tour calendar includes 13 stops, reinforcing its importance in the development of beach volleyball across North, Central America, and the Caribbean. Varadero, a traditional tour stop since 2011, will play an even more prominent role in 2025 by hosting two stages: the tour’s opening event and the grand finale, scheduled for October.
Jorge Luis Alayo Cuba
The tour’s first stop features athletes from fourteen countries, with 18 men’s teams and 15 women’s teams registered.
The 2025 NORCECA Tour awards important points for both the continental and world rankings. Additionally, it marks the beginning of the qualification process for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, adding an extra level of motivation for the participating teams.
Specifically, regarding the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, Colombia and Venezuela must secure their qualification through the NORCECA Tour, which means both countries will be competing in several stops of the circuit.
As part of its commitment to developing young talent, the season will also feature two U23 events, which will serve as preparation tournaments for the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción.
With this Beach Continental Tour, NORCECA reaffirms its mission to promote sporting excellence, provide competitive growth opportunities for regional athletes, and bring the excitement of beach volleyball to beautiful and iconic venues like Varadero.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, April 24, 2025.- In an unprecedented step for the development of volleyball in the region, the NORCECA Confederation held the first official meeting of its Athletes’ Commission, reaffirming its commitment to the well-being, development, and participation of athletes both on and off the court.
The session, held virtually, followed the format adopted by other NORCECA working commissions and marked a significant step toward integrating athletes’ voices into strategic decision-making processes.
In his opening remarks, NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz emphasized that this commission was created with athletes in mind. “We are very excited to have you on board. This is the first meeting in the history of the Athletes’ Commission, which creation represents a major step forward in NORCECA’s development. The main goal is to preserve the well-being of athletes, because without them, we wouldn’t be here.”
Cuban volleyball legend and Commission President Mireya Luis gave a moving address, highlighting the importance of this new body. “This is a very important commission. NORCECA deserves for us, as athletes, to get involved. We are at a high level and must take on a major role by providing support to both active and retired athletes.”
The commission will focus on specific objectives: ensuring the overall well-being of athletes, supporting their transition to professional life after their sporting careers, protecting their rights, strengthening ties with their communities, and promoting ongoing training and education.
During the session, innovative proposals were discussed, such as a mentoring program to guide athletes seeking to enter professional sports, and training initiatives for female coaches, following the FIVB’s decision requiring that each women’s team competing in official tournaments include at least one woman on its staff.
Félix Sabio, President of AFECAVOL, highlighted that the Central American association was the first in the region to establish an athletes’ commission. “During the pandemic, there was a need to listen to and involve athletes in the process of returning to sports activity. This approach is aligned with the IOC’s strategy and should be embraced by national federations. NORCECA is at the forefront and must build a strong commission with renowned and visionary athletes.”
Mushtaque Mohammed, NORCECA Vice President and President of the Development Commissions of both NORCECA and the FIVB, presented a historical overview of NORCECA. He also emphasized the importance of preparing athletes for retirement and praised NORCECA’s credibility in development matters, highlighting the Development Center in Santo Domingo as one of the most recognized in the world.
Dr. Víctor Figueroa, President of the Medical Commission, briefly outlined the courses available to athletes on topics such as anti-doping, and physical and mental health.
Professor Nelson Ramírez, Director of the NORCECA-FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center in Santo Domingo, emphasized the center’s role in training coaches, referees, and technical personnel, as well as motivating athletes to remain involved in the sport through courses and seminars.
Key areas from the FIVB Strategic Vision 2024–2032 were also outlined, focusing on the global growth of volleyball and ensuring that athletes are supported and empowered. Among them was the Volleyball Foundation, presented by Mireya Luis.
At the conclusion of the session, Cristóbal Marte expressed his satisfaction with the success of this inaugural meeting, marking the beginning of a new chapter in NORCECA volleyball, where athletes will play leading roles not only in competition but also in the sport’s governance and evolution.
With her trademark passion, Mireya Luis closed the session with the inspiring phrase: “Athletes to the Top of the Podium.”
CUL DE SAC, Saint Lucia, April 21, 2025. – From May 2nd to 4th, 2025, Saint Lucia will host some of the Caribbean’s most talented senior beach volleyball athletes as the island welcomes the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Senior Beach Volleyball Championship.
Senior male and female teams from Saint Lucia, Grenada, Dominica, Antigua, Bermuda, St. Vincent, Anguilla, and St. Kitts will compete for top honours and the coveted ECVA Championship title.
As an officially calendarized NORCECA event, this championship offers athletes from eight ECVA member islands a platform to compete at the highest regional level, supporting athletic excellence and personal development.
All eyes will be on Saint Lucia’s Joseph Clercent and Sheldon Descartes, the reigning champions who have captured the title in 2023 and 2024. The local favourites want to make history with a three-peat on home sand and will be the team to beat.
ECVA is confident that the tournament will be a celebration of skill, passion, and sportsmanship, uniting experienced players and emerging talent in an exciting beach volleyball showcase.
The event is made possible through the generous support of its sponsors, including NORCECA, ECVA, the Ministry of Youth Development & Sports, the Saint Lucia Olympic Committee, the National Lotteries Authority, Buckeye and Co Williams. Their partnership is vital to the success of what promises to be a high-energy and unforgettable competition.
MANAGUA, Nicaragua, April 21, 2025. – Managua is getting ready to host the 15th Central American Under 21 Championship and the inaugural edition of the Central American Under 23 Beach Volleyball Championships organized by AFECAVOL, from April 24 to 28.
Both events will be held simultaneously at the sand court located in the iconic Paseo Xolotlán in Managua, Nicaragua.
The previous edition of the U21 Central American Championship took place in 2022 in Panama, where Costa Rican teams dominated the event. Angel Williams/Kianny Araya and Julian Araya/Jhostin Varela were crowned champions in the women’s and men’s divisions, respectively.
As for the U23 category, during the recent AFECAVOL Assembly, the decision was made to launch the first edition of this event, aiming to develop all beach volleyball age-group categories in Central America. The U23 category has been part of the NORCECA competition system since 2021, serving as a qualifier for the Junior Pan American Games.
Delegations from the participating countries are scheduled to arrive in Managua on April 24, when the preliminary meeting and official team registration will take place. Competition days will run from April 25 to 27.
April 21, 2025.- The North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) expresses its profound sorrow following the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, a spiritual leader whose humility, compassion, and unwavering commitment to peace and unity touched millions around the world.
Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, President of NORCECA, extended his heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community and to all those mourning the loss of a man who dedicated his life to service and dialogue.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” said Marte Hoffiz. “His moral leadership, tireless advocacy for the poor and marginalized, and his message of love and unity have left an indelible mark on humanity. On behalf of the NORCECA Volleyball Confederation, we send our thoughts and prayers to the Vatican and to all members of the Catholic Church around the world.”
Pope Francis, the first Latin American and Jesuit Pope, was a symbol of hope for many across the globe, transcending religious and cultural boundaries with his simple yet powerful message of fraternity and inclusion. His papacy reminded the world of the importance of humility, social justice, and human dignity.
A strong advocate for the unifying power of sport, Pope Francis recognized athletics as a path to building community and promoting values such as respect, teamwork, and perseverance. In 2016, under his leadership, the Vatican co-organized the “Faith and Sport” conference with the United Nations and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In 2022, he initiated and presided over the “Sport for All” conference, reaffirming his belief in sport as a tool for inclusion and peace. These events demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that sport remains a bridge between people of different cultures, faiths, and backgrounds.
NORCECA joins the international community in honoring the life and legacy of Pope Francis, remembering his enduring contributions to peace, faith, and global solidarity—and his genuine belief in the transformative power of sport.
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, April 20, 2025. – In a thrilling battle last Thursday night, the Criollas de Caguas secured their spot in the finals of the 2025 Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), defeating the Mets de Guaynabo 3-1 (25-19, 20-25, 25-20, 26-24) at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum.
With this victory, the Criollas broke the home-court trend and sparked an outburst of celebration among their fans. They claimed the semifinal series 4-2.
The Criollas de Caguas will now face the defending champion, the Cangrejeras de Santurce, in the Gran Serie Final KIA.
Caguas outperformed Guaynabo in attacks (56-53), blocks (17-11), and service aces (3-2). The Mets led in digs (62-54), receptions (40-34), and assists (39-14).
Standout offensive contributors for the Criollas included Kath Bell with 20 points (19 kills and 1 block), followed by Temi Thomas Ailara with 16 points and Kristin Lux with 14. Alba Hernández led the net defense with 6 of the team’s 9 blocks.
For the Mets, Chiaka Ogbogu shined with 20 points, and Rebecca Latham added 19.
KIA Finals Series Schedule
The Gran Serie Final KIA will be played as a best-of-seven. The first team to reach four wins will be crowned champion:
Tuesday, April 22: Cangrejeras de Santurce at Criollas de Caguas – 8:00 PM
Thursday, April 24: Criollas de Caguas at Cangrejeras de Santurce – 8:12 PM
Saturday, April 26: Cangrejeras de Santurce at Criollas de Caguas – 8:00 PM
Monday, April 28: Criollas de Caguas at Cangrejeras de Santurce – 8:12 PM
If necessary:
Wednesday, April 30: Cangrejeras de Santurce at Criollas de Caguas – 8:00 PM
Friday, May 2: Criollas de Caguas at Cangrejeras de Santurce – 8:12 PM
Sunday, May 4: Cangrejeras de Santurce at Criollas de Caguas – 7:00 PM (NEUTRAL VENUE)
BRASILIA, Brazil, April 20, 2025.- After taking bronze in Quintana Roo and silver in Saquarema, USA’s Kristen Nuss & Taryn Brasher snatched the gold in Brasilia as the third Elite event of the year on the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour came to a close in the Brazilian capital on Sunday. This way, the American Paris 2024 Olympians topped the podium for the first time since the 2024 Tour Finals in Doha and added the ninth gold and the 15th medal overall to their impressive Beach Pro Tour collection.
Carol Solberg & Rebecca Cavalcanti put up a solid fight in the final but had to settle for silver in front of the Brazilian home crowd. It was already their second medal out of only four Tour appearances together as a team. Three weeks ago, the experienced Brazilians triumphed at the Quintana Roo Elite.
Another Brazilian team, reigning Olympic champions Ana Patricia Ramos & Eduarda Santos Lisboa (Duda), completed the podium with bronze, their first Beach Pro Tour medal in almost a year, or since they conquered the gold at this same venue in May 2024. The former world champions and former number one team in the World Ranking have now piled up a remarkable showcase of eight gold, two silver and five bronze medals on the Tour.
Second-seeded Nuss & Brasher overcome their fifth-seeded opponents’ strong performance and the noise from a fantastic Brazilian home crowd on the stands during Sunday’s gold medal showdown to put together a narrow 2-0 (22-20, 21-19) victory. The Americans were in the lead through most of the first set of the match, but in the money, Carol & Barbara took control and reached the first set point at 19-18. Nuss & Brasher reacted with three points in a row and closed the set with an ace from Nuss. Twice in the second set, the US team opened a wide lead and twice the home favorites closed the gap as it eventually came down to a 19-19 tie. Nuss & Brasher stayed focus and soon closed the set and the match with a powerful spike from Nuss for the winning point.
The better overall performance in offense made the big difference in tilting the balance Nuss & Brasher’s way, with Brasher emerging as the best scorer of the match with 24 points and the best attacker of the match with 20 kills, as well as the best blocker of the match with three stuffs to her name. Carol led the Brazilian pair with 17 points, including two aces and two kill blocks.
“Oh, my goodness! It was so difficult! If we could stop playing them multiple times, that would be great! They are incredible and we knew that in front of this home crowd it would be pretty rowdy and they would bring the passion like they always do. So we just tried to stick with each other and trust ourselves,” Nuss said on the court after the match.
“Kristen came in today and woke me up with a great enthusiastic ‘let’s go get gold today!’ But we had to fight against an amazing Brazilian team – they are both just so incredible – and we had to play in front of Brazilian fans that are just so rowdy, and so fun, and just love the game,” Brasher added.
The bronze medal game earlier on Sunday lasted three sets as Dutch qualifiers Emi van Driel & Wies Bekhuis, seeded 23rd in the 24-team main draw, put up a tough fight and even won the first set against the mighty Olympic champions, before 10th-seeded Ana Patricia & Duda managed to turn the course of the match around and celebrate a 2-1 (19-21, 21-15, 15-12) victory. It was mostly the unforced errors of the Dutch and the better blocking of the Brazilians that prompted the outcome of this match. Ana Patricia raised six kill blocks during the game and topped the charts with a match-high total of 20 points.
April 15, 2025.- The countdown is on, as the venues for volleyball and beach volleyball at the Olympic Games LA28 have now been confirmed.
The City of Long Beach, a 2028 Venue City, will showcase Beach Volleyball at the iconic Alamitos Beach. Volleyball will be held at the Arena in Anaheim, a premier entertainment and sports venue that will undoubtedly provide the perfect Olympic stage for an unforgettable volleyball experience.
This announcement follows the extraordinary success of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 – widely celebrated as the most successful Games ever for volleyball and beach volleyball. From record-breaking viewership, incredible performances on the field of play and iconic backdrops, the sports captured unprecedented global attention.
Building on this momentum, the FIVB is confident that the LA28 Games, set to take place from 14-30 July 2028, will continue to raise the bar for volleyball at the Olympic level, and that these landmark locations will offer a spectacular setting for the world’s best volleyball athletes to compete on sport’s greatest stage.
“We are extremely excited by the confirmation of these venues and the opportunity they represent to showcase our sports at the Olympic Games LA28.” said FIVB Secretary General Hugh McCutcheon. “The Paris 2024 volleyball competitions showed volleyball and beach volleyball at their absolute best, and we are confident LA28 will continue that legacy. The FIVB looks forward to continuing to work closely with the LA28 Organizing Committee, the IOC, and all of our partners in the lead-up to what promises to be an outstanding Games.”
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 13, 2025. – Within the framework of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Board of Administration meeting, NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz held a friendly meeting with International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach at the Olympic House in Lausanne.
The conversation took place in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reinforcing institutional ties and highlighting a shared commitment to the development of sport globally, particularly in Latin America.
Thomas Bach expressed his admiration for the Dominican Republic women’s volleyball national team program, which he has followed closely after visiting the team on two occasions: during the Lima 2019 Pan American Games and later in Santo Domingo. On both occasions, the IOC President had the opportunity to witness firsthand the structure, vision, and achievements of a program that is now considered a model in the region.
“The Dominican project is a benchmark for sport throughout Latin America. It is a model to follow that shows how a clear vision and sustained investment can generate results with global impact,” Bach stated.
Marte Hoffiz took the opportunity to share the program’s key pillars, achievements, and future projections. The Dominican initiative has become a strategic national investment, yielding success in international competitions while also serving as a solid platform for talent scouting, athlete development, and the professionalization of women’s volleyball.
“This is not just a sports project, it’s a nation-building project that invests in the future of our youth and has positioned the Dominican Republic as a global volleyball power,” said Marte Hoffiz.
Thomas Bach praised the program’s long-term vision and reaffirmed the IOC’s commitment to strengthening sports in Latin America. He acknowledged that initiatives such as the Dominican women’s volleyball program inspire other nations to embrace structured development in their respective disciplines.
This meeting represents international recognition of the Dominican Republic’s women’s volleyball model, an example of how a well-executed national strategy can transcend borders and make a mark on the global sports stage.
The Dominican Republic women’s national volleyball team is currently ranked 11th in the world, consolidating its status as an emerging force in international volleyball.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 14, 2025.- Among the proposals approved were the establishment of World Volleyball Day (7 July), the expansion of the World Ranking, and much more!
The FIVB Board of Administration took several key decisions on various proposals from the Commission and Councils during its meeting, all aligned with the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032’s mission to serve the Global Volleyball Movement.
Volleyball Council – World Ranking expansion
The Board approved a World Ranking proposal aligned with the current international volleyball landscape. The new proposal expands the number of event categories included and aims to foster the expanded participation of national teams. The FIVB’s dynamic World Ranking system provides an accurate assessment of a team’s technical performance, and is a credible tool for tracking a team’s progress and development over time.
Under the new framework, each Continental Confederation may include up to two Annual Continental Events in the World Ranking, while each Zonal Association may include one Annual Zonal Event. To be eligible for World Ranking points, official competitions must feature a minimum of four senior national teams.
Another key change is related to team inactivity. Previously, teams were considered inactive after one year without competition. Following the Board’s approval, this period has now been extended to two years, effective as of 2025.
The Board also approved several competition structure updates in volleyball. Notably, team rosters for Age Group World Championships will expand from 12 to 14 players to align with evolving competition demands. Meanwhile, the structure of U17 events will be brought into line with U19 and U21 tournaments, featuring 24 teams, the same qualification processes, competition formats, and world ranking points allocation.
Following the request of the Volleyball Federation of Serbia, the FIVB U19 Girls’ World Championship will see logistical adjustments, with the addition of an extra day to assist with travel, and a change in host city from Belgrade to Vrnjačka Banja, Serbia.
Heritage and Legacy Commission – World Volleyball Day!
Following the approval of the FIVB Board of Administration, 7 July has officially been established as World Volleyball Day. The date commemorates the first public demonstration of volleyball by William Morgan in 1895, and will annually serve as a global celebration of volleyball.
In line with the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, in which beach volleyball turnaround is one of 15 priorities, the Board approved a proposal to launch a test in 2025 to allow beach volleyball coaches to coach on the field of play.
Focused on enhancing athlete development and creating richer in-game narratives, the pilot will cover 15 events from 23 July to 5 October 2025, including four Elite, three Challenge and eight Futures events. Should the trial be positive, then phase two of the test will see the initiative extended to all remaining events in 2025 and 2026, including the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships Adelaide 2025.
Medical Commission – 2026 FIVB Medical Congress
The Board also approved the proposal to organise a FIVB Medical Congress in 2026. The Congress will explore medicine, health and fitness within the context of volleyball. Further details will be released in due course.
Rules of the Game & Refereeing Commission – Enhancing clarity and flow
Several changes were approved to streamline the sport and make it more accessible to fans.
In volleyball, to reduce sudden rally interruptions, teams will no longer be able to request a mid-rally Challenge. Instead, teams can request a Challenge at the end of rally to review the referees’ decision regarding any action during the rally, including the service.
In both volleyball and beach volleyball, a new interpretation of the double touch rule was approved for testing. Double contact will be allowed during the setting action, provided the ball remains on the same side of the court, with faults only called for two clear consecutive touches. For balls played into the opponent’s court, as well as catches and lifts, the current interpretation will still apply. In volleyball, this new rule interpretation will be applied during the VNL 2025, then assessed before wider application across events. Meanwhile, in beach volleyball, it will be applied at the Gstaad Elite, Montreal Elite, Brazil Challenge and Baden Challenge, before being applied more widely.
Finally, the Board approved changes to the beach volleyball video challenge regulations to align with a regulation existing in volleyball where the referee’s decision remains final, but the team retains its Challenge in case of inconclusive video evidence.
Coaches Commission – New initiatives
Following the Board’s approval, a test will be conducted at the VNL 2025, age group and senior world championships, to amend out-of-rotation rules for the receiving team. Specifically, it will test the out of rotation error for the receiving team where the referees’ whistle defines the rotation, and the toss of the serve defines the moment that the athlete can change position on the court.
In addition, ongoing efforts will continue to promote female coaches and increase their visibility as role models within the sport. The Board approved a proposal for all female national teams at the VNL 2026 and Age Group World Championships to have at least one female coach registered on the match roster list
Communication Commission – Global Volleyball Movement campaign in 2025.
The Board supported the recommended launch of the Global Volleyball Movement campaign, a major digital initiative designed to expand the sport’s reach and enhance engagement worldwide. The campaign aims to strengthen volleyball’s relevance in society and promote positive change through sport.
Legal Commission – Regulatory updates
Finally, the FIVB Board of Administration approved proposed updates to the Terms of Reference (Article 5.5 of the FIVB General Regulations), reflecting recent changes to the structure and naming of the FIVB Commissions and Councils.
In addition to the Terms of Reference, important amendments to the FIVB Sports Regulations were approved to allow for more flexibility for younger athletes. Among the key regulatory changes were updates to the rules regarding national team representation and Federation of Origin (FoO). A player may now change their Federation of Origin to the Federation of Origin of his/her nationality if their FoO differs from the nationality they held prior to the initial determination of their FoO. This change must be made before either the player is registered on an O-2 form for the national team of their original FoO or before the player reaches the age of 18.
Further updates were made to the special case related to eight-year residency. Specifically, the maximum age at which a player can benefit from this special case has been increased to 38 years old. Players who apply for this special case may also have previously represented a senior national team of their initial Federation of Origin but will not be eligible to represent the national team of their new Federation.
The tracked change version of the updates to the Regulations will be published next week on the FIVB website.
SAQUAREMA, Brazil, April 13, 2025.- Americans Kristen Nuss an Taryn Brasher won the silver medal of the Volleyball World Beach Pro Elite event in Saquarema, Brazil, after falling in Sundays’ final to Brazilians Thamela Coradello and Victoria Lopes 1-2 (19, 21, 21-16, 10-15).
Watch the Beach Pro Tour Saquarema Elite replays onVBTV
By finishing second in Saquarema, Nuss and Brasher made their sixth-straight podium appearance on the Beach Pro Tour – they won three golds, two silvers and one bronze in the period.
The top team in the FIVB World Ranking, Germans Müller and Tillmann won their first medal in the season by taking third in Saquarema. The Europeans had a dominant performance in the bronze medal match, topping Americans Kelly Cheng and Molly Shaw 2-0 (21-16, 21-16).
The Beach Pro Tour will continue in Brazil for another week, with the country’s capital, Brasília, welcoming the third Elite event of the season from April 16-20.
Puerto Rico, April 12, 2025. – The Criollas de Caguas are now just one win away from the Final after defeating the Mets de Guaynabo in Semifinal A, while the Cangrejeras de Santurce swept the Atenienses de Manatí on Saturday in Semifinal B of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) of Puerto Rico.
Home teams continue to dominate in Semifinal Series A of the LVSF. On Saturday night, the Criollas de Caguas moved one step closer to the Final with a straight-sets victory (25-23, 29-27, 25-13) over the Mets de Guaynabo at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum in Caguas.
The Criollas’ offense was led by Diana Reyes and Kristin Lux, who both scored 15 points. They were followed by Sofía Victoria and Stephanie Enright, who each added 11 points.
For Guaynabo, Rebecca Latham led the scoring with 13 points, while Paola Santiago contributed 10.
The series will continue on Wednesday, April 16, at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum in Guaynabo, starting at 7:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Cangrejeras de Santurce swept the Atenienses de Manatí in Semifinal B on Saturday with another dominant 3-0 victory (25-15, 25-17, 25-18) at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum. With this win, the Cangrejeras advance to their third consecutive final.
Santurce faced the Pinkin de Corozal in the 2023 final, where Corozal came out on top. In 2024, Santurce defeated the Atenienses de Manatí, and now they await the winner of Caguas vs. Guaynabo.
The Cangrejeras had three players in double digits: Andrea Rangel (16), Tamara Otene (14), and Kara McGhee (10).
For Manatí, last season’s runners-up, Karla Santos and Jovyrelis Ayala scored 14 and 10 points, respectively.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 13, 2025.- The FIVB Board of Administration concluded an inspiring two days of meetings, marking a historic milestone as the second day’s morning and afternoon sessions were held at the Olympic House and the Olympic Museum, respectively.
Ahead of the second day’s proceedings, FIVB Board of Administration members joined a tour of the Olympic House, deepening their connection to the heart of the Olympic Movement. The day was further elevated by the presence of several notable guests from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The FIVB Board of Administration was warmly welcomed by IOC President Thomas Bach, who shared a few words on the FIVB’s development over the years.
“We have built excellent relations [with the FIVB] over all the many years. I would like to repeat in front of all of you, that volleyball is really one of the very few International Federations which has made a real difference in setting a benchmark in the development of their sport in the last couple of years,” said President Bach.
“That means on the field of play you are a much more competitive, with more National Federations having the opportunity to compete, to compete at a higher level, and to be able to achieve diplomas, medals and distinctions to really make a difference. And off the field of play, you have embraced the social responsibility of sport. You understand that in life it’s always about giving and taking, and you cannot always only take.”
IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry also addressed the FIVB Board of Administration, stating:
“I think it’s very exciting, the future of volleyball around the world. I agree with all the sentiments that you [Fabio Azevedo] just said, spreading the sports, making them more affordable, more accessible to more people. And doing that by inspiring the younger generation to be healthier and more active is a huge priority for all of us. I’m very much looking forward to walking this journey with you.
“I think your Together as One [motto] is very much like my campaign Ubuntu philosophy, that is ‘I am because we are’. It’s very much how my leadership will continue in that style – that we need to work together to strengthen various things.”
Both IOC Director General Christophe De Kepper and Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi also joined the FIVB Board. In addition, Dubi delivered a presentation on the upcoming Olympic events – Dakar 2026, Los Angeles 2028, and Brisbane 2032.
Discussing what a sports movement means, Dubi stated: “This narrative of the power of inspiration starts at grassroots. And I think to grow a movement, it starts at grassroots…. bringing together the younger generations who are inspired… because of the display of humanity that we show in sport is incredibly powerful. [Olympic Games and World Championships] are platforms we need to use because this is where we reach the audience, this is where we build a spark. But it’s any actions outside that really matter. So, this is where actions like solidarity, actions like anything you do with your National Federations down to clubs, including the education of coaches and entourage of the teams and the athletes. This is where we make a difference. For me, this all translates into, we have a spark at the time of our events, but how do we translate it to grassroots.”
James Macleod, IOC Director of NOC Relations, Olympic Solidarity, and Olympism365, provided a comprehensive report, highlighting the successful collaboration with the FIVB.
Regarding Olympic Solidarity, Macleod commented: “It is really what we would call from the IOC side and the Olympic Movement, the development engine that we have at everyone’s disposal. And that is where our collaboration with you and your development department has been really successful. And it’s because of that collaboration that we’re able to develop volleyball across the world as much as we can.”
In addition, ASOIF Executive Director James Carr presented on the ASOIF Good Governance Report. Overall, since the initial ASOIF review in 2016-2017, the FIVB has climbed 95 points, reflecting its unwavering commitment to implementing the highest standards of good governance.
The FIVB Board also heard key updates across various Commissions, including Volleyball Empowerment, Development & Sustainability and Legal. Presentations from Volleyball World and the Volleyball Foundation, meanwhile, highlighted volleyball’s commercial growth and growing societal impact.
To conclude the meeting, the Board members received updates on an exciting calendar of volleyball and beach volleyball events, with 2025 and beyond promising an action-packed schedule. Major highlights include the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships Adelaide 2025, the VNL 2025, and the FIVB Volleyball Men’s and Women’s World Championships, set to be staged in the Philippines and Thailand, respectively.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 12, 2025.- Volleyball-loving nation of Dominican Republic set to welcome the Global Volleyball Movement next year.
The FIVB Board of Administration unanimously approved Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, as the host of the 40th FIVB World Congress 2026.
The proposal to bring the Congress to Punta Cana was presented by NORCECA President and FIVB 1st Executive Vice-President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz. The proposal highlighted the country’s vibrant sporting culture, its strong connection to the volleyball community and its reputation for delivering world-class events. Punta Cana will also host the IOC Session in 2027.
The FIVB will work hand-in-hand with the Dominican Republic Volleyball Federation to ensure an unforgettable and productive Congress in 2026.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 11, 2025. – Members of the Executive Committee of the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation NORCECA actively participated in the Board of Administration meeting of the International Volleyball Federation FIVB, held in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Led by President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, the NORCECA delegation also included Second Executive Vice President Sabinah Clement, along with Executive Vice Presidents Mireya Luis, Mark Eckert, Félix Sabio González, and Mushtaque Mohammed.
As part of the working sessions, the NORCECA officials visited the Olympic House and the Olympic Museum, two iconic spaces that embody the legacy and values of the Olympic Movement. During this meaningful visit, they had the opportunity to engage in a warm and friendly conversation with outgoing International Olympic Committee IOC President Thomas Bach.
The meeting with President Bach took place in a cordial atmosphere marked by mutual recognition. NORCECA representatives expressed their appreciation for his valuable contribution to the global development of volleyball and highlighted the bonds of friendship and cooperation he has nurtured with the volleyball community throughout his tenure.
NORCECA’s active participation in such international platforms reaffirms its commitment to the growth of volleyball and its continued integration within the global Olympic framework.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 11, 2025.– As part of the Board of Administration meeting of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), members of the Executive and the Board gathered at the Olympic House and the Olympic Museum for a day filled with inspiration, reflection, and discussions on the future of global volleyball.
One of the highlights of the event was the meeting with Thomas Bach, outgoing President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who shared moments with the FIVB leadership in a warm and mutually respectful atmosphere.
During the encounter, Mireya Luis, Executive Vice President of both the FIVB and NORCECA, expressed her heartfelt joy at reuniting with the Olympic leader. She fondly recalled her time on the IOC Athletes’ Commission, a period during which Bach played a key supportive role. “Our conversation was emotional and heartfelt. We reminisced about my time on the IOC Athletes’ Commission, a chapter during which President Bach was a tremendous support to me. Today, I had the chance to personally thank him for that invaluable guidance.”
They also exchanged thoughts on Bach’s future after completing his term at the helm of the IOC, reflecting on the challenges and opportunities that await him beyond the Olympic institution that has deeply marked their lives.
The meeting concluded with a spontaneous and symbolic gesture: a selfie that Mireya Luis described as “a cherished keepsake” from a day that reaffirms the enduring ties between volleyball and the Olympic movement.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 11, 2025.- The FIVB Board of Administration gathered yesterday for the first day of its meeting at the Volleyball House in Lausanne, Switzerland, with serving the Global Volleyball Movement through the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032 at the heart of discussions.
Ahead of the meeting, the Board of Administration joined a tour of the Volleyball House, which has recently undergone several upgrades focused on creating a more team-oriented environment, featuring collaborative workspaces.
The meeting opened with a special address from Sébastien Griesmar, Director of the Lausanne Olympic Capital Foundation, who welcomed Board Members and highlighted the strong bond between the city of Lausanne, the FIVB and Global Volleyball Movement.
Griesmar stated: “On behalf of the City of Lausanne and Canton de Vaud, allow me to welcome you all. The City of Lausanne serves as the home of nearly 60 International Federations and of course, of the FIVB since 1984, followed by Volleyball World and then the Volleyball Foundation. We are grateful for your continued trust and presence here.
“We are committed to making this ecosystem even more visible in the future. A few weeks ago, we had exciting discussions with the FIVB team. We are impressed with what the FIVB has done, and we are excited for what is to come.”
FIVB President Fabio Azevedo also took a moment to congratulate several members of the Global Volleyball Movement on their recent achievements and milestones, celebrating their contributions both within and beyond the world of volleyball.
A key highlight of the day was an update on the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032. President Fabio Azevedo outlined the progress made toward the Vision’s core pillars – professionalism, integration, empowerment and mass participation – and reaffirmed the FIVB’s unwavering commitment to growing volleyball at all levels.
“Together as One is more than just a motto – it is a way of life and a true commitment. We want to share this message with everyone around the world,” said President Fabio Azevedo. “Through the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, we are moving from an international governing body to a Global Volleyball Movement. We want to make volleyball more relevant in society. And we want to make the world better through our sport.”
During the meeting, the appointment of Isha Ambani and Louise Bawden to the FIVB Board of Administration for the 2024-2028 Olympic cycle was announced. Meanwhile, the Board approved the recognition of two new Volleyball Associations – the Arab Volleyball Association and Association of Portuguese-Speaking National Volleyball Federations (AFVCPLP).
The Board were also presented reports and innovative proposals from the various FIVB Commissions and Councils. In addition, members were presented the Financial Report 2024 and Budget 2025.
The Board of Administration meeting continues on 11 April, with members heading to the Olympic House and Olympic Museum for a day of inspiration and further discussions.
Puerto Rico, April 10, 2025. – While the Mets were evening up Semifinal A with two wins apiece against the Criollas de Caguas at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum in Guaynabo, the defending champions, the Cangrejeras de Santurce, captured their ninth consecutive set in Semifinal B against the Atenienses at the Juan Aubín Cruz Coliseum in Manatí.
The Mets defeated the Criollas 3-1 (20-25, 25-17, 25-22, 25-15).
The series now moves to the Roger Mendoza Coliseum in Caguas this Saturday, April 12, for Game 5, in a matchup that has so far favored the home teams.
Guaynabo outperformed Caguas in attacks (53-51), aces (10-2), and digs (87-77). Both teams finished with 11 successful blocks, while Caguas led in receptions (40-28) and assists (24-20).
Guaynabo’s offense featured three players in double figures: Rebecca Latham (28 points), Paola Santiago (17), and Valeria Flores (16). For Caguas, Kristin Lux tallied 15 points, followed by Sofía Victoria with 13, and Diana Reyes and Alba Hernández with 12 each.
In Game 3 of the other semifinal series, the Cangrejeras de Santurce moved within one win of advancing to the LVSF Final after sweeping the Atenienses de Manatí 3-0 (25-17, 29-27, 25-18).
Manatí has yet to win a single set in the series. Santurce will look to complete the sweep at home this Saturday.
On offense, Santurce was led by Tamara Otene and Helena Grozer with 14 points each, along with Andrea Rangel who contributed 10 points. For Manatí, Karla Santos scored 12.
The semifinals are best-of-seven series, with the first team to win four games advancing.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 10, 2025.- The FIVB Executive Committee convened today at Volleyball House in Lausanne, Switzerland, to address key matters and proposals aimed at strengthening and empowering the Global Volleyball Movement.
Reflecting the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032 – built on the pillars of empowerment, professionalism, integration, and mass participation – the meeting placed a strong emphasis on reviewing proposals from the FIVB Commissions and Councils.
The Executive Committee also enjoyed a tour of the Volleyball House, which has recently undergone several upgrades. The redesign focused on creating a more team-oriented environment, featuring joint workspaces to foster greater communication, collaboration and efficiency.
In line with the FIVB’s commitment to sustainability, several green initiatives have also been introduced, including the elimination of single-use plastics and the promotion of environmentally responsible practices throughout the Volleyball House.
During the meeting, the Executive Committee also reviewed the agenda for the upcoming Board of Administration meeting and considered a range of proposals from the FIVB Commissions and Councils, which will be submitted to the Board.
Other key topics discussed included Changes of Federation of Origin and various administrative matters.
The FIVB Board of Administration meeting also gets underway today and will continue tomorrow on 11 April 2025.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 9, 2025.- In a key moment for the development of volleyball, the FIVB today welcomed a delegation from USA Volleyball for a high-level strategic meeting at Volleyball House in Lausanne, Switzerland. The discussions focused on strengthening the sport’s presence across America as the world looks to the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028.
The USA, a recognised powerhouse in volleyball, continues to demonstrate its talent on the world stage – most recently securing silver in the women’s competition and bronze in the men’s competition at Paris 2024.
The FIVB delegation was led by President Fabio Azevedo, who emphasised the importance of global collaboration through the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, which is built around the core message: Together as One. The meeting highlighted current and future opportunities to elevate both indoor and beach volleyball and expand digital engagement.
Another key focus of the discussions was the upcoming Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2025, which will feature two stops in the USA: Arlington, Texas and Chicago, Illinois. These host cities will play a significant role in welcoming the world’s top teams, in what will be one of the first major volleyball competitions since Paris 2024.
USA Volleyball had the opportunity to take part in a full-day programme featuring a variety of focused sessions with department heads across the FIVB and Volleyball World. These sessions covered key areas such as legal topics, event strategies for volleyball and beach volleyball, commercial developments and innovations in digital engagement and marketing.
The USA Volleyball delegation was comprised of CEO John Speraw, Marketing Advisor Craig Thompson, and General Counsel Rachel Stafford. Present at all meetings was FIVB Secretary General Hugh McCutcheon, a former USA volleyball coach who led the USA men’s team to Olympic gold in 2008 and the women’s team to silver in 2012.
This meeting demonstrates the FIVB’s roadmap to elevate volleyball’s global impact over the next eight years. Through the principles of professionalism, integration, empowerment and mass participation, the FIVB is aiming to make volleyball even more accessible and impactful, bringing people together, inspiring positive societal change and ensuring a brighter future for the sport.
Puerto Rico, April 8, 2025.– In the semifinals of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) of Puerto Rico, the Criollas de Caguas successfully defended their home court at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum against the Mets de Guaynabo to regain the lead (2-1) in Series A, while the Cangrejeras de Santurce continue to dominate in Series B (2-0).
The Criollas secured the victory with set scores of 25-21, 26-24, 22-25, and 25-16.
Kristin Lux led the Criollas’ offense with 24 points, followed by Sofía Victoriá with 22. Diana Reyes and Stephanie Enright each contributed 12 points. For Guaynabo, Valeria Flores tallied 22 points, and Rebecca Latham added 18.
In Series B, the Cangrejeras de Santurce once again overpowered the Atenienses de Manatí at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in straight sets, 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-23). Manatí has yet to win a set in the series.
Tamara Otene led Santurce’s offense with 22 points, on 17 attacks, three blocks, and two aces. Andrea Rangel contributed 16 points, while Helena Grozer chipped in 11. For Manatí, Solimar Cestero stood out with 10 points.
The series continue on Thursday, April 10, when Santurce visits Manatí at the Juan Aubín Cruz Abreu “Bincito” Coliseum at 8:30 p.m., while Guaynabo will host Caguas at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum starting at 8:00 p.m.
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, April 6, 2025. – The Mets de Guaynabo successfully defended their home court, the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum, defeating the Criollas de Caguas 3-1 (25-17, 28-26, 20-25, 25-18) in the second match of Semifinal Series A of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF).
The series is now tied 1-1 and will continue on Tuesday at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum in Caguas.
Rebecca Latham led with 22 points, followed by Paola Santiago with 17, Valeria Flores with 15, and Alejandra Argüello with 10. For Caguas, Diana Reyes contributed 14 points, while the team committed 25 attack errors.
Maria Carvalhaes
The home team dominated the first set from the start and held off a late surge by the Criollas. The second set was a fierce battle, eventually won by Guaynabo thanks to a key block by Alejandra Argüello. Caguas responded by taking the third set, but the Mets sealed the victory with a strong finish in the fourth.
Guaynabo outblocked Caguas 13 to 8, edged them 77 to 76 in digs, and led 40 to 30 in receptions. Both teams finished with 53 attacks and 7 aces. Caguas had the edge in excellent digs, 20 to 18.
In the other semifinal, the Santurce Cangrejeras took the first match against the Manatí Atenienses in straight sets (25-21, 25-23, 25-18), led by standout performances from Tamara Otene and Helena Grozer with 16 points each, along with 12 from Andrea Rangel and 10 from Kara McGhee.
For Manatí, in a losing effort, Tristin Savage and Solimar Cestero each scored 13 points.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 4, 2025.- The FIVB proudly welcomed participants from the LEAP Programme to Volleyball House this week, providing them with a unique opportunity to learn more about the work of the International Federation, the activities within the Global Volleyball Movement, and the development of volleyball around the world.
LEAP, the International Leadership Programme for German Sport Officials and Athletes, is designed to equip future sports leaders with the skills and knowledge required to take on senior roles in international sports organizations. Led by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) and supported by the Federal Ministry of the Interior and Community (BMI) in Germany, the programme aims to strengthen German representation in global sports governance while promoting values of integrity, transparency and sustainability.
During their visit to Volleyball House, LEAP participants were given a guided tour and attended a series of presentations from FIVB executives. FIVB President Fabio Azevedo shared the organization’s Strategic Vision 2032, outlining the long-term roadmap for global volleyball development under the motto “Together as One”.
The participants also heard from FIVB Head of Legal and General Counsel Stephen Bock on such important topics as good governance and the ASOIF Report, highlighting best practices in international sports administration as well as about the major volleyball and beach volleyball events, with presentations on the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the upcoming 2025 World Championships, and LA 2028. The work of the FIVB Volleyball Foundation, which uses the global reach and power of volleyball to support community projects worldwide that have a positive impact has also been presented.
The participants also heard about major volleyball and beach volleyball events, with Alise Kessler, FIVB Head of Volleyball, and Yu Cao, FIVB Head of Beach Volleyball, presenting on the Olympic Games Paris 2024, the upcoming 2025 World Championships, and LA 2028.
Paulo Barone, Head of Development and Sustainability, introduced the work of the FIVB Volleyball Foundation, which uses the global reach and power of volleyball to support community projects worldwide that have a positive impact.
Speaking about the visit, FIVB President Fabio Azevedo said:
“It was an honour to welcome the participants of the LEAP Programme to Volleyball House today and share insights about the FIVB, Volleyball World and the Volleyball Foundation. Collaboration and knowledge sharing is the foundation of progress in sport. We are glad to have played a part in encouraging that, to empower and inspire future leaders who I have no doubt will play a positive role in the development of global sport in the years to come.”
Julius Brink, Olympic Champion in beach volleyball in London 2012, LEAP participant added: “The warm welcome at Volleyball House was spectacular – coming here with the LEAP programme and discussing key developments in our sport and the federation was very insightful and valuable for our entire group, but also rewarding for me personally.”
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, April 5, 2025. – The Legal Commission of the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) held a productive virtual meeting on Saturday, marking the conclusion of the latest round of NORCECA’s virtual commission sessions. The Finance Commission meeting will be scheduled at a later date, once the external audit of NORCECA’s Financial Statements by Ernst & Young (EY) is completed.
The meeting was officially opened by NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, who emphasized the primary objective of the session: reviewing the updated version of the NORCECA Constitution. “This revised draft, originally proposed by the Board of Administration (BOA) and Executive Committee and approved by the 2024 NORCECA Congress, represents a significant step forward in aligning the Confederation’s governance structure with FIVB standards”.
Marte Hoffiz praised the “extraordinary work” of Commission President and NORCECA Second Vice President, Sabinah Clement, who has been instrumental in leading the revision process. “The members of the Legal Commission, all experienced legal advisers, play a vital role in guiding the BOA and Executive Committee from a legal standpoint. We are deeply grateful to Sabinah for her time and expertise in this process,” he stated.
In her opening remarks, Sabinah Clement welcomed the new members of the commission and highlighted the importance of a thorough and spirited discussion on the proposed amendments to the organization’s constitution. “Our focus today is on finalizing the constitutional amendments before they are circulated for review and subsequently submitted for formal approval by the BOA and Executive Committee,” she said. Once approved, the updated Constitution will be available on the official NORCECA website.
Clement presented a report on the NORCECA Congress held in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, on July 6-7, 2024, which she described as a great success. The Congress was well-attended, with the participation of prominent volleyball leaders including, Dr. Ary Graça and Fabio Azevedo, who at the moment held the positions of FIVB Presidentand General Director respectively. Key highlights of the Congress included the presentation of comprehensive reports on NORCECA events, commission activities, financial matters, and the President’s annual report. Additionally, the Congress saw the re-election of Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz for a new term as NORCECA President and election of the BOA and Executive Committee members.
During the Congress, constitutional amendments were introduced to ensure alignment with the FIVB Constitution.
The NORCECA Constitution, including the amendments, was presented as a draft within the Legal Commission. A comprehensive review of the draft Constitution was the central topic of discussion.
The meeting concluded as Commission members were tasked with reviewing the document in full, as part of NORCECA’s commitment to transparency, good governance, and continued progress.
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, April 4, 2025. – The Criollas de Caguas kicked off Semifinal A of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) on the right foot, defeating the Mets de Guaynabo 3-1 (25-19, 15-24, 26-24, 25-23) at home in the Roger Mendoza Coliseum.
With the match tied at one set apiece, both teams battled point-for-point in the third set, with ties at 21, 22, 23, and 24.
Caguas closed the set with back-to-back points: Raymariely Santos surprised the defense with a second touch, and Lauren Matthews followed with a strong spike off the Mets’ block.
Criollas celebrated
In the fourth set, the Criollas once again came from behind. Guaynabo pulled ahead 11-5 and led 16-12 at the second technical timeout, after a successful spike from Valeria Flores on the left wing (zone four).
The Mets couldn’t hold on to their 18-12 lead, and the Criollas responded with a 7-1 run to tie the score to 19, capped by a service ace from Lauren Matthews.
The teams remained tied up to 23-all. Caguas earned set point with a back-row attack by Ivania Ortiz and sealed the victory in the next play with a solid kill from Matthews on the right side (zone two).
Lauren Matthews led the Criollas’ offense with 19 points (14 attacks, 3 blocks, and 2 aces), followed by Kristin Lux with 14 and Diana Reyes with 13.
For Guaynabo, Rebecca Latham scored 24 points, Paola Santiago added 17, and Valeria Flores contributed 15.
Caguas outperformed Guaynabo in blocks (13-11), aces (6-3), and assists (21-17). The Mets had the edge in attacks (59-51), digs (87-71), and receptions (46-43).
The next match of this best-of-seven series (first to four wins) will take place on Sunday, April 6, at the Mario Morales Coliseum in Guaynabo, starting at 5:00 p.m.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 4, 2025.- National Volleyball Federations around the world now have the opportunity to offer their registered members direct access to the sport’s premium content through a partnership with Volleyball World’s streaming service VBTV.
The agreement allows National Federations to provide their members with free or discounted VBTV subscriptions, giving them full access to the platform’s extensive digital catalog in the exciting 2025 season, which will see volleyball and beach volleyball stars begin their journeys toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
VBTV streams live all major international volleyball and beach volleyball tournaments, including the World Championships for both disciplines, the Volleyball Nations League, and the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour. The platform also showcases premier national volleyball leagues, such as the Italian, Brazilian, Japanese, and Polish leagues.
The program was designed to deliver world-class volleyball content directly to local communities through National Federations, offering them the ability to:
– Increase local engagement and loyalty.
– Improve fan experience and global integration.
– Collaborate on digital activations and marketing efforts with VBTV and the FIVB.
As many as 12 National Federations have already joined the program, including the ones of Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Hungary, Italy, Laos, Puerto Rico, Singapore and St. Eustatius.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, April 4, 2025.- The NORCECA Development Commission held its virtual meeting on Friday, highlighting the Confederation’s remarkable development structure, which has set the foundation for the FIVB Development Program. As a leading Confederation in sustainable support, NORCECA continues to enhance development programs for its regional members.
NORCECA President Cristobal Marte Hoffiz delivered enthusiastic opening remarks, emphasizing the significance of this initiative, “We are privileged to have our NORCECA Vice President Mushtaque Mohammed as President of the FIVB Development Commission. Mushtaque convinced me that development takes time. In addition, NORCECA Vice President Glenn Quinlan is President of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment Program”.
Marte Hoffiz further acknowledged the importance of the commission as an essential channel for all NORCECA National Federations, stating that since 2008, the Confederation has worked to meet the needs of its members, not only by providing equipment annually but also by offering financial support. He underscored that sports require financial backing, and NORCECA has implemented transparent financial support mechanisms to assist National Federations, particularly those in categories 1 and 2. This support has enabled many Federations to build their local organizations and successfully host both regional and continental events.
“NORCECA proudly leads among Continental Confederations by organizing this year twenty beach volleyball tournaments and sixteen indoor tournaments, demonstrating its commitment to growing the sport at all levels” Marte added.
Mushtaque Mohammed, President of the Development Commission, reiterated the commission’s critical role in making informed proposals to the NORCECA Board of Administration and Executive Committee on highly technical matters. Expressing his appreciation for NORCECA President Cristobal Marte’s unwavering support, “I am more enthusiastic than ever, as our journey began in 2001. Thanks to Cristobal Marte’s leadership, we have had the tools to make significant progress in NORCECA and in the FIVB”.
The members were presented with a two-part commission report which highlighted the FIVB and NORCECA structures for development.
As for the FIVB, its program is modeled after NORCECA’s development structure, which has evolved to address the region’s needs and now serves as a blueprint for FIVB. Members of the Development Commission are long-time volleyball advocates who bring invaluable experience to the program.
The FIVB Development Commission now includes the Empowerment Program, which provides targeted support for National Federations, including coaching assistance, volleyball equipment, and knowledge transfer initiatives.
A vital tool introduced during the meeting is the FIVB E-Learning Platform, which offers essential resources such as coach and referee education, mandatory courses for athletes, and tutorials on various aspects of the sport, such as VIS registrations. This platform will soon be available on the NORCECA website, reinforcing education as a key development component.
The Development Commission aligns with three strategic goals of the FIVB Strategic Vision: Development, Volleyball Empowerment, and the Volleyball Foundation. However, challenges remain in ensuring that National Federations not only apply for support but successfully execute their programs. The Commission stressed the need to provide additional guidance and resources to help Federations implement their development plans effectively.
Education and e-learning are integral to this initiative, particularly for young athletes. Programs such as Play Clean and the Sport Manipulation Program must be emphasized to ensure ethical participation. Additionally, compliance with the FIVB’s new regulations on female coaching staff in women’s competitions will be implemented in NORCECA starting in 2025, with at least one female coach mandatory per team.
NORCECA’s Development Plan represented a significant financial investment, underscoring the importance of sustainable management at the National Federation level. The commission proposed a Sports Management Program for the National Federations aimed at educating local administrators in effective management practices, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Glenn Quinlan, responsible for the Empowerment Program, highlighted his commitment to assisting small National Federations in developing a system that fosters professional growth for athletes, coaches, and referees. He emphasized the importance of creating viable career pathways in volleyball, especially in countries with limited resources. “My role is to bring the experience I have gathered over the years working with small National Federations, helping them not only establish but also sustain their development”.
Additionally, Quinlan announced that the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) is in the planning stages of implementing a Sports Management Program, which could serve as a model for NORCECA’s Development Program in this area.
Professor Nelson Ramírez presented a detailed report on the NORCECA/FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center in Santo Domingo, which he directs, with details available on the NORCECA website. NORCECA is stepping forward to implement training programs for female coaches and referees in 2025, vie the Development Center, to meet FIVB’s 2026 requirements.
The meeting concluded with Mushtaque Mohammed’s closing remarks, reaffirming “NORCECA’s dedication to pushing boundaries and advancing volleyball development from success to significance is remarkable and with everybody stepping on board we will not only accomplish our goals but go beyond”.
The final round of commission virtual meetings will take place tomorrow with the Legal Commission.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, April 3, 2025 .– The NORCECA Beach Volleyball Commission held its virtual meeting to discuss the ongoing development and future of beach volleyball within the Confederation. With a commitment to year-round competition and structured growth, NORCECA continues to strengthen its position as a global force in beach volleyball.
Cristobal Marte Hoffiz, NORCECA President, emphasized the remarkable growth and sustainability of beach volleyball in the region over the past 20 years. “In 2025, NORCECA will host 20 Continental events, 13 stages of the NORCECA Beach Tour, two stages Under-23 NORCECA Tour, the NORCECA Qualification event for the 2025 FIVB World Championship, two underage (U18 and U21) NORCECA Qualification events for the respective FIVB World Championships and two multi-sport events (Junior Panamerican Games in Asunción and Central American Games in Guatemala).
Beach Volleyball Commission president, Eduard Drakich, welcomed the commission members, expressing gratitude for the dedication of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Department and recognizing the positive impact of NORCECA’s calendar expansion. He highlighted recent international achievements, such as Cuba’s gold medal in an Elite Volleyball World Beach Pro event and Canada’s Olympic silver medal in women, emphasizing that these teams developed within NORCECA’s system.
The Beach Volleyball Department is working diligently to increase participation across more countries and to secure FIVB ranking points for zonal association events, where permanent facilities in countries such as Nicaragua, El Salvador, Bonaire, Trinidad & Tobago, and the Dominican Republic was highlighted, and which ensure the smooth organization of events and ease of travel arrangements for athletes. While the Dominican Republic remains a key hub for beach volleyball, consistently hosting several high-profile events.
Zonal associations have been in continuous growth, in which the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) was praised delivering tournaments with massive participation, as well as the Central American Volleyball Association (AFECAVOL) who has successfully launched underage Beach Volleyball events, completing the full cycle of age-group tournaments. In addition, the NORCECA Beach Tour, in coordination with AFECAVOL, has strengthened the Central American Tour, integrating four stages within the NORCECA Beach Tour.
Among the major events scheduled for 2025 is the Senior World Qualification Tournament in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, to be held before September 22, in which twelve teams per gender based on the 2024 NORCECA country rankings will compete. The Commission also discussed preparations for two U23 events leading up to Asunción, further solidifying NORCECA’s commitment to developing young talent.
A significant topic addressed was that the underage tournaments will align with FIVB’s revised age groups, U18 and U21. NORCECA U18 and U21 World Championships Qualifiers which will further showcase the Confederation’s strength in youth development. The top three countries from each of the CAZOVA and ECVA zonal qualification tournaments, the top four countries from the AFECAVOL zonal qualification tournament and all six countries from the Central Zone will compete in these Continental qualifiers.
Ariel Sainz, NORCECA First Vice-president and member of the Sports Organizing Commission, provided updates on the Junior Pan American Games to be held this year in Asunción, Paraguay. He also explained that for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games to take place in Santo Domingo, the representatives from Colombia and Venezuela must compete in the 2025 NORCECA Tour to qualify, requiring a top eight finish in the final ranking, however, for NORCECA rankings, these teams will be excluded.
Ed Drakich expressed in his closing statement, “I praise the efficiency of the meeting, and the valuable discussions held, reaffirming NORCECA’s commitment to collaboration and excellence. The Confederation’s structured approach ensures that beach volleyball continues to flourish, delivering high-level competition throughout the year”.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, April 2, 2025. – The NORCECA Confederation Refereeing Commission held its virtual meeting to discuss various resources aimed at optimizing referee performance and the training of new officials in the region.
NORCECA President Cristobal Marte Hoffiz welcomed the participants, emphasizing the key role that referees play in ensuring neutrality and the success of NORCECA competitions. Marte Hoffiz stated, “In recent years, refereeing has improved significantly thanks to a strong training program, I am pleased with the increase in the number of female referees, achieving gender balance. However, we need to continue these efforts as we aim to have more female referees and elevate the level of development we aspire to.”
Pati Rolf, President of the Refereeing Commission, expressed her enthusiasm for continuing the work initiated by former commission president Guy Bradbury and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration among the various working groups that have contributed to the training of new NORCECA referees. “The love for officiating is the driving force of our commission. We are a team within the team, pushing for excellence in our competitions,” Rolf stated.
During the meeting, reports from AFECAVOL, CAZOVA, and ECVA were presented, all with the goal of uniting efforts for a better future. Training initiatives, including virtual clinics and courses for continental referees, were discussed. A model was proposed where zonal clinics would serve as the foundation for replicating continental certification courses, allowing candidates to advance in their certification process.
The implementation of a “Knowledge Transfer” project was introduced, aiming to ensure that refereeing experience and training are backed by proper certification. Working groups will be established to design the necessary training programs, exposing that our Confederation is committed to creating opportunities for developing referees to gain experience and validate their knowledge under the supervision of instructors.
Pati Rolf emphasized the need for a training model that provides direct education during competitions while ensuring compliance with FIVB criteria regarding content and required preparation hours.
Mushtaque Mohammed, NORCECA Vice President and FIVB Development Commission President, suggested a combination of online theoretical classes before events and practical sessions during zonal tournaments, with different certification levels depending on the type of competition.
On this topic, Glenn Quinlan, NORCECA Vice President and FIVB Empowerment Commission President, outlined a project currently being planned for ECVA events. As ECVA President, he emphasized the need for the NORCECA Referee Commission’s collaboration to implement this initiative, which could later serve as a model for other zonal associations.
Andre Trottier and Jorge Villalobos presented a report on the general activities of Referee Coaches at beach and indoor volleyball events, respectively. They highlighted the progress of candidates in the 2024 referee courses held in Puerto Rico and the continuous supervision provided during the NORCECA Tour.
In beach volleyball, the 2025 NORCECA Tour, which includes fifteen stops, presents a major opportunity for referee candidates to complete their certification requirements. The importance of zonal associations nominating referees to participate in these events is a must.
Forms and reports that Referee Coaches will complete at the end of each competition were introduced. These documents will help track referees’ performance, categorization, and future assignments.
The need for the updates to the rules of the game was emphasized. Guy Bradbury highlighted three key rule adaptations for indoor volleyball, which will be explained by Referee Coaches to coaches during the preliminary inquires.
Manuel Calderón, member of NORCECA’s VIS Commission, announced that he is preparing a step-by-step guide for the use of Volley Station Pro and Volley Station Referee, stressing the importance of synchronizing both systems to ensure accurate data management. Additionally, he explained that pre-tournament clinics have been implemented during competitions to train scorekeepers and ensure proper use of these tools.
The urgent need to update NORCECA’s referee database in the FIVB VIS system was reaffirmed. Each zonal association will be responsible for compiling and providing this data.
In her closing remarks, Pati Rolf expressed gratitude to NORCECA for its ongoing support to referees, stating, “The positive work environment and our achievements in competitions and meetings like this one, are the result of NORCECA’s commitment, including that of its referees.” She added, “I am excited for the upcoming events and reaffirm that our commission is dedicated to the growth and professionalization of refereeing in the region.”
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 1, 2025.- The Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) delegation, led by Secretary General Hugh Graham – who also serves as the Executive Vice-President of the FIVB and President of the Oceania Zonal Volleyball Association (OZVA) – embarked on a week-long visit to Lausanne, Switzerland, to meet with the leadership and key departments of both the FIVB and Volleyball World.
The visit focused on strengthening collaboration, enhancing operational knowledge and reinforcing a shared vision for the global growth of volleyball.
A key highlight was a meeting with FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, where discussions centered on the continued development of volleyball around the world through the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, and the pivotal role of Continental Confederations in driving progress. The delegation also attended an insightful presentation by the FIVB General Sports Director Steve Tutton, who provided a detailed outline of the strategic vision, which emphasizes four core pillars: Professionalism, Integration, Empowerment and Mass Participation.
Throughout the week, AVC representatives engaged in detailed discussions with various FIVB departments, collaborating on a broad range of topics. These included Volleyball Empowerment and Development programs, communications and social media management, organization of corporate events, legal framework and good governance, and sustainability, which all explored initiatives aimed at ensuring the long-term growth of volleyball. Additionally, sessions with Administration, HR & Finance as well as the Legal department addressed key regulatory frameworks and governance. Technical discussions were also held with the Heads of both Volleyball and Beach Volleyball, who outlined the exciting plans for the future of each discipline under the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032.
The delegation also spent significant time with Volleyball World, the commercial arm of the FIVB, dedicated to growing the sport’s visibility and business portfolio. These discussions covered multiple aspects of the organization’s operations, including sponsorship and media strategies, marketing and digital content, technology and VBTV, finance and event management, and overall business growth.
The delegation additionally had the opportunity to explore more of Lausanne, visiting the Olympic Museum as well as the historic Lausanne Cathedral.
This visit demonstrated the shared commitment of the FIVB, Volleyball World and AVC to empower the Global Volleyball Movement and to elevate the sport globally through sharing expertise and aligning on strategic priorities.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, April 1, 2025. – The NORCECA Technical and Coaches Commission held its virtual meeting focused on coach development and knowledge transmission, aiming to strengthen volleyball within the NORCECA Confederation.
NORCECA President, Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, highlighted in his welcome speech the importance of the commission’s role and its members in fostering the growth of volleyball in the region. “Our Confederation has greatly supported the efforts of the FIVB Empowerment Program, a highly significant plan for strengthening national teams.”
During the meeting, strategic plans for 2025 and 2026 were discussed, focusing on increasing support and equipment for the National Federations most in need. Additionally, the necessity of developing national teams and coaching programs was emphasized, encouraging coaches to complete Level 1 and 2 courses, especially women. This aligns with the new FIVB regulation that, starting in 2026, will require all national women’s teams to include at least one female member in their coaching staff for international championships.
The commission’s president, Francisco Cruz Jiménez, underscored the importance of active participation from all members to address key issues and continue raising the level of volleyball in NORCECA. Cruz highlighted the need to evaluate the relationship between investment and performance in competitions, promoting an effective assessment of the impact of development programs.
The challenges faced by National Federations in various zonal associations were recognized, as well as the need to find sustainable solutions to overcome them. Among the recommendations was conducting a country-specific diagnostic of what needs to be implemented, evaluating its execution, and periodically reviewing its effectiveness.
A key discussion point was the implementation of the “Coach-to-Coach” program, designed to assess each federation’s needs and ensure proper execution through periodic reviews.
Mushtaque Mohammed, NORCECA Vice President and President of the FIVB Development Commission, stressed that the solution does not lie solely in coach training but also in improving governance within National Federations. Additionally, Mohammed emphasized the importance of efficient management in National Federations, as proper governance is crucial for the success of development programs in all aspects of the sport.
Mohammed elaborated on the idea that, besides technical training, coaches should incorporate athlete education into their development programs, define investment strategies, and work in collaboration with National Olympic Committees and local governments.
The session also included discussions on implementing training courses for coaches through the NORCECA-FIVB Regional Development Center in Santo Domingo. The need to offer refresher seminars for Level 3 coaches and to restore specialized clinics, which had been part of NORCECA programs in previous years, was also addressed.
The meeting featured the participation of John Kessel from the United States, a member of the commission, and NORCECA Vice President and Volleyball Canada President Mark Eckert, who shared experiences on empowerment programs. Kessel referenced the “Let’s Keep the Ball Flying” and “Volleyball Foundation” initiatives, which drive social development worldwide, leveraging the power of volleyball to tackle social imbalances and bring about positive social change. Meanwhile, Mark Eckert highlighted that Canada’s women’s volleyball program has benefited from the FIVB Empowerment Program, a model that helped improve their world ranking from 18th to 8th place in just four years.
Finally, Marte Hoffiz expressed his satisfaction with the session’s outcomes, noting that several proposals will be presented to the NORCECA Board of Administration for consideration. In his closing remarks, he stated, “Above all, there must be a strong will to ensure that coaching education programs and all aspects of development achieve the results we aim for.”
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, March 31, 2025. – As the virtual meetings of NORCECA commissions continued, the NORCECA Sports Organization Commission met to assess key points for establishing criteria and procedures that will guide the preparation of the Confederation’s competition calendars, including the Olympic cycle.
NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz emphasized the importance of this commission as the backbone of the Confederation, “With the planning and execution efforts of the Sports Organization Commission, we ensure effective preparation for the events in our calendar, both for 2025 and the next four years.”
Commission President Ariel Sainz highlighted, “Working together is crucial for the continuous development of volleyball. We have fundamental points that must be considered for the effective functioning of NORCECA, serving as a platform and support system for the other working commissions of the Confederation.”
The members addressed the details of two multi-sport events in 2025, as well as 14 continental tournaments and 15 stops on the NORCECA Tour, all scheduled for 2025, reinforcing the Confederation’s reputation and its impact on the development of volleyball in the region. Additionally, financial support was confirmed for all national federations for their preparation.
Besides reviewing NORCECA’s 2024 annual activity report, presented by Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, the meeting also discussed the work report presented by Sainz, who emphasized preparations for the 2025-2028 events.
Preparations for multi-sport events include technical visits, drafting technical manuals, and structuring competition calendars. This process has already been completed for the 2025 II Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay. Progress has also been made for the 2026 XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, highlighting the qualification process of Colombia and Venezuela. For the 2027 XX Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, work is underway on the qualification system, which includes the winners of the 2025 II Junior Pan American Games and the highest-ranked team from a Confederation that does not win the championship. Meanwhile, for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA, it was confirmed that the champions of the 2026 Continental Championships will qualify.
The commission’s mission is to ensure effective organization to guarantee the success of each competition. A preliminary calendar for 2026 was also established, allowing host countries to plan ahead and submit proposals to NORCECA.
The importance of setting clear procedures and criteria for selecting host cities for major events, such as Olympic and World Championship qualifiers, was emphasized. Applicant countries must have prior experience in organizing competitions of the corresponding category.
The 2025 competition regulations and the 2024 NORCECA ranking are already available on NORCECA’s website. Additionally, zonal associations (AFECAVOL, CAZOVA, ECVA) were urged to prepare zonal rankings by category, as NORCECA continues to award ranking points for all events organized by these associations.
The strategic vision of the FIVB for 2024-2032 was also reviewed, which sets 15 priorities for the development of volleyball and beach volleyball. NORCECA aims to strengthen its Continental Championships, Senior Pan American Cups, and the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour to enhance the relevance of regional events, elevating their competitive and organizational levels.
Finally, the resumption of the XIII Central American Sports Games 2025, to be held in Guatemala, was highlighted, with Carlos Enrique Santis, NORCECA’s General Secretary and President of the Guatemalan National Federation, acting as FIVB Supervisor.
Ariel Sainz concluded, “Strong foundations guide our Confederation in tackling the complexities of the 2025 calendar, with the establishment of control committees to ensure the growth and development of volleyball in the region.”
QUINTANA ROO, Mexico, March 30, 2025.- Noslen Diaz and Jorge Alayo were first acknowledged as a top team in international beach volleyball after they dominated local tournaments held in the NORCECA region. Their first major victory on the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour couldn’t, then, happen anywhere else in the world and so it was on Sunday, when the Cuban Olympians took gold in the Elite event held in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
With the vast support of the home fans, Diaz and Alayo emerged as the top team of the first Elite event of 2025 after beating the Argentinean Capogrosso brothers Nicolas and Tomas in the gold medal match at Playa del Carmen. American qualifiers Chaim Schalk and James Shaw completed the podium in Mexico and took bronze.
Watch the Beach Pro Tour Quintana Roo Elite matches on demand on VBTV
Diaz, 22, and Alayo, 23, completed an undefeated campaign that saw them beat seven different teams in Mexico, including reigning world champions Ondrej Perusic and David Schweiner of Czechia, while dropping just one set with a 2-0 (21-13, 24-22) victory over the Capogrosso brothers on Sunday’s gold medal match.
DIAZ Y ALAYO CUBA
“We feel at home here in Mexico,” Diaz remarked. “The Mexicans are very supportive of us, and I got to meet many Cubans who were cheering on us as well this week. I hope they all enjoyed this incredible event.”
Competing regularly on the Beach Pro Tour since 2023, the Paris 2024 Olympians had been in Beach Pro Tour finals three times before, all of them in Challenge events, but were yet to win gold. Heading to Quintana Roo, the two, who also took silver at the 2023 Pan-American Games, had achieved their best result at the Elite level in Mexico, where they took bronze in Tepic last year.
“It’s our first gold medal in an Elite event and I’m very grateful that it happened here in Mexico,” Alayo reacted. “The fans were amazing, I want to thank them, my coach and my partner for this victory.”
Their opponents in Sunday’s gold medal match, Nicolas and Tomas Caprogrosso were also pursuing their first gold medals in a Beach Pro Tour Elite event. They had, however, to settle for silver for a second straight time after finishing second also at the tournament held in Rio de Janeiro last November.
The third team to step on the podium in Quintana Roo, Americans Schalk and Shaw secured their first medal as partners in their fifth event sharing the same side of the court. The two started this week’s event in the qualifier and secured five wins in seven matches, the most notable of them against reigning Olympic champions David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig of Sweden in the quarterfinals.
On Sunday, they rewarded their excellent week with a piece of silverware after prevailing over the new Dutch team of Alexander Brouwer and Steven van de Velde 2-0 (21-19, 21-16) in the bronze medal match.
After a one-week break, the Beach Pro Tour will return with another Elite event in Saquarema, Brazil, from April 9-13.
QUINTANA ROO, Mexico, March 30, 2025.- Americans Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft captured the silver medal at the first Elite event of the 2025 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour which came to an end on Sunday in Quintana Roo Mexico, while Kristen Nuss and Taryn (Kloth) Brasher, also representing the United States, won the bronze medal.
Watch the Beach Pro Tour Quintana Roo Elite matches on demand on VBTV
In the gold medal match, Cannon and Kraft fell 0-2 (13-21, 17-21) against Brazilians Carol and Rebecca, who competed as partners for the first time at the international level.
Cannon and Kraft have a lot to take from the Quintana Roo event as they managed to continue in great form and extend their streak of podium appearance in Elite events on the Beach Pro Tour to five – they won four silver and one bronze medals in the period.
After taking three teams to the semifinals, the United States got to have two of them on the podium on Sunday. The top-seeded duo in the event, Nuss and Brasher claimed the last available spot with a 2-0 (21-16, 21-14) victory over compatriots Kelly Cheng and Molly Shaw on Sunday’s bronze medal match.
It was the 14th medal won by the Paris Olympians since they started competing internationally in 2022. Nuss and Brasher now have eight gold, three silver and three bronze medals, with ten of those coming in Elite events.
After a one-week break, the Beach Pro Tour will return with another Elite event in Saquarema, Brazil, from April 9-13.
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, March 30, 2025.– The Mets de Guaynabo became the fourth semifinalist of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) after dominating Section A of the quarterfinals with a third consecutive victory over the Changas de Naranjito.
The Mets de Guaynabo defeated the Changas de Naranjito 3-0 (25-20, 26-24, 25-23) on Sunday at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum. Despite the loss, Naranjito fought until the last play of each set.
In the semifinals, the Mets de Guaynabo will face the Criollas de Caguas in Series A. Meanwhile, Series B promises to be a memorable battle between the defending champions, the Cangrejeras de Santurce, and the runners-up of the last tournament, the Atenienses de Manatí. The semifinals will begin on April 4.
During the quarterfinal match, the Changas were close to taking the second set with a 23-20 lead, but a 6-1 run by the Mets denied them the opportunity. In the third and decisive set, Naranjito came within 23-24, but a service error cost them the match and ultimately their postseason hopes.
Naranjito ended the season without securing a single road victory, including this quarterfinal series.
The Mets’ offense was led by Rebecca Latham with 16 points, supported by Valeria Flores and Paola Santiago, who each contributed 14 points.
For Naranjito, the top scorer was Genesis Collazo with 11 points.
Statistically, Guaynabo dominated in key areas, holding advantages in attacks (41-38), blocks (10-8), aces (8-2), digs (51-48), receptions (31-29), and assists (18-14).
QUINTANA ROO, Mexico, March 29, 2025.- Led by Americans Chaim Schalk and James Shaw, who eliminated reigning Olympic champions David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig of Sweden in just their sixth tournament as partners, teams from four different countries advanced to the men’s semifinals of the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Elite event held in Quintana Roo, Mexico, on Saturday.
Sunday, the last day of action of the first Elite tournament of the 2025 season, will start at the Playa del Carmen with the semifinals, which will have the Americans facing the Argentinean Capogrosso brothers Nicolas and Tomas at 11:00 local time (16:00 GMT) and Cubans Noslen Diaz and Jorge Alayo meeting the new Dutch team of Alexander Brouwer and Steven van de Velde one hour later. The gold medal match is scheduled for 16:00 local time (21:00 GMT), with the dispute for bronze starting one hour earlier.
Watch the Beach Pro Tour Quintana Roo Elite live on VBTV
Schalk, 38, and Shaw, 31, produced arguably the most shocking result of the still young Beach Pro Tour season so far in the quarterfinals, when the Americans, who started the tournament in the qualifier, took down Åhman and Hellvig in the tie-breaker (21-19, 13-21, 15-8) to secure their first semifinal appearances as partners. With the upset, the Swedes will miss the podium for just the second time in their last 13 Beach Pro Tour events.
The Americans will now face the Capogrossos for a second-straight day after falling to the South Americans in straight sets (21-17, 22-20) in the Round of 12 earlier on Saturday – Schalk and Shaw still advanced despite the defeat as one of the two best losing sides.
The American victory wasn’t, however, the only upset in the quarterfinal round in Quintana Roo. One hour earlier, Cuban Olympians Diaz and Alayo had stunned reigning world champions Ondrej Perusic and David Schweiner of Czechia, knocking them out with a 2-1 (16-21, 21-14, 15-11) victory in Mexico.
Earlier, in the Round of 12, the Caribbean had gotten the better of Norwegians Hendrik Mol and Mathias Berntsen, winning in two sets (21-18, 21-17).
QUINTANA ROO, Mexico, March 29, 2025.- Beach volleyball powerhouse the United States will fight for gold in the first Elite event of the 2025 Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour season on Sunday in Quintana Roo, Mexico, against Brazil.
The last two teams standing in the event held at Playa del Carmen, USA’s Terese Cannon/Megan Kraft and Brazil’s Carol Salgado/Rebecca Cavalcanti will duel in the gold medal match at 14:00 local time (19:00 GMT). A second American team is guaranteed to step on the podium as Kristen Nuss/Taryn Brasher and Kelly Cheng/Molly Shaw will compete in the bronze medal match one hour earlier.
Watch the Beach Pro Tour Quintana Roo Elite live on VBTV
Cannon and Kraft path to the gold medal match on Saturday, started the day with a 2-1 (21-15, 18-21, 15-9) victory over FIVB World Ranking leaders Svenja Müller and Cinja Tillmann of Germany in the quarterfinals and getting a clean sweep (21-18, 21-19) against Cheng and Shaw in the semifinals a few hours later.
The Americans got a second chance in the tournament after losing to Cheng and Shaw on Friday, in the Round of 12, as they still advanced to the quarterfinals as one of the two best losing sides.
“The new format is interesting,” Kraft remarked. “We had to bounce back as quickly as we could. They’re a really good team and we knew they would give us a good game. We were happy to get a second life in the tournament and just tried to make the most of it.”
Partners since 2023, the Americans have been in great form since the 2024 season and will, in Mexico, get into the podium for a fifth-straight Elite tournament on the Beach Pro Tour. The two, however, are yet to win gold at the international level.
Brazilians Carol and Rebeca, in their second Beach Pro Tour event as partners (and the first at the Elite level), needed the tie-breaker (18-21, 21-13, 15-10) to eliminate the Austrian Klinger sisters Dorina and Klinger in the quarterfinals before sweeping (21-17, 21-11) the top-seeded Nuss and Brasher in the semifinals.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, March 29, 2025. – The Cangrejeras de Santurce swept their quarterfinal series in Section B of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) against the Valencianas de Juncos after securing their third consecutive victory.
The Cangrejeras defeated the Valencianas 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-17) on Saturday at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in San Juan.
With two sets in their favor, the Cangrejeras sealed the victory after dominating the second technical timeout of the third set with a 16-13 lead. Neira Ortiz attacked through the middle, Helena Grozer scored from zone four, and Ortiz struck again with two consecutive attacks. A block on Markenzie Benoit extended the lead to 20-13, a deficit that Juncos could not recover from.
Santurce reached set point at 24-17 with a powerful cross-court attack from Tamara Otene in zone four, then secured the win on the next play with an ace from Cristina Martínez.
Helena Grozer led the Cangrejeras with 15 points (13 attacks, 1 block, and 1 ace). Andrea Rangel contributed 14 points, while Tamara Otene added 13. For Juncos, Jaylen Hodge stood out with 16 points.
The Cangrejeras outperformed the Valencianas in attacks (46-33), blocks (9-7), and assists (18-12). Juncos had the advantage in aces (5-2), digs (45-38), and receptions (31-27).
In the semifinals, the Cangrejeras will face last season’s runners-up, the Ateniensesde Manatí, who advanced directly to this stage after finishing second in the regular season.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, March 29, 2025.– In recent years, the NORCECA Confederation has been a leader in anti-doping controls, with a growing commitment to ensuring the education and health of athletes, which was reinforced during the organization’s Medical Commission virtual meeting.
Under the leadership of NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, the Confederation has been a pioneer in conducting anti-doping tests, including testing in junior and youth competitions for several years.
Dr. Víctor Figueroa, President of the Medical Commission, expressed his gratitude to the members for being part of the commission and highlighted their commitment during competitions.
Dr. Figueroa emphasized, “NORCECA has reached agreements with local anti-doping agencies, leading to significant progress in complying with international regulations. The Medical Commission has undergone major changes with the inclusion of new members and the definition of specific duties for medical delegates, which have been extensively discussed with the members.”
During the Medical Commission meeting, key topics were addressed to improve the performance of medical delegates and strengthen their role in sports events. NORCECA has implemented clear procedures that have been in practice for several years, which were presented to the FIVB with the aim of being replicated in international events.
The well-being of athletes and referees remains a priority for the commission. It was highlighted that athletes must be well-informed about medication use and anti-doping regulations. NORCECA expects medical professionals to contribute their expertise for the benefit of athletes while maintaining trust, confidentiality, and loyalty.
The commitment to making decisions in the best interest of volleyball and NORCECA was reaffirmed, avoiding conflicts of interest. Medical Commission members must meet annually for updates, participate in working groups, and maintain constant communication to share insights and improve processes.
In Dr. Víctor Figueroa’s report, the responsibilities of the medical delegate during competitions were outlined, including: ensuring the presence of local medical personnel before the competition; verifying medical facilities and doping control areas; ensuring the availability of sports medical staff during training and matches; explaining medical protocols in preliminary meetings; verifying the proper completion of medical forms; conducting medical check-ups for referees; supervising the adequate nutrition and hydration for teams; collecting injury forms; acting as a safeguarding officer for athletes and referees; and ensuring that all teams have medical insurance.
At NORCECA events, anti-doping education has been provided to athletes before competitions, and this practice will continue as part of its educational program. The goal is to raise awareness of the consequences of using prohibited substances and their serious health risks, therefore all competition regulations establish that athletes must complete the FIVB “Play Clean” program, with medical delegates reinforcing compliance.
Although alcohol testing is no longer mandatory, if requested, all necessary elements must be made available to conduct the tests.
NORCECA has signed an agreement with the Pan American Regional Anti-Doping Organization (ORAD-PAN) for sample collection during competitions, with the medical delegate responsible for facilitating and supervising the process to ensure efficiency.
In 2024, all anti-doping tests conducted at NORCECA events returned negative results. For 2025, the agreement and testing will continue across all competitions, reaffirming NORCECA’s commitment to athlete health.
Significant advances have been made in medical care, and the work of the Medical Commission remains essential for its implementation.
NORCECA’s virtual commission meetings will continue until April 5, with the next meeting, scheduled for March 31, bringing together the members of the Sports Organization Commission.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, March 27, 2025.- In what was a highly productive meeting this week, the FIVB team met with key representatives from the Canton de Vaud of Switzerland. With collaboration opportunities in mind, discussions centered around impactful social projects and the growth of volleyball and sport in the canton.
Representing the FIVB were President Fabio Azevedo; Volleyball World Chairman Fernando Lima; FIVB Finance and Administration Director Giuseppina Rigamonti; Head of International Affairs and Communications Anna Manuelian, and Head of Volleyball Alise Kessler.
The Canton de Vaud was represented by President of the Council of State of Vaud Christelle Luisier Brodard ;DeputyHead of Physical Education and Sport Raoul Vuffray, and Director of the Lausanne Olympic Capital Foundation Sébastien Griesmar.
A key focus of the meeting was the presentation of the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, a long-term plan aimed at strengthening the global volleyball ecosystem through four core pillars; Professionalism, Integration, Empowerment and Mass Participation. These principles aim to make volleyball even more accessible and impactful, bringing people together, inspiring positive societal change and ensuring a brighter future for the sport.
The FIVB team also showcased a series of social impact projects that reflect the Federation’s commitment to using volleyball as a tool for positive change in the world.
Another key topic was partnership opportunities between the FIVB and the Canton de Vaud. As the home of the FIVB headquarters, the Canton de Vaud plays a crucial role in supporting international sport. Both sides expressed a shared interest in strengthening collaboration for future initiatives.
During the meeting, President Fabio Azevedo highlighted the strong leadership of Madame Luisier Brodard, stating:
“The leadership of President Christelle Luisier Brodard has been instrumental in ensuring a positive and supportive environment for the growth of volleyball and sport in a region so often seen as the heart of the Olympic Movement. We are grateful for her ongoing commitment to our shared goals and the continued strong relationship between the FIVB and the Canton de Vaud.”
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, March 29, 2025.- The FIVB delegation, led by President Fabio Azevedo, recently met with the German Volleyball Federation (DVV) to discuss the sport’s development in Germany. Discussions focused on the impact of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program, recent success of volleyball athletes from Germany, and plans for the future as the two organizations explored additional collaboration opportunities.
The German delegation was represented by DVV President Markus Dieckmann and CEO René Beck.
A key focus of the meeting was reviewing the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program’s contributions to volleyball in Germany. To date, the FIVB has invested CHF 288,000 across four projects, primarily supporting coaching development to enhance the performance of national teams. This investment has already led to significant milestones, including the women’s national team qualifying for the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025 in Thailand, the men’s national team securing a spot at the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 in the Philippines, and the girls’ U19 national team earning qualification for the FIVB Volleyball U19 World Championship 2025 in Croatia and Serbia.
The discussions also centered around FIVB and Volleyball World’s global strategies and priorities, the current status of volleyball in Germany, key challenges and potential solutions, future collaborations, including funding and marketing initiatives, and shared targets for the sustainable development of volleyball in the country.
Another key topic was Germany’s recent success in international volleyball and beach volleyball, particularly at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 with Nils Ehlers and Clemens Wicklerwinning silver medal in beach volleyball.
The FIVB and DVV also explored opportunities to host future FIVB events in Germany, reflecting the country’s position as a key market for volleyball.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to ongoing collaboration, ensuring that German volleyball continues to grow at all levels, in line with the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032. The stage is set for an exciting future for volleyball in Germany.
NARANJITO, Puerto Rico, March 29, 2025.– In the continuation of the Section A quarterfinals of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), held at the legendary Gelito Ortega court in Naranjito, the Mets de Guaynabo secured their second consecutive victory over the Changas de Naranjito, putting them just one win away from the semifinals.
The Mets de Guaynabo defeated the Changas de Naranjito 3-1 (25-19, 17-25, 26-24, 25-23).
With the match tied at one set apiece, the third set proved to be the most intense, extending into extra points, where the visiting team emerged victorious by holding off the home team’s surge.
In the fourth set, Naranjito refused to back down, making a strong push in the final phase, but was unable to complete the comeback. Guaynabo reached set point (24-19) with a powerful spike from Rebecca Latham. Although Changas scored four consecutive points, a hitting error by Génesis Collazo sealed the match.
Rebecca Latham once again stood out as Guaynabo’s key player, scoring 27 points, including 25 attacks and two blocks. Paola Santiago contributed 20 points, while Valeria Flores added 13.
For Naranjito, Adanna Rollins led the scoring with 27 points, followed by Aury Cruz with 14 and Génesis Collazo with 13.
The Mets dominated in attacks (62-50) and digs (80-60). Both teams recorded three aces, while the Changas led in blocks (17-13), receptions (42-35), and assists (23-16).
The Section B quarterfinals between the Cangrejeras de Santurce and the Valencianas de Juncos will continue with their third match on Saturday, March 29, at 8:12 PM at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum. Santurce leads the series 2-0, and a victory would send them to the semifinals against the Atenienses de Manatí.
If necessary, a fourth match would be played at the Rafael G. Amalbert court in Juncos on Monday, March 31, at 8:30 PM.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, March 28, 2025. – The NORCECA Marketing Commission met to discuss efforts aimed at strengthening the institution through the implementation of strategic plans designed to attract regional and local sponsorships.
This marks the third session of NORCECA’s working commissions, all of which have been held online.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to developing and strengthening the local market at each event, with the goal of generating revenue for the Confederation and supporting local sponsorships.
In his opening remarks, NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz highlighted the Confederation’s commercial relationship with MIKASA, its main sponsor, “NORCECA and MIKASA Corporation established a historic, long-term partnership through which we have provided equipment and balls for volleyball and beach volleyball events. With this in mind, I want to emphasize that we can explore the possibility of establishing new regional sponsorships with medium-term contracts, thereby expanding the Confederation’s financial support and visibility”.
Marketing Commission President Carlos Beltrán led the discussions with a focus on the importance of self-management within the organization, “Our efforts must be more proactive and collective to create greater opportunities that attract sponsors. We need to establish clear terms and conditions for commercial agreements that will allow NORCECA and its members to take the next step in the development of volleyball in the region”.
Commission members shared their insights and proposals based on their experience, emphasizing the need for a solid Marketing Plan to serve as a guide for event organizers. Going forward, event organizers will be required to submit a marketing plan, ensuring that each event has defined strategies to attract sponsors and a larger audience.
Key elements of the strategic plan include identifying potential global sponsors through in-person negotiations and long-term public relations efforts. Sponsorship models based on “in-kind” contributions remain beneficial alliances for both brands and event organizers. Additionally, promotional strategies may be adapted according to the age group of the events.
Broadcasting through local and international television, as well as digital media, is vital for NORCECA’s growth, ensuring visibility for the sport, if good-quality production is guaranteed to appropriately project the organization’s image.
The Marketing Commission will seek to implement a support system and advance planning for countries hosting an event for the first time.
NORCECA continues to work on innovative strategies to strengthen its presence, ensuring that each event is successful both in terms of organization and impact on the sports community.
NORCECA’s commission meetings will continue with the Medical Commission.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, March 27, 2025 – The President of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), Fabio Azevedo, joined in expressing condolences to the Arias Family following the passing of Ricardo Arias, the “Father of Dominican Volleyball,” who passed away recently in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
President Fabio Azevedo sent a warm felt letter addressed to the Family of Ricardo Arias on behalf of the FIVB in which he underlined that Ricardo Arias was more than a coach, he was a visionary, a mentor and a role model for many athletes.
“His passion and unwavering dedication to volleyball transformed the sport in Dominican Republic and beyond, and his influence reached far beyond the court. He helped to shape not only skilled athletes but also strong and confident individuals”.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ricardo was a cherished colleague and friend, whose kindness, knowledge and support was appreciated by many.
Azevedo’s words offer comfort to the Family of Ricardo Arias, “May you find comfort in knowing that he left an indelible mark which will be felt for generations to come, and that his spirit will continue to live on through our sport”.
President Fabio Azevedo and the FIVB send out heartfelt sympathies as they join not only his family, but his friends, his colleagues as well as the volleyball and sports communities in the Dominican Republic and beyond in celebrating his life and honouring his contributions to volleyball.
JUNCOS, Puerto Rico, March 27, 2025. – Defending champions Cangrejeras de Santurce are just one victory away from advancing to the semifinals of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) after defeating Valencianas de Juncos 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 25-19) at the Rafael G. Amalbert court.
With a two-set lead, the Cangrejeras maintained control in the third. After the second technical timeout, a block against Emily Elliot put them ahead 19-15.
Juncos closed the gap to 18-19 thanks to an attack from Kelly Sánchez from zone four, but two errors by the home team allowed the Cangrejeras to regain a 21-18 lead, never looking back.
Santurce secured the set with two consecutive blocks, reaching 23-18. They earned match point at 24-18 after an off-target attack by Emily Elliot and sealed the victory at 25-19 with an attacking error from Hodge in zone four.
The statistics reflected Santurce’s dominance: 31-28 in attacks, 10-4 in blocks, 5-4 in aces, 52-47 in digs, and 12-11 in assists. Juncos had led in receptions (30-18).
On the offensive side, Andrea Rangel and Tamara Otene led the Cangrejeras with 14 and 11 points, respectively. For Juncos, only Emily Elliot reached double digits, scoring 11 points.
The next match in this Section B quarterfinal series will take place on Saturday, March 29, at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum, home of the Cangrejeras de Santurce, starting at 8:12 p.m.
In the other quarterfinal series, corresponding to Section A, the Mets de Guaynabo (1-0) will face the Changas de Naranjito (0-1) this Friday, March 28, at the legendary Gelito Ortega court at 8:00 p.m.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, March 27, 2025. – The Technical, Statistics, and Volleyball Information Systems (VIS) Commission held a virtual meeting in preparation for an exciting 2025 filled with events and advancements in volleyball statistics.
The President of the Technical, Statistics, and VIS Commission, Judith Sandino, highlighted during the commission meeting the importance of maintaining the standard of work, strengthening the statistical area, and reaffirming the commitment to continuous improvement.
The meeting was key to consolidating the management of Volley Station Pro and enhancing work interconnection as growth opportunities for the VIS supervisors appointed to NORCECA competitions.
In addition to the Commission’s report, members discussed the reports presented by NORCECA’s Zonal Associations. Commission members Manuel Calderón and Claudia Rivera were responsible for the reports from the North and Central Zone (NCVA) and the Central America Zonal Association (AFECAVOL), respectively. Both highlighted the progress within their respective zones. NORCECA Vice President Mushtaque Mohammed presented the developments in the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA), while Glenn Quinlan outlined the improvements and advancements made by the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA).
Among the most significant achievements of the Commission was the collaborative work with the Refereeing Commission to integrate the electronic scoresheet and tablets used in events, ensuring proper correlation of information.
Discussions focused on ensuring VIS delegates actively engage alongside competition directors to certify that the personnel responsible for the electronic scoresheet records the information accurately and promptly, maintaining match control.
The constant updating of refereeing officials and the implementation of technological tools will facilitate match development.
A detailed manual will be established for managing the electronic scoresheet, including clear steps and criteria for individual awards. Additionally, practical clinics will be developed to test the systems and train the technical team in their use.
NORCECA has made the necessary efforts and measures to integrate VIS with Volley Station, aligning with FIVB standards, optimizing data collection and management, and improving the quality of statistical analysis. Although the transition to the new system has been challenging, significant progress has been made.
One of the key factors driving the VIS Commission is the continuous development and training of local personnel, contributing to the preparation of new delegates to strengthen the system in NORCECA’s zonal tournaments through enhanced technical support and technology.
The impact of statistics on the development of national teams is crucial, as they provide essential data on athletes’ performance.
As the meeting progressed, it evolved from a series of report presentations into a dynamic working session addressing specific issues related to the timely management of statistics.
Manuel Calderón presented a Zonal Development Plan focused on the standardization and strengthening of zonal associations. The goal is for each National Federation or Zonal Association to have VIS supervisors, reinforcing the statistical structure to ensure continuous growth.
With these advancements, the VIS Commission reaffirms its commitment to continuous improvement, the efficient use of technology, and the professionalization of volleyball in the region.
The next NORCECA Working Commission meeting will be led by the Marketing Commission.
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, March 27, 2025 .– The Mets de Guaynabo kicked off Section A of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) quarterfinals on the right foot by defeating the Changas de Naranjito 3-1 (25-19, 25-23, 20-25, 25-17).
Facing two sets down, the Changas managed to maintain a more solid passing game, allowing them to execute a fast attack from the wings and extend the match to a fourth set.
The top scorers for the Mets victory were Rebecca Latham, who tallied 28 points (25 in attacks, 2 blocks, and one ace); Paola Santiago with 20; Valeria Flores with 15; and Alejandra Argüello with 11.
Maria Clara Carvalhaes of Guaynabo
For Naranjito, which has yet to secure a win on the road this season, the best scorers were Adanna Rollins with 23 points, Génesis Collazo with 16, and Taylor Trammell with 11.
Guaynabo was superior in attacks (63-56), blocks (14-9), digs (96-89), and receptions (38-33). Naranjito led in aces (4-3) and assists (31-20).
Series A will continue next Friday at the legendary Gelito Ortega court in Naranjito, starting at 8:00 p.m.
In Section B, the quarterfinals will resume on Thursday, March 27, at the Rafael G. Amalbert court in Juncos, where the Valencianas will host the Cangrejeras de Santurce, who claimed victory in five sets in their first encounter.
March 26, 2025.- Mexico’s women’s volleyball team is moving forward with a new sense of purpose. The program is gaining better coaching, stronger training and more opportunities to grow through the support of FIVB Volleyball Empowerment. The goal was not only to improve results, but to also build a system where athletes feel supported and confident – an approach that is already making a difference on and off the court.
The women’s program is experiencing a shift driven by new ideas and renewed direction. The Empowerment initiative has provided the platform to introduce structural improvements, focused development plans and a stronger framework for long-term growth. What once felt fragmented is gradually being shaped into a clearer pathway for players and staff alike.
“For years our national women’s team has been nurtured by very talented young people who have trained from the youth categories at the national and international level,” said Mexican Volleyball Federation (FMVB) President Jesús Perales Navarro.
“We’ve always been known for having young and very brave teams across all categories. One of our biggest challenges was losing experienced players who had stood out at the professional level. But thanks to the excellent work of coach Nicola Negro, the national team – made up of very young girls playing in the NCAA – developed a new style of play and strong potential for the future.”
Mexico’s Key Achivements with Volleyball Empowerment
Since 2020, Mexico has received more than CHF 1 million in Empowerment support from FIVB, focused primarily on technical leadership. In 2023, the program delivered CHF 108,000 through application-based support and CHF 274,000 in targeted support. In 2025, the Empowerment support has entered its most significant phase yet, with CHF 320,000 allocated for a further 12 months of coaching support.
“For us as a country, this marked a turning point in Mexican volleyball,” Perales said. “It was a radical change from the start, as we had always relied on local coaches to lead our national teams. When Petry arrived, we began to see a new way of working – how we trained, how we prepared for competitions, and how we approached match analysis. Later, when Nicola and his team joined, this transformation grew stronger. The demands on the team increased, the players’ commitment to the national team deepened, and both the pace and quality of training improved. It created a new mindset and a stronger sense of belonging among our athletes.”
Perales said the arrival of experienced coaching and consistent support helped reshape the program.
“The Empowerment program has made a real difference, especially through coaches who adapted their training systems across all categories. The support, including materials and funding for experienced coaches, has transformed the national team,” he said. “This support has helped us build a stronger foundation, which we hope will shape our future senior team. We have young players with great potential and physical ability who will strengthen the team.”
“The work, discipline and clear objectives of each team member, all guided by coach Nicola Negro, helped our team reach a higher level with the support of the Empowerment program. We trained in better conditions, and this brought us closer to our coach’s system and style of play,” he added.
As the team prepares for the FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championship, Perales said the program is focused on every detail.
“We have worked together with the technical team to prepare for the start of the season,” he said. “The physical trainer monitors each athlete’s progress daily, and we’re organising tournaments at home to help create the best possible conditions for the team before the World Championship. We’re also planning pre-camps and friendly matches.”
He said Negro’s tactical approach has brought a new rhythm and identity to the team.
“Nicola Negro gave another perspective to our game, taking advantage of and playing with the physical conditions that our team presents, adapting a faster game that makes it more complicated when playing against our country.”
Mexico’s results are already telling the story. Since 2021, the team has participated in three editions of the Women’s Pan American Cup, the NORCECA Senior Continental Championship and the Central American and Caribbean Games.
From 2023 onwards, their performances have stepped up. Mexico secured a silver medal at the U23 Pan American Cup in 2023, bronze at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, silver at the 2024 NORCECA Women’s Final Four and bronze at the 2024 NORCECA Women’s Final Six. Several players have earned places in tournament Dream Teams, including awards for best blocker, best attacker and notably best setter at the 2023 Pan American Games.
“It has had a major impact and is very important for our national team. The Mexican Olympic Committee (COM) and the National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport (CONADE) continue to support international events in our country because they recognize our team’s potential and what it can achieve,” said Perales.
“The support has given us the tools to evaluate the current state of our program, and from there, start building with stronger foundations,” he added. “We are now working to define roles and responsibilities within the program to build a stronger structure for the future. This has helped players feel more supported and confident. The change in direction is giving athletes a better environment to grow. It’s not just about training harder — it’s about training smarter, knowing our goals, and trusting that there’s a system behind them guiding the way.”
Athletes themselves recognize the shift.
“In my opinion, it had a big impact, and all for the better,” said Grecia Castro. “From the very beginning, when we were able to bring in a new staff, it had an impact because it gave us the chance to see volleyball in a different way than what we were used to. I’m preparing in the same way I always have – with consistency and a lot of sacrifices, staying focused and always trying to bring out the best version of myself. Because I feel that having learned so much has opened the door to new teams for me.”
“The FIVB Volleyball Empowerment support has helped us in the best way possible, as it gave us the opportunity to have a highly professional foreign coach, with a lot of experience, and we’ve seen quite a few changes since he joined the Mexican women’s national team,” captain Jocelyn Urias said.
“We’ve significantly improved our level. With the preparation for the World Championship, I feel we will be much better prepared than in previous years, as there have already been more Mexican players abroad, whether in universities or professionally, and that expands our level. Having the support and connections within our own staff members has helped many players who have been able to experience leaving the country and increasing their level.”
Mexico already has its eyes on the next challenges.
“The team is seeking to qualify and be on the podium in the following Central American and Caribbean Games in 2026,” said Perales. “The qualification for the second edition continues to the Pan American Games and we seek to reach the podium again, as well as the qualification for LA28.”
He said the wider impact of the program is already being felt. “It has grown considerably, as the young people of our country see our players as an example to follow. It has opened a great door for women of all ages, since in our country there is an immense number of teams in each city and this has increased the number of female teams in our maximum event, which is the Youth Festival. We have also been able to identify future talents for the national teams.”
“We are working on this to constantly improve our women’s team, seeking sponsorship and reviewing areas of opportunity to improve the teams,” he added.
“We appreciate this great support, and we are aware of how much this support has meant for the development of our national team in recent years. We are working on creating a professional league, which we know will create a great opportunity for future generations who have not yet managed to establish themselves in a team abroad. This will ensure that, by staying in constant competition, each athlete’s performance will continue to improve.”
With a renewed sense of clarity and purpose, the Mexican women’s team is transforming their game from within.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, March 25, 2025. – The Cangrejeras de Santurce claimed victory in the opening match of Section B in the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) quarterfinals, defeating the Valencianas de Juncos 3-2 (29-27, 22-25, 26-24, 19-25, 15-12) at home in the Roberto Clemente Coliseum.
The Cangrejeras showcased resilience and skill in a match defined by intensity and strategic play.
The offensive leadership of players like Tamara Otene and Andrea Rangel proved crucial, especially in the final points of each set. Meanwhile, Juncos demonstrated strong blocking but failed to maintain key leads, allowing Santurce to capitalize on opportunities and take control of the game.
Santurce’s offense was led by Tamara Otene with 25 points, Andrea Rangel with 20, Kara McGhee with 17, and Helena Grozer with 16.
For the Valencianas, Jaylen Hodge recorded 30 points, followed by Emily Elliott with 22, Kelly Sánchez with 14, and Adriana Rodríguez with 10.
Santurce outperformed Juncos in attacks (73-68), aces (6-5), digs (94-86), receptions (57-51), and assists (22-16). The Valencianas led in blocking (12-5).
The quarterfinal series will be played in a best-of-five format, with the first team to secure three victories advancing to the semifinals.
Quarterfinal action continues with Section A as the Mets de Guaynabo take on the Changas de Naranjito on Wednesday, March 26, at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum at 8:00 p.m.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, March 26, 2025 .– The Press Commission inaugurated the virtual meetings of NORCECA’s Working Commissions, which will run until April 5.
Members of NORCECA’s Executive Committee, led by NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, had the opportunity to review the communication efforts carried out in 2024 and discuss future challenges in the field.
Press Comission
The meeting featured a presentation by Commission President Carolina Rivas, who provided an overview of communication-related activities. Yinet Cruz, NORCECA’s Community Manager, highlighted the exciting growth of the Confederation’s social media accounts. Additionally, Volleyball Canada’s Director of Communications, Jackie Skender, explained the key responsibilities of Press Delegates and Photographers during events, ensuring timely updates to NORCECA’s website and social media platforms.
Carolina Rivas emphasized that “our primary goal is to effectively manage and coordinate media coverage, ensuring a broad and positive representation of the Confederation. This includes producing press releases, managing media relations, overseeing digital communication strategies, and supporting the promotion of key events and initiatives”.
Members discussed ongoing efforts to establish strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and digital platforms to maximize the reach and engagement of volleyball audiences across the region.
NORCECA’s commission meetings will continue with the Technical, Statistics and Volleyball Information System (VIS) Commission.
YUCATÁN, México, March 23, 2025.- USA’s Devon Newberry and Jaden Whitmarsh won the bronze medal at the Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Yucatan Challenge that took place in Puerto Progreso from March 19-23.
Devon Newberry and Jaden Whitmarsh, in three Beach Pro Tour appearances as a team, the 24-year-old Americans have already collected three medals. In December, they took bronze at the Pompano Beach Futures and, earlier this month, they topped the podium at the Mount Maunganui Futures. The event in Yucatan was the duo’s first Challenge tournament. They started from the qualifiers and were seeded 31st in the 32-team main draw. After winning seven of their nine matches in Puerto Progreso, Newberry & Whitmarsh earned the bronze medal.
The all-American third-place match between Newberry & Whitmarsh and 12th-seeded Teegan Van Gunst & Kimberly Hildreth was resolved deep in the overtime of the tie-breaker. In the first set, Van Gunst & Hildreth came back from a four-point opponent lead to win it by a four-point margin. Newberry & Whitmarsh dominated the second set to level the match. The lead in the tie-breaker went back and forth a few times and the set was pushed way beyond the 15th point. After denying two opponent match points and failing to convert three of their own, Newberry & Whitmarsh finally closed it off at 2-1 (17-21, 21-15, 20-18). Newberry and Van Gunst shared the top scorer honors of the match with 23 points each.
Italy’s Valentina Gottardi & Claudia Scampoli won the gold medal in their first Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour appearance as a team beating Tanja Huberli and Leona Kernen of Switzerland, who also made their Beach Pro Tour debut as a team, 2-0 (21-17, 21-15).
WOMEN: 3. Newberry / Whitmarsh USA 4. Kim Hildreth/Teegan Van Gunst USA 8. Toni/DeBerg USA 14. Torres/ Gutierrez MEX 15. Anderson/Bauer USA 16. Scoles/Denaburg USA 24. Shields/Hodel USA 29. Vidaurrazaga /Ramirez MEX 30. Harward/Phillips USA 31. Quiggle/Loreen USA 32. Savvy/Van Winkle USA 40. Kan/Sours USA 41. Ozee/Glagau CAN 42. Roskic/Corah CAN 49. Poppinga/Lindstrom USA 50. Slabakova/Griffin USA
MEN: 6. Diaz/Alayo CUB 16. Evans/Budinger USA 19. Schachter/Pickett CAN 24. Schalk/Shaw USA 31. Bourne/Cory USA 32. Brewster/Ierna USA 39. Crabb Tr./Caldwell USA 40. Hoppe/Bradford USA 46. D. Dyner/Varela CRC 51. Lares/Carlos Andres MEX 55. Kwekel/Drost USA 56. Smith/Webber USA
COSTA NAVARINO, Greece March 21, 2025.- Dr Ary S. Graça F°, Volleyball Foundation President and FIVB Honorary Life President, received the highest honor of the Olympic Movement, the Olympic Order, during the 144th IOC Session in Costa Navarino, Greece.
The Olympic Order is the highest distinction awarded by the IOC, to recognize people who have performed remarkable services for the Olympic Movement. Notable past recipients include French President Emmanuel Macron, Pope Francis and Nelson Mandela, to name just a few, alongside numerous heads of state, royalty, athletes and distinguished figures.
IOC President Thomas Bach said:
“Throughout his long and distinguished career in sport, Ary Graça has been a true pioneer. Redefining volleyball. Championing innovation. Expanding the global reach of volleyball. And thereby also spreading our shared Olympic values to ever more people around the world. Your presidency of the International Volleyball Federation has been nothing short of transformative. Some may even say revolutionary.
“Over the past 12 years, you have led the volleyball community into a new era of progress and global expansion. Under your leadership, the sport has flourished, growing in popularity and accessibility across all continents.
“Through the FIVB Foundation, you have brought volleyball to communities worldwide, giving thousands of young people the chance to play, to dream and to build a better future. The record-breaking volleyball festival in India with 40,000 children participating is just one of many shining examples of your belief in the power of sport to inspire and unite. Your leadership in volleyball is part of a much larger legacy.”
During his acceptance speech, Volleyball Foundation President Dr Ary S. Graça F° stated:
“I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the prestigious Olympic Order. My goal has always been to showcase the incredible power of our sport. Today, I continue this mission as president of the FIVB Volleyball Foundation.
“Under the leadership of the IOC, all of us in the Olympic Movement strive to build a more peaceful and better world through sport. Through the Volleyball Foundation, we have provided opportunities to people around the globe through our sport. We have broken barriers and given hope to communities in need. We have seen first-hand how volleyball can positively shape lives, foster inclusivity and help overcome differences in a world divided by conflict.
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to create opportunities through volleyball, and receiving the Olympic Order only deepens my passion to continue this work.”
Leading the FIVB from 2012 to 2024, Dr Graça oversaw a period of remarkable progress, with innovation and opportunity as the key pillars of his mandate.
Now at the helm of the Volleyball Foundation, he remains dedicated to empowering communities worldwide through volleyball, using the sport to inspire, connect, and serve societies globally.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, March 19, 2025. – The president of the North, Central America, and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) and first vice president of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, expressed his sorrow this Wednesday over the passing of sports immortal Ricardo “Gioriver” Arias, whom he described as one of the great “Icons of Dominican Volleyball.”
Marte Hoffiz stated that volleyball in the region has lost a true enthusiast of the sport since his youth, the founder of Club Mirador, and a genuine “talent scout” for players who, after being trained at Mirador, went on to join the National Team.
“We want to express our condolences to Gioriver’s entire family, to Doña Mayo Sibilia, his children, and relatives. We have lost the father of volleyball, and we already know that he is by the Lord’s side,” he said.
He emphasized that every player of the “Caribbean Queens” from the 1990s to the present passed through the hands of Ricardo Arias. “His love and dedication to the women’s national team, in all its categories, were priceless,” he added.
Gioriver was born on February 7, 1940, and discovered his passion for volleyball at the age of 14 while studying at the Argentina High School. He later played in the senior categories with the San Carlos and Villa Francisca (Centro Social Obrero) clubs.
Twenty years later, in 1961, he pursued a career as a physical education teacher and began sharing his knowledge at Juan Bautista Safra School in Los Mina and at the United States of America High School. In 1966, he moved to Manuel Rodríguez Objío High School, where he dedicated to teaching for 35 uninterrupted years, until 1996.
Earlier, in 1972, he became an international volleyball referee and officiated two years later at the 12th Central American and Caribbean Games, Santo Domingo 1974.
He had a combined career as a coach, leading the women’s national team at the 1970 Central American Games. Four years later, he served as the head coach of the men’s national team at the Volleyball World Championship and also led the women’s junior national team at the NORCECA 1992 tournament in Santo Domingo, NORCECA 1993 in Colorado Springs, and the senior team at the 1993 Central American and Caribbean Games in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Arias founded the most successful institution in Dominican women’s volleyball, Club Mirador, on July 14, 1970, along with his wife, Mayo Sibilia, journalist Bienvenido Rojas, and Francisco Antonio Santos Saviñón, who was the organization’s first president.
Gioriver Arias’ contributions to Dominican volleyball have been recognized at the highest levels. More than 80 percent of the players who have been part of the national teams at different stages, youth, junior, and senior categories, have passed through his hands and his club.
Arias and his wife, Mayo Sibilia, made personal sacrifices, offering their home as a sports residence and using their personal vehicle to transport and support young athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds across the country.
Gioriver played key roles at every level of volleyball, as a player, referee, coach, associate director, federation leader, technical delegate for various national teams and categories, member of NORCECA’s Coaches Commission, and as Club Mirador’s head coach at the Club World Championships.
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, March 18, 2025. – The Mets de Guaynabo secured fourth place in the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) after defeating the Valencianas de Juncos, setting up a quarterfinal matchup against the Changas de Naranjito.
The Mets claimed a dramatic 3-2 (23-25, 25-19, 25-23, 23-25, 15-10) victory over the Valencianas at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum.
Guaynabo outperformed Juncos in attacks (62-58), service aces (5-3), and digs (84-69). Juncos, on the other hand, led in blocks (14-13), receptions (58-50), and assists (14-12).
The Mets’ offense was led by Rebecca Latham, Paola Santiago, and Valeria Flores, who scored 28, 20, and 19 points, respectively.
Despite the loss, Juncos earned one point and finished with a 5-14 record and 15 points. Their top offensive player was Jaylen Hodge, who scored 32 points: 27 in attacks, four in blocks, and one service ace.
Quarterfinal Matchups Set
The teams ranked 3rd to 6th in the regular season have advanced to the quarterfinals, divided into two sections:
Section A: Mets de Guaynabo (4th) vs. Changas de Naranjito (5th)
Section B: Cangrejeras de Santurce (3rd) vs. Valencianas de Juncos (6th)
The Criollas de Caguas (1st) and Atenienses de Manatí (2nd) have a bye to the semifinals.
The quarterfinal series will be played in a best-of-five format, with the first team winning three matches advancing to the semifinals.
The LVSF regular season will conclude on Saturday, March 22.
March 17, 2025.- The FIVB and Hellenic Volleyball Federation (HVBF) met to discuss the promising road ahead for volleyball and beach volleyball in Greece, focusing on development plans and strategic initiatives for the sport in the region.
The HVBF delegation was represented by President George Karampetsos, Secretary General Mrs Chroni Efi, Treasure Mr Veroutis John, Board Member Mr Nektarios Chalvatzis, Executive Director Mr Periklis Bakodimos and Director Mr Nikos Sofianos.
Key topics centred on the sport’s growth in Greece, with the FIVB delegation – consisting of President Fabio Azevedo, Secretary General Hugh McCutcheon and Head of International Affairs and Communications Anna Manuelian – presenting the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032 under the motto “Together as One”.
In addition, the FIVB delegation had the opportunity to visit the HVBF Headquarters to see the facilities and meet with various staff members.
The meeting also reviewed the impact of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme, through which the FIVB has invested CHF 402,000 in 11 projects in Greece, covering both coach and volleyball equipment support. In particular, the Greece men’s national team and the women’s and men’s national beach volleyball teams have received support through Volleyball Empowerment.
As part of several volleyball equipment support projects, two Gerflor Taraflex courts have been, one of which was co-funded with the CEV to equip National Federations hosting Age Group European Championships with top-tier flooring – Gerflor Taraflex Performance (9mm, 693m², three-color).
It is an exciting year for Greek volleyball, as the women’s national volleyball team has qualified for the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship for the first time in 22 years, marking a significant achievement for the sport in Greece.
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, March 16, 2025. – The Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) now has two teams directly qualified for the semifinals following Saturday night’s results.
At the Roger Mendoza Court in Caguas, the Criollas made a comeback against the Mets de Guaynabo, pushing the match to an exciting fifth set, which secured their first-place finish in the standings. Caguas had already guaranteed its direct spot in the semifinals.
With the victory, the Criollas earned two points, solidifying their record at 14-5 and reaching 42 points in the standings. The win was sealed 3-2 (21-25, 25-20, 14-25, 25-17, 15-13).
Kristin Lux led the Criollas with 16 points (13 attacks and 3 blocks), followed by Paulina Pérez with 13 points and Alba Hernández with 11.
For Guaynabo, Valeria Flores led with 23 points on offense. Despite the loss, Guaynabo earned one point, holding an 8-11 record and 23 points in fourth place.
Statistically, Caguas outperformed Guaynabo in blocks (13-8) and assists (26-21), while the Mets dominated in attacks (70-52), aces (7-3), digs (108-83), and passes (48-35).
Atenienses Sweep Cangrejeras
At the Roberto Clemente Coliseum, the Atenienses de Manatí defeated the Cangrejeras de Santurce in straight sets (25-21, 25-20, 25-23).
This victory granted Manatí three points, securing second place in the standings with a 12-7 record and 38 points, thus earning a direct spot in the semifinals. Santurce, on the other hand, did not add any points and remains in third place with a 10-8 record and 30 points.
Karla Santos was the key player for the Atenienses with 20 points, followed by Dariana Hollingsworth, who contributed 12. On the Cangrejeras’ side, Tamara Otene led with 15 points.
Valencianas Dominate Changas
The Valencianas de Juncos secured a 3-0 victory (25-15, 25-22, 25-23) on the road against the Changas de Naranjito at the legendary Gelito Ortega Court.
Jaylen Hodge stood out as the top scorer of the match with 23 points for the Valencianas, while Emily Elliot added 19. For the home team, Aury Cruz contributed 10 points.
With this result, Juncos improved its record to 5-13 and accumulated 14 points in the standings, while Naranjito, in fifth place, now holds a 7-12 record and 21 points.
March 14, 2025.- The future of volleyball in Spain is looking bright as key stakeholders from the FIVB and the Real Federación Española de Voleibol (RFEVB) came together to discuss exciting plans for the sport’s development in the region.
The Spanish delegation was represented by Felipe Pascual (President), Javer Garcia (Vice-President), and Luis Muchaga (Former Technical Director), who expressed their enthusiasm for collaborative efforts with the FIVB.
The meeting covered a range of topics aimed at strengthening the growth and visibility of volleyball in Spain. Central to the discussions was the presentation of the RFEVB’s new strategic vision, as well as exciting plans to elevate the sport at both national and international levels. The FIVB delegation, led by President Fabio Azevedo, also outlined the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, which is driven by the motto “Together as One.”
A key highlight was the review of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program’s impact in Spain. To date, the FIVB has invested CHF 324,000 across six projects, primarily focused on providing coach support to help develop the country’s national teams.
Additionally, the two organizations discussed the many successful volleyball events in the region and explored plans for hosting future FIVB events in Spain.
Spain’s national women’s team was another source of pride during the talks. The team recently secured their spot at the 2025 Women’s Volleyball World Championship in Thailand – an achievement that demonstrates the progress made in ensuring volleyball’s development across the country.
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, March 14, 2025. – In an intense Thursday night of action in the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), the Cangrejeras de Santurce, Atenienses de Manatí, and Mets de Guaynabo secured crucial victories in their respective matchups.
This week, the final stretch of the regular season, promises to be electrifying as the Cangrejeras and Atenienses fiercely battle for a direct semifinal berth.
Cangrejeras and Criollas in an Epic Showdown
At the iconic Roger Mendoza court, the Cangrejeras de Santurce allowed little room for the already-qualified Criollas de Caguas, claiming a four-set victory (25-21, 21-25, 25-16, 25-23) and securing all three points at stake.
Santurce’s superiority was evident in attack, leading 67-48 in kills, and in aces, with a 6-3 advantage. They also dominated in digs (76-64), receptions (35-31), and assists (22-19). However, Caguas had the edge in blocks, outscoring Santurce 9-7.
The Cangrejeras’ offense was commanded by Tamara Otene, Andrea Rangel, Helena Grozer, and Kara McGhee, who scored 23, 19, 17, and 15 points, respectively. For Caguas, Kristin Lux stood out with 13 points, while Diana Reyes and Paulina Pérez contributed 10 each.
With this victory, Santurce improved to a 10-7 record and 30 points, securing third place. Meanwhile, Caguas remains atop the standings with a 13-5 record and 40 points.
Cangrejeras block
Atenienses Claim Three Points Against Valencianas
At the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum in Juncos, the Atenienses de Manatí edged closer to the top spot held by the Criollas after sweeping the Valencianas (25-15, 29-27, 25-21), earning three crucial points and improving their record to 11-7 with 35 points.
Manatí did not have any players reaching double digits in scoring, with Dariana Hollingsworth, Kjersti Strong, and Karla Santos each tallying nine points. For Juncos, Jaylen Hodge was the standout performer with 24 points.
Juncos remains in last place with a 4-13 record and 11 points.
Mets Defeat Changas at the Quijote
The Mets de Guaynabo secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory (25-19, 25-19, 12-25, 25-23) at home in the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum against the Changas de Naranjito.
Rebecca Latham led Guaynabo’s offense with a stellar 24-point performance, followed by Valeria Flores, who added 17 points.
For Naranjito, Génesis Collazo was the top scorer with 19 points, while Aury Cruz, Adanna Rollins, and Taylor Trammell contributed 17, 16, and 10 points, respectively.
With this victory, Guaynabo climbs to fourth place with an 8-10 record and 22 points, while Changas drop to fifth place with a 7-11 record and 21 points.
A Decisive Weekend Ahead
LVSF action continues Saturday with three thrilling matchups.
The Atenienses de Manatí will visit the Cangrejeras de Santurce in a showdown that could determine second place or bring Santurce closer to securing the desired spot. The match is scheduled for 8:12 p.m.
Meanwhile, the Criollas de Caguas, needing just one point to clinch first place, will host the Mets de Guaynabo. Additionally, the Valencianas de Juncos will travel to the legendary Gelito Ortega court to take on the Changas de Naranjito. Both matches are set to begin at 8:00 p.m.
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, March 12, 2025. – The Mets de Guaynabo and the Criollas de Caguas delivered a thrilling showdown for their fans at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum, with Caguas securing a 3-1 victory (28-26, 27-25, 21-25, 28-26). This win makes them the first team to qualify directly for the semifinals of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF).
Caguas earned three points, improving their record to 13-4 with a total of 40 accumulated points.
The Atenienses de Manatí (10-7, 32 points) and the Cangrejeras de Santurce (9-7, 27 points) will battle for second place, which grants another direct spot in the semifinals.
Caguas had the edge in attacks (64-63) and blocks (14-9), while the Mets dominated in aces (7-2), digs (86-82), and receptions (46-41). Both teams finished with 24 assists.
The Criollas’ offense was led by Stephanie Enright with 24 points, including 20 kills, 2 blocks, and 2 aces. Kristin Lux followed with 19 points, and Sofía Victoriá added 18.
For Guaynabo, Rebecca Latham scored an impressive 37 points, with 33 kills, 1 block, and 3 aces.
With this victory, the Criollas now lead the head-to-head series against the Mets 2-1.
Newly signed Paola Santiago, who recently played in Turkey, did not see action in the match.
The Women’s Volleyball Superior League continues this Thursday, March 13, with three matches:
Santurce visits Caguas at 8:00 p.m.
The Mets de Guaynabo host the Changas de Naranjito at 8:00 p.m.
The Atenienses de Manatí travel to the Rafael G. Amalbert court to face the Valencianas de Juncos at 8:30 p.m.
March 11, 2025.- With 32 teams vying for the prestigious world champions title, the tournament will feature 64 thrilling matches over 14 competition days, hosted across four iconic cities: Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima.
The tournament will commence on August 22 with an exciting pair of opening matches at 16:00 local time (09:00 UTC). Czechia meets Argentina in Pool D while Puerto Rico faces France in Pool C. An hour later, action in Pools A and B will begin with the Netherlands meeting Sweden and Belgium competing against Cuba.
Reigning Volleyball Nations League 2024 champions and Paris 2024 Olympic gold medalists Italy will open their Pool B campaign against Slovakia in Phuket at 20:30 (13:30 UTC)
Host nation Thailand will wrap up a historic opening day, meeting Pool A opponent Egypt in front of a passionate home crowd also at 20:30 local time, but in Bangkok. Thailand, known for their fast-paced and energetic style of play, will be looking to capitalize on home-court advantage and deliver strong performances in front of their fans.
Defending world champions Serbia, aiming for a third consecutive title, will instead begin their campaign in Pool H against Ukraine on August 23 at 20:30 (13:30 UTC).
Competition in the first phase will see each pool play on alternate days, with Pools A, B, C, and D competing on August 22, 24, and 26, while Pools E, F, G, and H take the court on August 23, 25, and 27.
Following the conclusion of the pool stage, the top two teams from each of the eight pools will advance to the knockout phase, starting with the Round of 16 from August 29 to September 1. The Quarter-Finals will be held on September 3 and 4, followed by the Semi-Finals on September 6. The tournament will culminate on September 7 with the bronze medal match at 15:30 (08:30 UTC), leading into the final gold medal match at 19:30 (12:30 UTC) in Bangkok, where the next world champions will be crowned.
As the host nation, Thailand is set to provide a vibrant and unforgettable experience for players and fans alike. With top-tier volleyball action and an electric atmosphere, the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025 – the first-ever to be held in Southeast Asia – promises to be a landmark edition of the sport’s premier event.
Watch the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship 2025 live on VBTV.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, March 9, 2025.- The FIVB and the City of Lausanne leadership met at the City Hall in Lausanne, Switzerland to discuss their shared vision for the role of sport in the development of society.
During the discussions, both organizations explored exciting opportunities for future collaboration, strengthening their long standing relationship. The FIVB has been headquartered in Lausanne since 1984 and maintains strong ties with the city’s leadership.
Azebedo and Lausanne City Officials
FIVB President Fabio Azevedo led the FIVB team during the meeting with Grégoire Junod, Mayor of Lausanne and the Head of the Department of Arts and Urban Development. Also present at the meeting were Émilie Moeschler, Municipal Councilor and Director of Sports and Social Cohesion (SCS), Myriam Pasche, Head of the Sports Department, and Sébastien Griesmar, Director of the Lausanne Olympic Capital Foundation.
At the beginning of the discussions, the FIVB President outlined the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, which is founded on the key pillars of professionalism, integration, empowerment and mass participation, under the motto “Together as One”.
Both parties then shared their vision for sport as a vehicle for community development and a promotion for healthier living, whilst exploring opportunities for future collaboration to benefit the population of Lausanne and beyond.
LAUSANNE, Switzerland, March 9, 2025.- FIVB President Fabio Azevedo and the FIVB team met with Bourdanne Bello, the President of the Cameroon National Federation (NF) and the Zonal President of the African Volleyball Confederation’s (CAVB) Zone IV. The meeting saw discussions on key opportunities for volleyball’s development in both Cameroon and the wider region.
A key topic of discussion was support for Cameroon’s national teams, following the Cameroon women’s team’s successful qualification for the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship in Thailand in August/September 2025. The meeting also covered ongoing and future support provided through the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme, to both Cameroon and the wider Zone IV region of the African Volleyball Confederation (CAVB).
To date, the FIVB has contributed CHF 618,000 across 57 projects in eight countries to Zone IV, as well as CHF 208,000 across 16 projects in Cameroon, through the Volleyball Empowerment programme. This funding has aimed to enhance coach development and overall volleyball infrastructure in the regions.
Puerto Rico, March 9, 2025. – The results from Sunday night in the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) are starting to highlight just how tight the battle for the top two spots will be, as these teams will advance directly to the semifinals.
At the Juan Aubín Cruz Coliseum, the Atenienses added three more points after defeating the Mets de Guaynabo 3-1 (18-25, 25-19, 25-15, 25-16), closing in on the tournament leaders, the Criollas de Caguas, who lost to the Changas de Naranjito without earning any points.
The Atenienses now hold a 10-7 record with 32 accumulated points, just five behind Caguas. Manatí won two matches this week, both in four sets.
Manatí’s offense was evenly distributed among Dariana Hollingsworth with 19 points (14 attacks and 5 blocks), Ariana Pagán with 15, Karla Santos with 13, and Tristin Savage with 11.
The Atenienses outperformed the Mets in attacks (51 to 43), blocks (13 to 8), digs (82 to 71), receptions (38 to 30), and assists (29 to 13). Both teams recorded four service aces.
For Guaynabo (7-9, 19 points), now in fifth place, Rebecca Latham led with 23 points.
Santurce Closes the Week with Three Consecutive Wins
The Cangrejeras de Santurce dominated the Valencianas de Juncos 3-1 (25-18, 23-25, 25-17, 25-19) at the Rafael G. Amalbert court, improving their record to 9-7 with 27 points, securing third place with four matches left in the regular season.
Santurce’s top scorer was Tamara Otene with 21 points (20 attacks and 1 block), while Andrea Rangel and Kara McGhee each contributed 14 points, and Neira Ortiz added 10.
Santurce outperformed Juncos in attacks (48 to 44), blocks (17 to 8), and digs (70 to 57). The Valencianas led in service aces (5 to 3) and receptions (34 to 28). Both teams finished with 10 assists.
For Juncos (4-12, 11 points), the top scorers were Jaylen Hodge with 17 points, Emily Elliot with 13, and Adriana Rodríguez with 10.
The Cangrejeras had a perfect week, securing wins against Guaynabo, Naranjito, and Juncos.
Changas Defeat Criollas Again
The Changas de Naranjito once again defeated the Criollas de Caguas in their legendary home court, this time 3-1 (28-26, 25-20, 18-25, 29-27). The head-to-head series between both teams ended in a 2-2 tie.
With the victory, the Changas moved up to fourth place with a 7-10 record and 21 points, while the Criollas failed to add points this week, finishing with a 1-2 record, standing at 12-4 with 37 total points.
Caguas remains the tournament leader.
All of Naranjito’s wins were at home.
Andrea Serra, Aury Cruz, and Génesis Collazo led Naranjito’s offense with 19, 16, and 14 points, respectively.
For Caguas, Stephanie Enright led with 21 points, followed by 11 points from Kristin Lux and Diana Reyes, along with 10 from Alba Hernández.
Naranjito was superior in digs (103 to 88), receptions (55 to 38), and assists (28 to 26), while Caguas dominated in attacks (58 to 51) and blocks (13 to 10). Both teams recorded six service aces.
March 6, 2025.- The FIVB met with the Small Countries Association (SCA) this week to discuss key initiatives aimed at strengthening volleyball in the respective nations, including increased development support, the introduction of World Ranking points in zonal competitions and the SCA’s ambitious but realistic four-year strategic plan.
The meeting was attended by SCA President Gary Stewart, alongside Secretary General Blair Pettigrew and Treasurer Joanna McCrory. The FIVB team was led by President Fabio Azevedo, with the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) joining online.
During the meeting, the 13-member SCA outlined its vision for the future, with a focus on maximising FIVB’s Volleyball Empowerment support to enhance national teams and exploring additional funding opportunities for Zonal Associations. A key discussion point was the impact of awarding World Ranking points to Zonal competitions, which will allow for greater competitiveness and the growth of SCA events.
The FIVB’s support for the SCA continues to be significant, with over CHF 2 million invested since 2017. So far, 87 projects have been approved across 12 countries, and ten coach support development programmes are currently running in SCA’s National Federations .
Within discussions, FIVB President Azevedo outlined the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, which is founded on the key pillars of professionalism, integration, empowerment and mass participation, under the motto “Together as One”. Meanwhile, the SCA reflected on the achievements of its first 100 days under new leadership, including establishing a fixed multi-year events calendar, reconnecting with previously inactive stakeholders, and exploring a potential rebrand to elevate its profile. The organisation also shared its challenges and long-term ambitions.
The meeting demonstrated an exciting future for collaboration between the FIVB and the SCA, as both organisations look to develop volleyball, ensuring long-term growth, stronger national teams and increased global recognition through strategic investment.
March 5, 2025.- Opportunities for volleyball’s development in India was discussed this week, as Olympic champion from India, Mr Abhinav Bindra, visited the FIVB headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Meeting with FIVB President Fabio Azevedo and the FIVB team, he discussed potential collaboration opportunities to enhance volleyball in schools across India.
Abhinav Bindra became the first athlete from India to win an individual Olympic gold medal – at the Olympic Games Beijing 2008 in the men’s 10m air rifle event. He also holds the distinction of being the first athlete from India to win a World Championship gold medal in air rifle shooting.
Following his retirement from sports competition, Mr Bindra founded the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT), a nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting grassroots athletes in India through cutting-edge sports science technology. The Foundation is working with the Olympic Values Education Programme (OVEP) on the initiative across 63,000 schools in partnership with the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage (OFCH) and state governments in Odisha and Assam, in India.
During the meeting both leaders discussed opportunities to host mass participation volleyball events in India, as well as including volleyball in the OVEP programme across the country. This is in line with the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, which is built on four key principles, Professionalism, Integration, Empowerment and Mass Participation.
JUNCOS, Puerto Rico, March 5, 2025. – While the Cangrejeras de Santurce dominated the Mets de Guaynabo at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Hato Rey to claim the Metropolitan Cup, the Criollas de Caguas secured their twelfth victory of the season at the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum, maintaining their position as the absolute leaders of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League.
The Criollas de Caguas defeated the Valencianas de Juncos 23-25, 25-22, 27-25, and 25-20, earning all three available points from the match and moving closer to a direct berth in the semifinals with a 12-2 record and 37 points accumulated.
Juncos did not earn any points from the result and now holds a 3-11 record with 9 points, remaining at the bottom of the standings.
For the Criollas, Stephanie Enright and Diana Reyes both reached double digits with 14 points each, followed by Kristin Lux with 13 points. Raymariely Santos contributed 26 assists.
For Juncos, Jaylen Hodge, Adriana Rodríguez, and Lindsay Stalzer scored 22, 13, and 10 points, respectively.
Caguas outperformed Juncos 27-18 in assists. Juncos led in attacks (53-50), service aces (5-4), defenses (78-75), and receptions (54-40). Both teams finished with 12 successful blocks.
Cangrejeras Dominate the Mets
The Cangrejeras de Santurce secured a commanding 3-0 (25-21, 25-23, 25-17) victory over the Mets de Guaynabo.
With this win, the Cangrejeras lifted the trophy of the inaugural edition of the Metropolitan Cup, an award born from an alliance between both franchises that recognizes the team with the best record in their head-to-head series.
Andrea Rangel and Tamara Otene led Santurce’s offense with 15 points each.
For the Mets, Rebecca Latham stood out with 18 points, but her effort was not enough to prevent the defeat.
Santurce claimed all three available points and now sits in third place with a 7-7 record and 21 points accumulated. Guaynabo holds the same record but trails by three points, sharing fourth place with the Changas de Naranjito at 18 points.
February 3, 2025.– Over the weekend in the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF), the Cangrejeras de Santurce caused a three-way tie, while the Valencianas de Juncos defeated the Changas de Naranjito.
On Sunday, the Cangrejeras secured a 3-1 victory (25-22, 25-17, 19-25, 25-22) over the Atenienses de Manatí at the Juan Aubin Cruz Abreu Coliseum, creating a three-way tie with the Mets de Guaynabo and the Changas de Naranjito. Each team now has 18 accumulated points.
Santurce holds a record of 6-7 with 18 points. Manatí did not add any points and remains in second place with a record of 8-7 and 26 points.
The Cangrejeras’ offensive effort was evenly distributed, with Kara McGhee scoring 14 points, while Tamara Otene and Helena Grozer contributed 13 points each, and Neira Ortiz added 12.
For Manatí, Dariana Hollingsworth and Karla Santos each recorded 20 points.
Santurce dominated in blocks (12-6), while Manatí led in attacks (52-48), aces (7-4), digs (72-65), and receptions (51-41). Both teams ended with 17 assists.
On Saturday, the Valencianas de Juncos fought hard to defeat the Changas de Naranjito in a five-set thriller (25-21, 15-25, 22-25, 25-22, 15-6).
With this result, both teams earned points. The Valencianas claimed two points, breaking a four-game losing streak. Despite still being at the bottom of the standings, they improved their record to 3-10 with 9 points.
This victory marked the first win for their new head coach, Juan “Juanchi” Figueroa, who replaced Gerardo De Jesús following his resignation. Figueroa now holds a 1-1 record.
Juncos had not won since February 9, when they defeated the Atenienses de Manatí at their home court, the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum. All of the Valencianas’ victories have come at home.
The Changas earned one point and now stand at 6-9 with 18 points, tying for third place with the Mets de Guaynabo. Naranjito has yet to win an away game.
Juncos’ offensive leaders were Jaylen Hodge with 32 points (31 in attacks and one ace), followed by Emily Elliott with 23 points and Adriana Rodríguez with 12. For the Changas, Adanna Rollins led with 21 points, while Génesis Collazo contributed 18.
Juncos outperformed Naranjito in attacks (67-49), digs (81-49), receptions (51-34), and assists (17-15). Both teams registered 10 successful blocks, while Naranjito had the edge in aces (7-6).
LVSF action continues on Wednesday, March 5, with two matches: the Criollas de Caguas will visit the Valencianas de Juncos at 8:30 p.m., while Santurce will host the Mets de Guaynabo in a match set to begin at 8:12 p.m.
February 27, 2025.- The Criollas de Caguas, Changas de Naranjito, and Atenienses de Manatí secured victories on Thursday in the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF).
At the Roberto Clemente Coliseum, the “Dominican Night” took place, during which the Cangrejeras’ management gave away 3,000 tickets for the match. The Consul of the Dominican Republic in Puerto Rico, Mr. César Cedeño, performed the honorary first serve.
Caguas earned a hard-fought 3-1 (26-24, 22-25, 25-22, 25-23) victory over the Cangrejeras de Santurce.
The win improved Caguas’ record to 11 wins and only 2 losses, accumulating 34 points to remain at the top of the tournament standings. Meanwhile, the Cangrejeras dropped to fifth place with a 5-7 record and 15 points.
For the Criollas, Sofía Victoria led the offense with 20 points, followed by Kristin Lux with 13 and Julie Oliveira Souza with 10.
On Santurce’s side, Tamara Otene scored 26 points, Andrea Rangel added 19, and Helena Grozer contributed 14.
Changas Get Revenge on Mets at the Gelito
At the Gelito Ortega Coliseum, the Changas de Naranjito avenged their previous loss to the Mets de Guaynabo by sweeping them in straight sets.
Naranjito claimed a 3-0 (25-15, 25-22, 25-16) victory, securing all three available points from the match. With this win, they improved their record to 6-8 with 17 points, moving up to fourth place.
Guaynabo failed to earn any points, remaining in third place with a 7-6 record and 18 points.
The Changas’ offensive leaders were Génesis Collazo (13 points), Adanna Rollins (12), and Andrea Serra (11).
Atenienses Spoil Juan Figueroa’s Debut
The Atenienses de Manatí spoiled the debut of Juan Figueroa, the new head coach of the Valencianas de Juncos, who replaced Gerardo De Jesús. Manatí secured a 3-0 (25-16, 25-19, 25-16) victory.
Manatí’s double-digit scorers included Dariana Hollingsworth with 13 points, Tristin Savage with 12, and both Karla Santos and Kjersti Stong with 11 each.
For Juncos, Jaylen Hodge was the only player to reach double digits, scoring 15 points.
Manatí collected three points to maintain second place with an 8-6 record and 26 points. Juncos remains at the bottom of the standings with a 2-10 record and 7 points.
February 27, 2025.- The leadership of the FIVB and Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) met at the FIVB Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, to discuss opportunities for volleyball’s growth and development in Qatar.
His Excellency Secretary General Jassim bin Rashid Al-Buenain represented the QOC, while FIVB President Fabio Azevedo led discussions on behalf of the FIVB.
The meeting built on discussions held in December 2024 between the two organisations, further advancing the roadmap for volleyball activities in Qatar and the Middle East. It also further strengthened cooperation in line with the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, which is founded on the key pillars of professionalism, integration, empowerment and mass participation, under the motto “Together as One”.
Qatar has a strong history in the sport, particularly beach volleyball. Qatar’s Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan claimed bronze for Qatar at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Doha also hosts major international events, including the Beach Pro Tour Finals, and last year successfully staged the historic 2024 WAVA U20 Women’s Beach Volleyball Championship—the first-ever junior female beach volleyball tournament in the Middle East, supported by Olympic Solidarity.
February 26, 2025.- Volleyball Canada is pleased to announce that Kingston in Ontario, Canada, will be the host city of the women’s U19 Pan American Cup, which will take place at Queen’s University’s Athletics & Recreation Centre, June 24 to 29, 2025.
The local organizing committee will include Tourism Kingston, Queen’s University and the Kingston Rock Volleyball Club.
The U19 Pan Am Cup will bring together eight teams (TBA) of top age-class athletes from NORCECA – the North, Central, and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation. Many of these young athletes will go on to represent their country at the senior level at events such as the World Championships and Olympic Games.
The event was last held in Puerto Rico in 2023 and saw the U.S. win gold, followed by Mexico with silver, and host Puerto Rico winning bronze. This year, Team Canada will get to play on home soil, joining its zonal rivals for the five days of competition. Team Canada will host a week-long training camp for 18 athletes prior to competition at Queen’s University. The team will also use this training camp and tournament to prepare for the FIVB Girls’ U19 World Championship to be held in Croatia and Serbia in July.
With an active, growing volleyball community in Kingston and with support from the Ontario Volleyball Association, excitement for this event is expected to be significant. Queen’s Athletics & Recreation Centre offers an excellent host facility, fresh off hosting the 2024 U SPORTS Men’s Volleyball National Championships and with strong, nationally ranked varsity volleyball programs.
Kingston’s successful bid to host the U19 Pan Am Championships was announced to volleyball supporters this past weekend at the Queen’s Gaels men’s & women’s volleyball home playoff games.
“Kingston Rock Volleyball Club is thrilled to welcome Volleyball Canada and an international competition to our city. With a strong community of athletes, coaches, and supporters, our club continues to grow, providing opportunities for over 400 athletes between the ages of seven and 18 to develop their skills and love for the game. This event is an exciting milestone, and we can’t wait to showcase the energy and talent that make Kingston a fantastic volleyball destination”, stated Matt Somerville – Executive Director, Kingston Rock Volleyball Club.
“The U19 Pan Am Cup offers an exciting opportunity for our rising stars to compete against top opponents from across the region. This event will also serve as excellent preparation for the upcoming FIVB U19 World Championships in Croatia and Serbia following this event. Any time we play in Canada it’s special. Hosting an international tournament on home soil allows us to showcase our country’s commitment to the sport, while giving athletes the chance to gain memorable exposure and experience in front of friends, family, and the wider volleyball community”, expressed Shannon Winzer, Volleyball Canada High Performance Director (Women’s indoor)
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, February 25, 2025. – In the only match of Tuesday’s schedule in the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum, the Guaynabo Mets comfortably defeated the Naranjito Changas 3-0 (25-19, 25-13, 25-14) to claim sole possession of third place in the standings.
Guaynabo secured all three available points from the match, improving their record to 7-5 with 18 points, breaking a tie they previously held with the Santurce Cangrejeras. Naranjito failed to earn any points and remains in fifth place with a 5-8 record and 14 points.
The Mets’ offense was led by Rebecca Latham with 17 points, while Legna Hernández and Valeria Flores each contributed 15 points. For Naranjito, Génesis Collazo finished with 10 points.
Guaynabo outperformed Naranjito in attacks (50-23), blocks (7-5), aces (6-4), digs (76-52), and assists (21-8). Naranjito had the advantage in receptions (32-22).
The Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) action continues Thursday, February 27, with three matches:
Puerto Rico, February 24, 2025. – In last weekend’s matches of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), the Mets de Guaynabo closed out the sixth week with a perfect record, while the Changas de Naranjito ended the winning streak of the Criollas de Caguas.
On Sunday at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum, the Mets de Guaynabo defeated the Atenienses de Manatí 3-2 (22-25, 25-21, 25-20, 15-25, 15-10).
With this result, both teams earned points: the Mets secured two points, tying for third place with the Cangrejeras and improving their record to 6-5 with 15 points. Meanwhile, Manatí earned one point to remain in second place with a 7-6 record and 23 points, trailing the Criollas de Caguas.
Guaynabo’s top scorers were Rebecca Latham with 36 points (34 in attacks, 1 block, and 1 ace), followed by Valeria Flores with 17 points and Legna Hernández with 10.
For the Atenienses, Dariana Hollingsworth and Karla Santos each contributed 20 points, while Chareika Carrión added 16 and Tristin Savage 15.
Guaynabo outperformed Manatí in aces (8-4), while Manatí led in attacks (64-62), blocks (12-7), digs (78-64), receptions (45-44), and assists (15-13).
On Saturday, the Changas de Naranjito ended the Criollas de Caguas’ winning streak with a five-set victory (25-22, 25-22, 20-25, 22-25, 15-10) at the legendary Gelito Ortega court.
The Changas earned two points, improving to 5-7 with 14 points and moving into fourth place behind the Cangrejeras de Santurce.
The winning offense featured several players in double figures, led by Adanna Rollins with 24 points (21 in attacks and 3 in blocks), followed by Génesis Collazo with 19 and Taylor Trammel with 13.
For Caguas, Julie Oliveira Souza tallied 27 points (24 in attacks, 2 blocks, and 1 ace), followed by Paulina Pérez with 16 and Diana Reyes with 11.
Naranjito outperformed Caguas in blocks (22-9), while Caguas had the edge in attacks (67-53), digs (96-92), receptions (48-34), and assists (21-18).
HAVANA, Cuba, February 24, 2025. – With the participation of 31 coaches from four countries, the International Level 2 Coaches Course in Cuba was successfully completed.
This significant educational event lasted five days and was led by FIVB instructor Luis Muchaga from Spain. The organization was under the direction of the NORCECA/FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center, based in the Dominican Republic.
During the course, participants received specialized training in advanced coaching methodologies, aiming to strengthen their knowledge and skills in volleyball. Among the attendees, the presence of the legendary world-elite volleyball athlete Regla Torres stood out, who received her Level 2 coaching certificate upon course completion.
The closing ceremony was attended by the officials of the Cuban Volleyball Federation, led by its president, Osvaldo Idel Martínez. Also present were Dr. Yumilka Ruíz, instructor Luis Muchaga, coordinator Frank Almendariz, Nelson José Ramírez, director of the Development Center, and speaker Enrique Pacheco.
At the end of the course, participants expressed their satisfaction with the quality of the knowledge acquired and highlighted the importance of such initiatives for the development of volleyball in the region.
The event was supported by the NORCECA Volleyball Confederation and the organization of the NORCECA/FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center, reaffirming their commitment to the training and professionalization of coaches across the continent.
February 22, 2025.- On February 16, the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association, CAZOVA, held their 2025 Online Congress.
During the meeting, presided by CAZOVA President Mushtaque Mohammed, several key points were discussed, which included 2024 reports and achievements, as well as plans for 2025.
CAZOVA 2024 regional events included the U19 Men’s and Women’s Championships held in Jamaica, the U19 Men’s and Women’s Beach Volleyball Championships, which took place in Trinidad and Tobago and the Senior Men’s and Women’s Beach Volleyball Championships in Bonaire.
In addition to these important regional tournaments, CAZOVA hosted the seventh stage of the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour in Bonaire and the U23 Men’s Pan American Cup in Suriname.
This year is set to include the following CAZOVA tournaments:
· U17 Men and Women Championships in Jamaica
· U23 Women Championship in Trinidad and Tobago
· U23 Men Championship in Cayman Islands
· Senior Men and Women Championships in Bahamas
· U21 Men and Women Beach Volleyball Championships (WCQ) in Cayman Islands
· U19 Men and Women Beach Volleyball Championships in Jamaica
· U19 Men and Women Beach Volleyball Championships (WCQ) in Trinidad and Tobago
· U19 Men and Women Beach Volleyball Championships in Aruba
CAZOVA plans for 2025 will focus on the national federations to take advantage of the FIVB Empowerment Program, have more national federations hosting tournaments, increase the number of teams participating in regional tournaments, improve the administration and governance structure of national federations, workshops, referee development workshops and a beach volleyball strategic planning project (road to 2032).
NORCECA President Cristobal Marte Hoffiz, presented the NORCECA activity report and took the opportunity to acknowledge Bonaire for their excellent hosting of both a NORCECA beach volleyball continental tour event, as well as the CAZOVA beach tournament. Additionally, he praised Suriname for successfully hosting Men’s NORCECA U23 tournament.
JUNCOS, Puerto Rico, February 20, 202. – In Thursday’s action in the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF), the Mets, Criollas, and Cangrejeras all secured victories.
At the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum in Juncos, the Mets de Guaynabo edged out the Valencianas de Juncos 3-2 (13-25, 25-19, 19-25, 25-23, 25-23).
With this result, both teams earned points. Guaynabo picked up two points, improving to a 5-5 record with 13 points overall, moving up to fourth place. Juncos remains in last place but gained a point despite the loss, now standing at 2-9 with seven total points.
Rebecca Latham led the Mets’ offense with 32 points, including 28 kills and four blocks. She was followed by Valeria Flores with 19 points and Legna Hernández with 10.
For Juncos, Jaylen Hodge registered 30 points, with 27 kills and three blocks, while Lindsay Stalzer and Adriana Rodríguez contributed 16 points each.
Criollas Unstoppable
At the Juan Aubin Cruz Coliseum in Manatí, the Criollas defeated the Atenienses 3-1 (26-24, 25-22, 14-25, 25-20), earning their 10th win of the season.
The Criollas de Caguas have not lost a match since January 30. They hold a 10-1 record with 30 accumulated points, maintaining their position at the top of the standings.
The Atenienses, currently in second place, now have a 7-5 record with 22 points.
This marks the third time Caguas has defeated Manatí this season, all in four sets.
Caguas’ offense was powered by Sofía Victoriá, Kristin Lux, and Alba Hernández with 14, 12, and 11 points, respectively.
For Manatí, Dariana Hollingsworth, Kjersti Strong, Karla Santos, Tristin Savage, and Chareika Carrión contributed 21, 16, 15, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
Caguas outperformed Manatí in blocks (14-8). Both teams recorded 90 digs, while Manatí led in kills (63-48), aces (5-4), receptions (52-24), and assists (30-28).
Cangrejeras Secure Sole Possession of Third Place
At the legendary Gelito Ortega Court, the Cangrejeras defeated the Changas de Naranjito in straight sets (26-24, 25-23, 25-17), earning all three available points and securing sole possession of third place in the standings.
The Cangrejeras’ offensive efforts were led by Helena Grozer with 15 points, followed by Andrea Rangel and Gina Prososki with 11 each, and Neira Ortiz with 10.
With this win, the Cangrejeras improved to a 5-6 record with 15 points, while the Changas failed to earn any points, dropping to fifth place with a 4-7 record and 12 points overall.
The Cangrejeras outperformed their opponents in kills (40-30), blocks (11-7), digs (64-53), and receptions (47-34). Both teams finished with 12 assists, while Naranjito had the edge in aces (4-3).
MEXICO CITY, Mexico, February 17, 2025. – The National Commission for Physical Culture and Sport (CONADE) announced in a press conference the organization of two stages of the Beach Pro Tour 2025 in Mexico.
The event featured the participation of FMVB President Jesús Perales Navarro, elite beach volleyball athletes Atenas Gutiérrez, Susana Torres, Miguel Sarabia, and Jorman Osuna, as well as the governors of Yucatán, Joaquín Díaz Mena, and Quintana Roo, Mara Lezama Espinosa.
Atenas Gutiérrez, Susana Torres, Jesús Perales, Miguel Sarabia, Jorman Osuna
During the conference, Jesús Perales Navarro emphasized the Federation’s commitment to promoting beach volleyball in Mexico, expressing gratitude for CONADE’s continued support in organizing international-level events. He also highlighted the trust placed in coaches and athletes as they embark on a new cycle with the goal of qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Meanwhile, CONADE Director Rommel Pacheco highlighted the importance of these competitions for the country’s economic development, as well as the valuable competitive experience they provide for Mexican players facing international rivals. He also emphasized that these events serve as inspiration for future generations, thanks to the exposure and backing provided by CONADE and state governments.
The Beach Pro Tour Stages in Mexico:
Beach Pro Tour Challenge Yucatán 2025, from March 19-23 in Playa Puerto Progreso, Yucatán
Beach Pro Tour Elite 16 Playa del Carmen 2025, from March 26-30 in the Temporary Stadium in front of Portal Maya, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo
These tournaments will bring together the world’s top beach volleyball teams, further establishing Mexico as a key destination on the international circuit.
The FMVB encourages fans to closely follow these competitions and support Mexican athletes on their journey to Los Angeles 2028.
LIMA, Peru, February 20, 2025. – After two days of fruitful work between Panam Sports and the Lima 2027 Organizing Committee, the host city contract for the 20th edition of the Pan American Games was signed in the Peruvian capital.
“We are very pleased with the signing of this contract. We see a highly committed and passionate Organizing Committee with whom we share the same goal: to ensure the success of this sporting celebration, always keeping the athletes at the center of our decisions,” said Panam Sports Secretary General Jimena Saldaña.
With many lessons learned and tasks ahead, the first in-person meeting between Panam Sports and the Lima 2027 Organizing Committee came to an end.
The Panam Sports team, led by Secretary General Jimena Saldaña, included Major Events Director Ana Paula González, Sports Director Andrea Carvajal, Olympic Solidarity Director Karla Lecona, Marketing Director Mathias Hanna, and Communications Director Alejandro Goycoolea.
Panam Sports and Lima 2027 Organizing Committe
On the other hand, the Lima 2027 Organizing Committee was headed by its President, Federico Tong, along with Peruvian Olympic Committee President Renzo Manyari, Peruvian Olympic medalist and IOC member Cecilia Tait, and athlete Evelyn Inga, who earned an Olympic diploma at Paris 2024, among others.
The two highly productive working sessions focused on knowledge and experience transfer from Panam Sports, as well as updates on progress made so far, along with the projects and guidelines for ensuring the success of the continental sporting event.
“There are only 30 months left until the Games begin. While Lima already has much of the necessary infrastructure, there is no time to waste. There is a lot of work ahead, and as Panam Sports, we are here to reaffirm our commitment. We have not come to supervise; we have come to work together for this great event, the most important in the continent,” emphasized Jimena Saldaña.
“We are very happy about the signing of this contract. We see a highly committed and passionate Organizing Committee with whom we share the same goal: to ensure the success of this sporting celebration, always keeping the athletes at the center of our decisions,” she added.
Meanwhile, the President of the Organizing Committee and the President of the Peruvian Sports Institute, Federico Tong, stated, “The Pan American Games are already underway, the wheel is turning. That is why the Government of Peru has a firm commitment to strengthening sports in the country. Lima is already a sports hub in the Americas, and we want to offer athletes a rewarding experience and world-class infrastructure.”
Peruvian Olympic Committee President Renzo Manyari highlighted the significance of this meeting and the exchange of knowledge, emphasizing that all organizations working on this project are a single team striving for the success of the Lima 2027 Games.
“The meetings were extremely positive. We strengthened coordination with Panam Sports, presented all the progress made in the organization of Lima 2027, and the working teams demonstrated their professionalism and deep passion for sports,” said the COP President.
“Today, we reaffirmed that Peru and Panam Sports are strategic partners in support of our Pan American athletes and their families. Without a doubt, Lima 2027 is a reality,” concluded Renzo Manyari.
HAVANA, Cuba, February 19, 2025. – The NORCECA/FIVB Regional Volleyball Development Center has inaugurated the International Level 2 Coaching Course in Havana, Cuba.
A total of 32 coaches from Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, and Cuba are participating in the course. They attended the opening ceremony, presided over by Mrs. Teresa Yamila Méndez Álvarez, Deputy Minister of the National Institute of Sports of Cuba; Yumilka Ruíz, Volleyball Commissioner; Osvaldo de Martinez, President of the Cuban Volleyball Federation; Professor Nelson José Ramírez, Director of the NORCECA/FIVB Volleyball Development Center based in the Dominican Republic; and FIVB instructor Luis Muchaga from Spain, who is also the course director. Muchaga will be joined by lecturers Enrique Pacheco from Puerto Rico and Gilberto Herrera, as well as FIVB instructors Francisco Cruz Jiménez and Justo Morales. Additionally, Dr. Lenin Hernández will present on medical aspects, while Rusber Campos from Venezuela will discuss current volleyball statistics.
Prof. Nelson Jose Ramirez
Classes will be held at the facilities of the National Institute of Sports and the Cuban Volleyball Federation’s National Training Center until Sunday, February 23.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Teresa Yamila Álvarez expressed gratitude to NORCECA and the International Volleyball Federation FIVB for their support of this initiative. She encouraged all coaches to apply the knowledge they acquire in service of their countries, especially the local participants, to ensure that Cuba remains a global volleyball reference.
Professor Nelson José Ramírez emphasized that the Volleyball Development Center is dedicated to addressing the needs of all countries, following a policy established by Cristóbal Marte. He affirmed, “NORCECA is committed to all the initiatives of the Development Center to provide training in all areas of volleyball.”
February 18, 2025.- The host cities for the highly anticipated 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Finals have been announced. The Women’s Finals of this year’s landmark edition will take place in Łódź, Poland, at the renowned Atlas Arena from 23 to 27 July 2025, while the Men’s Finals are scheduled for 30 July to 3 August 2025, and are set to take place at the Ningbo Beilun Sports and Arts Center, in Ningbo, China.
The selection of Łódź as the host city for the women’s finals is a testament to Poland’s history as a powerhouse in international volleyball, with its passionate fanbase and strong volleyball ecosystem. Poland also has an exceptional track record when it comes to hosting major international volleyball events – including the men’s final of the VNL last year.
In what was a record-breaking VNL 2024 globally, which witnessed a remarkable 13% growth in attendance from 2023, a cumulative audience of 46 million in Poland tuned in to catch the electrifying action, with 409 hours of live broadcast on the Polsat network. The Women’s VNL match between Poland and Germany was the second-highest sports programme on the channel for 2024. With a revamped VNL in 2025, the stage is set for yet another record-breaking competition!
The VNL will also return to China in 2025. Having hosted two stops of the Women’s VNL last year, China achieved exceptional viewership numbers, making it one of the biggest sporting events of the year in the country. There was a cumulative audience of 268 million with 168 hours of live broadcast on China Central Television (CCTV).
Moreover, the VNL was the second-highest sports broadcast in China for 2024, with peak viewership reaching 23.6 million. Having played host to continental competitions and qualifying rounds for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Ningbo will no doubt put on another spectacular show in 2025.
With its expanded format, intensified competition and new opportunities for more volleyball nations, the 2025 VNL promises to be the most exciting edition yet. Fans can expect a true celebration of the sport as the best teams in the world battle for VNL glory!
February 15, 2024.- The meeting between the FIVB and Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) this week demonstrated an exciting future for the Global Volleyball Movement. The FIVB team, led by President Fabio Azevedo, welcomed ASOIF President Ingmar De Vos and Executive Director James Carr into the FIVB offices to share the principles of the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032 and potential collaboration opportunities for the organizations.
During discussions on the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032, President Azevedo shared its guiding principle “Together as One”, highlighting the FIVB’s goal of serving the Global Volleyball Movement through professionalism, integration, empowerment and mass participation.
Other important topics included preparations for the Olympic Games LA 2028 and beyond, as well as the good governance focus of the FIVB. The FIVB is committed to ensuring the highest standards of good governance, which has been reflected in its ever-improving assessment in the annual ASOIF Governance Review. The group also reflected on Stephen Bock, FIVB’s Head of Legal and General Counsel, recent appointment as Chair of the ASOIF Legal Consultative Group (ALCG).
During the meeting, the FIVB President Fabio Azevedo said:
“One of the key focal points of the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032 is ‘International Relations and the Olympic Movement’, and the FIVB is committed to its continued support of stakeholders within the Olympic community. We have a very strong relationship with ASOIF and look forward to building on this with more initiatives in the future.”
ASOIF President Ingmar De Vos said on this occasion:
“I would like to congratulate Fabio on his election as FIVB President in November last year. Under his leadership, the FIVB is embarking on an exciting new chapter guided by its Strategic Vision 2032. I want to thank him for the fruitful conversations we had and we look forward to strengthening the collaboration between ASOIF and the FIVB.”
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, February 16, 2025.– In the only match on Sunday in the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), the Mets de Guaynabo defeated the Cangrejeras de Santurce 3-1 (26-24, 25-19, 15-25, 25-16) at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum to take a 2-1 lead in their head-to-head series at the Metropolitan Cup.
With this victory, the Mets secured all three available points and improved their record to 4-5 with 11 accumulated points, remaining in fifth place in the standings. Santurce stays in third place with a 4-6 record and 12 points, tied with the Changas de Naranjito.
Guaynabo’s top scorers were Rebecca Latham, Legna Hernández, Valeria Flores, and Alejandra Argüello, with 23, 15, 12, and 11 points, respectively.
For Santurce, Helena Grozer, Andrea Rangel, and Neira Ortiz contributed 20, 15, and 12 points, respectively. Newly signed reinforcement Tamara Otene added 10 points, all from attacks.
Guaynabo outperformed Santurce in blocks (11-9), digs (75-66), and assists (22-18). Santurce led in receptions (35-28). Both teams finished with 51 attacks and five service aces.
NARANJITO, Puerto Rico, February 15, 2025. – In Saturday’s action in the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), the Changas de Naranjito defeated the Atenienses de Manatí to tie for third place in the standings with the Cangrejeras, while the Criollas de Caguas secured their ninth victory of the season by defeating the Valencianas.
The Changas de Naranjito defeated the Atenienses de Manatí 3-1 (20-25, 25-20, 25-22, 25-19) at the iconic Gelito Ortega court.
With this victory, Naranjito improved to a 4-6 record with 12 points, tying with the Cangrejeras for third place. Both teams have the same number of wins and points, but the Cangrejeras hold one less loss.
Opposite hitter Génesis Collazo led the Changas’ offense with 18 points, including 14 attacks and four blocks. She was followed by Adanna Rollins with 14 points and Andrea Serra with 11.
For the Atenienses (7-4, 22 points), Chareika Carrión was the top scorer with 18 points, all on attacks. Karla Santos added 17 points, Tristin Savage contributed 11, and both Kjersti Strong and Dariana Hollingsworth finished with 10 points each.
Naranjito outperformed Manatí in blocks (15-13) and service aces (2-1), while Manatí led in attacks (57-43), digs (70-66), receptions (51-29), and assists (20-11).
Third Victory for Caguas Over Juncos
The Criollas de Caguas successfully defended their home court at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum, defeating the Valencianas de Juncos in straight sets (25-23, 25-17, 28-26).
This marked Caguas’ third win over Juncos this season, solidifying their position at the top of the standings with a 9-1 record and 27 points.
Caguas’ offense was led by French player Julie Oliveira Souza, who recorded 16 points, 13 on attacks and three from blocks. Diana Carolina Reyes followed with 13 points, including 12 attacks and one block.
For Juncos (2-8, 6 points), Jaylen Hodge led with 21 points, the only player on her team to reach double digits.
Caguas outperformed Juncos in attacks (46-43), blocks (6-5), digs (58-49), and assists (19-16). Meanwhile, Juncos led in receptions (42-29).
NARANJITO, Puerto Rico, February 13, 2025. – The Changas de Naranjito, Atenienses de Manatí, and Criollas de Caguas each secured three points in the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF).
At the legendary Gelito Ortega court, the Changas de Naranjito defeated the Valencianas de Juncos 3-0 (25-23, 25-18, 25-20), moving up to fourth place in the standings. This marked the seventh loss of eight matches for the Valencianas, placing them at the bottom of the standings with a 2-7 record and six points.
The Changas, now at 3-6 with nine points, were led offensively by Génesis Collazo and Adanna Rollins, who each contributed 13 points. Taylor Trammel followed with 10 points.
Naranjito outperformed Juncos in digs (47-43), while Juncos led in assists (16-14). Both teams were tied in attacks (39), blocks (8), and aces (7).
Atenienses Overcome Cangrejeras
At the Roberto Clemente Coliseum, the visiting Atenienses de Manatí defeated the Cangrejeras de Santurce 3-1 (24-26, 25-21, 26-24, 25-20).
Manatí outperformed Santurce in attacks (60-52), blocks (12-10), aces (6-5), digs (104-99), receptions (59-51), and assists (30-18).
Karla Santos, Dariana Hollingsworth, Chareika Carrión, and Tristin Savage led the winning team with 27, 19, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
For Santurce, Andrea Rangel scored 19 points, while Neira Ortiz and Helena Grozer each added 15 points, and Gina Prososki contributed 13.
The Atenienses remain in second place with a 7-3 record and 22 points, while Santurce holds third place at 4-5 with 12 points.
Criollas Win Rematch Against Mets
The Criollas de Caguas avenged their only loss of the season, handed to them by the Mets, by defeating them 3-1 (16-25, 25-22, 25-13, 25-11).
With the match tied at one set apiece, the Criollas had a strong start in the third set, taking a 7-1 lead and securing the first technical timeout at 8-2 with a successful attack from French player Julie Oliveira Souza. They also won the second technical timeout 16-6 after a failed attack by Rebecca Latham.
From that point on, it was all Caguas, including the next set, where they recorded 21 blocks compared to just nine by the visitors.
Both teams ended the match tied in attacks (42), blocks (4), and assists (18). The Mets had the edge in digs (86-85) and receptions (35-24).
Diana Reyes led the Criollas’ offense with 16 points,11 on attacks, four on blocks, and one ace. She was joined by Sofía Victoriá (15), Julie Oliveira Souza (14), and Alba Hernández (12), who registered eight blocks.
For the Mets, Rebecca Latham was the top scorer with 22 points.
Caguas remains at the top of the standings with an 8-1 record and 24 points, while the Mets drop to fifth place with a 3-5 record and eight points.
ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay, February 10, 2025.- Two wildcats have been chosen to represent the energy, passion, and spirit of perseverance of the more than 4,000 athletes who will take part in the most important youth sports celebration on the continent.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña.
A new era has begun! On February 10, at the iconic Port of Asunción, the official presentation of the mascots for the Junior Pan American Games ASU2025 took place.
The event was filled with excitement and was attended by the country’s top authorities, including the President of Paraguay, Santiago Peña; Minister of Sports, César Ramírez Caje; President of the Paraguayan Olympic Committee and IOC member, Camilo Pérez López Moreira; General Director of ASU2025, Victor Pecci; Deputy General Director of ASU2025, Larissa Schaerer; national athletes, members of the press, influencers, and the stars of the night, the official mascots.
“Today, we take another step toward the Games that will be a milestone for our country. Tito and Tika embody the energy, passion, and spirit of perseverance of our athletes. We hope that people will feel represented by them and welcome them with open arms”, said Camilo Pérez López Moreira, President of the Olympic Committee and IOC member.
The official mascot is the soul of every Games, representing the essence, culture, and history of the host city. It serves as a cultural ambassador, bringing together the country’s residents, athletes, delegations, volunteers, and everyone who chooses to be part of the event. That’s why each edition introduces a unique mascot that aims to leave a lasting legacy.
“The official mascots connect us with our essence, our wildlife, and the fighting spirit of every athlete coming to ASU2025”, expressed Larissa Schaerer, Deputy General Director of ASU2025.
Tirika, the beloved mascot of the 2022 Odesur Games and the current official representative of Team Paraguay, went on a scouting mission across the country in search of new talent for ASU2025. After countless adventures, a few stumbles, and a nostalgic journey back to Chaco, he found the perfect candidates: Tito and Tika, two wildcats with an unmistakable spark and attitude that only he could recognize.
His sharp feline instincts left no room for doubt, they were the chosen ones. These two are not only full of energy but also fully committed, eager to have a great time, and with hearts already beating for the Games.
Tito and Tika, the ASU2025 rookies, are the yin and yang
Tito loves to have fun, but at the same time, he keeps an eye on everything. If something isn’t right or if he sees Tika about to get into trouble, he’s there, taking charge and making sure their mischief doesn’t get out of hand. He is responsible, careful, and knows how to restore order when things get a little chaotic.
Tika, on the other hand, doesn’t worry too much about limits. She has that mischievous spark that leads her to do unpredictable yet fun things, keeping everyone on their toes and wondering what she’ll come up with next.
Both share the same physical abilities, they can practice all sports, are agile, know how to dance, and enjoy social media.
The Smallest Feline of the Chaco
The official mascots embody a mix of cleverness, adventure, and mischief, inspired by a characteristic animal of the Paraguayan Chaco: The Leopardus guttulus, or wildcat, commonly known as the tiríka. This small feline inhabits jungles, tropical and subtropical forests, ranging from sea level up to 4,500 meters in altitude.
Its distribution is limited to the central and eastern regions of the Neotropics in South America, covering countries such as Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia, and Argentina. The tiríka is a solitary and nocturnal animal but also shows a significant amount of activity during the day.
There are three species of this feline: Leopardus geoffroyi (the species chosen for the Junior Pan American Games mascots), Leopardus guttulus, and Leopardus wiedii. Unfortunately, the latter two species are endangered due to illegal capture for the fur trade.
Road to ASU2025
With the unveiling of its Official Mascots, ASU2025 solidifies itself as an event that goes beyond sports. The countdown has begun, and each day brings us closer to the continent’s biggest youth sports gathering.
ASU2025 is already in motion. From August 9 to 23, more than 4,000 athletes from across the continent will compete in 28 sports and 42 disciplines. But before the official opening, we will feel the pulse of the Games month by month, unveiling key elements of this major sporting event.
JUNCOS, Puerto Rico, February 9, 2025. – In Sunday’s matchups of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), the Mets de Guaynabo ended the Cangrejeras’ three-game winning streak by defeating them in straight sets at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum. Meanwhile, the Valencianas and Atenienses battled in a thrilling five-set encounter at the Rafael G. Amabert Coliseum.
Guaynabo secured their victory over the Cangrejeras de Santurce with set scores of 25-22, 28-26, and 25-16.
The winners’ offensive effort was led by Rebecca Latham, who recorded 21 points, all from attacks. Valeria Flores and Legna Hernández also reached double figures, scoring 17 and 14 points, respectively.
For the Cangrejeras, Gina Prososki stood out with 14 points, followed by Andrea Rangel and Lindsay Stalzer, who both contributed 11 points.
Guaynabo claimed all three available points from the match, improving their record to 3-4 and accumulating 8 points, moving up to fourth place in the standings. Santurce, despite not earning any points, remains in third place with a 4-4 record and 12 points.
Guaynabo outperformed Santurce in attacks (56-38), digs (85-59), and assists (18-15). The Cangrejeras led in blocks (5-4) and receptions (36-30).
Juncos Prevails in Five-Set Thriller
The Valencianas de Juncos and the Atenienses de Manatí delivered an electrifying five-set battle, ensuring both teams earned points regardless of the outcome. Juncos emerged victorious 3-2 (25-16, 22-25, 23-25, 25-14, 15-9).
The decisive set was tied up to point 6, before Juncos gained the court switch at 8-6 following a Manatí attack error through the middle and a successful spike by Seliann Concepción from zone four.
Juncos claimed two points from the victory, improving their record to 2-6 and accumulating 6 points, tying for fifth place with the Changas de Naranjito. The team also snapped a three-match losing streak.
Meanwhile, Manatí added one point despite the loss, remaining in second place with a 6-3 record and 19 points.
For the Valencianas, Jaylen Hodge delivered a stellar performance with 34 points, 33 on attacks and one from a block. She was supported by Alexia Khuel (12), Kelly Sánchez (11), and Elissa Alcántara (10).
On the Manatí side, Dariana Hollingsworth led with 27 points, including 18 attacks, 7 blocks, and 2 aces. Chareika Carrión and Tristin Savage added 12 points each.
Juncos outperformed Manatí in attacks (72-49) and digs (106-81). However, Manatí had the advantage in blocks (17-11), aces (5-2), receptions (53-39), and assists (23-19).
CAGUAS, Puerto Rico, February 7, 2025. – In Friday’s action in the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF), the Criollas de Caguas, Atenienses de Manatí, and Cangrejeras de Santurce emerged victorious, maintaining their positions in the league’s top three.
At the Roger Mendoza Coliseum in Caguas, the Criollas, after losing the first set, adjusted their strategy to defeat the Changas de Naranjito 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 26-24, 25-21).
Caguas remain at the top of the standings with a 7-1 record and 21 accumulated points. Naranjito, unable to collect points from the loss, stays in fourth place with a 2-6 record and six points.
Caguas outperformed Naranjito in attacks (57-44) and receptions (53-38). Naranjito led in blocks (12-9), digs (87-81), and assists (25-2). Both teams registered three service aces.
Caguas’ offensive effort was led by Sofía Victoria, Kristin Lux, Diana Reyes, and Stephanie Enright, who contributed 17, 14, 12, and 11 points, respectively. For Naranjito, Adanna Rollins and Génesis Collazo each scored 17 points.
Manatí Earns Three Points Against Mets
The Atenienses de Manatí defended their home court at the Juan Aubin Cruz Coliseum, overcoming the Mets de Guaynabo 3-1 (25-27, 25-20, 25-22, 25-19).
Juliana Askew distributed her sets effectively among Dariana Hollingsworth, Tristin Savage, Ariana Pagan, and Chareika Carrión, ensuring all four reached double-digit scoring with 25, 13, 12, and 10 points, respectively. Askew recorded 24 assists, averaging six per set.
Rebecca Latham once again led the Mets’ offense with 17 points, while Valeria Flores and Legna Hernández contributed 15 and 10 points, respectively.
Manatí secured all three available points to hold onto second place, improving to a 6-2 record with 18 accumulated points. Guaynabo failed to earn points and now holds a 2-4 record with five accumulated points, placing them fifth in the standings.
The Atenienses outperformed the Mets in attacks (52-44), blocks (16-11), digs (81-75), service aces (6-5), and assists (24-23). Guaynabo led in receptions (49-39).
Santurce Secures Third Consecutive Win
The Cangrejeras de Santurce defeated the Valencianas de Juncos on the road at the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum with a 3-0 sweep (26-24, 25-23, 31-29).
This marked the third consecutive victory for the Cangrejeras, while Juncos suffered their sixth loss of the season in seven matches, three of them in a row. Santurce’s offense was led by Andrea Rangel, Helena Grozer, and Neira Ortiz, who scored 13, 12, and 11 points, respectively.
For Juncos, Jaelyn Hodge contributed 16 points, followed by Elissa Alcántara, Alexia Khuel, and Adriana Rodríguez, each with 10 points.
Santurce improved to a 4-3 record with 12 accumulated points, holding onto third place in the standings. Juncos remains in last place with a 1-6 record and four points. The Cangrejeras dominated in blocks (12-4) and digs (73-69).
The Valencianas had the advantage in attacks (51-38), service aces (6-3), receptions (41-33), and assists (20-15).
The Women’s Volleyball Superior League will take a break on Saturday and resume on Sunday, February 9, with two matches, both scheduled for 5:00 PM: Santurce vs. Guaynabo and Manatí vs. Juncos.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, February 6, 2025. – While the Cangrejeras de Santurce secured their third victory of the season in the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum—their second consecutive win—the Criollas de Caguas defeated the Atenienses de Manatí for the second time this season at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum, claiming sole possession of first place in the standings.
The Cangrejeras swept the Changas de Naranjito 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-23), led by Helena Grozer with 18 points (13 attacks, 5 blocks). Andrea Rangel, Gina Prososki, and Neira Ortiz contributed 15, 13, and 12 points, respectively.
For Naranjito, Génesis Collazo and Adanna Rollins topped with 11 points each.
Santurce outperformed Naranjito in attacks (48-31), digs (77-72), and receptions (42-34). Meanwhile, Naranjito led in aces (5-2) and assists (26-13). Both teams recorded 11 successful blocks.
With the three points from this win, Santurce improved to a 3-3 record with 9 total points, securing third place in the standings.
Naranjito failed to add points and now sits in fourth place with a 2-5 record and 6 total points.
The series between the two teams is now tied at one win apiece.
Caguas Remains in the Lead
The Criollas de Caguas defended their home court at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum, defeating the Atenienses de Manatí for the second time this season in four sets.
The scores were 25-9, 25-22, 23-25, and 26-24. After a dominant first set in which Caguas played flawlessly at the net and on defense, the remaining sets were highly intense and nerve-wracking.
In the first set, Caguas recorded 5 blocks and 25 digs.
In the second set, Manatí failed to hold onto an 18-14 lead, allowing Caguas to rally with an 8-4 run that tied the set at 22, thanks to effective sliding attacks from Diana Reyes. The Criollas’ surge continued as Reyes blocked Chareika Carrión for the 23rd point, Dariana Hollingsworth of Manatí committed an attacking error, and Stephanie Enright sealed the set with an ace.
Manatí fought back, withstanding a late push from Caguas to win the third set and extend the match.
In the fourth set, the Atenienses were unable to hold onto leads of 23-20 and 24-23, eventually falling in extra points. Paulina Pérez secured the victory for Caguas with consecutive plays—first blocking Carrión and then scoring off Manatí’s block.
Caguas’ top scorers were Stephanie Enright (17 points), Kristin Lux (14), and Sofía Victoriá (13).
For Manatí, which played without Karla Santos, Dariana Hollingsworth led with 24 points, followed by Chareika Carrión with 12 and Tristin Savage with 11.
Caguas outperformed Manatí in attacks (56-50), blocks (15-12), aces (3-2), and digs (86-80). Manatí had the edge in receptions (42-20) and assists (22-17).
With this win, Caguas improved to a 6-1 record with 18 points, while Manatí remains in second place with a 5-2 record and 15 total points.
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, February 4, 2025. – In the only match scheduled at the start of the fourth week of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF), held at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum, the Mets de Guaynabo fought hard to defeat the Valencianas de Juncos 3-2 (25-17, 13-25, 25-16, 20-25, 15-10).
This was the first match of the season to extend to five sets.
With a 2-1 set advantage for the Mets, the Juncos team responded with solid net play and improved defensive performance. They led the technical timeout 16-11 with an attack from zone four by Gabby Gonzales. From that point on, they maintained control to push the match into a decisive tie-break.
In the fifth set, a direct service ace by Legna Hernández gave the Mets a 4-1 lead, and they switched sides ahead 8-3 after a failed attack into the antenna by Kelly Sánchez from zone four.
Guaynabo secured the victory by extending the lead to 12-6 with a strong attack off the Juncos block by Rebecca Latham. They reached match point at 14-7 following a service error by the visiting team and sealed the win 15-10 with another powerful attack from Latham from zone two.
The top scorers for the Mets de Guaynabo were Rebecca Latham with 32 points, including 27 kills, 4 blocks, and one ace. She was followed by Valeria Flores and Legna Hernández with 13 and 9 points, respectively.
For Juncos, Jaelyn Hodge led with 27 points, while Alexia Khuel and Elissa Alcántara contributed 10 and 9 points, respectively.
With the win, the Mets earned two points and improved their record to 2-3 with a total of 5 points. Juncos, despite the loss, gained one point and now stands at 1-5 with 4 points.
The Mets outperformed Juncos in blocks (11-6) and assists (27-19). Juncos, however, led in attacks (62-53), aces (3-2), digs (84-79), and receptions (45-34).
The match between the Valencianas de Juncos and the Atenienses de Manatí, originally scheduled for Sunday, February 9, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum in Juncos, has been rescheduled to 5:00 p.m.
NARANJITO, Puerto Rico, February 1, 2025. – The Atenienses, Cangrejeras, and Criollas wrapped up the third week of the Women’s Volleyball Superior League (LVSF) with victories.
The Atenienses de Manatí secured three points by defeating the Changas de Naranjito at the legendary Gelito Ortega court with a 3-1 (23-25, 25-13, 25-20, 25-20) victory on Saturday night.
Dariana Hollingsworth led the winning offense with 23 points, including 19 attacks and 4 blocks, followed by Tristin Savage and Chareika Carrión with 16 points each. On the other side, Naranjito’s top scorer was Genesis Collazo, who tallied 23 points, 20 in attacks and 3 in blocks.
The Atenienses now have a 5-1 record with 15 points, while the Changas de Naranjito stand at 2-4 with 6 points.
Manatí outperformed Naranjito in attacks 62-34, digs 75-59, and receptions 41-37. Both teams recorded 4 aces and 12 assists, while Naranjito had a slight edge in blocks 13-12.
In another match, The Cangrejeras de Santurce, led offensively by Mexico-born Andrea Rangel with 26 points, defeated the Mets de Guaynabo 3-1 (23-25, 25-21, 24-26, 25-20) in the first match of the Metropolitan Cup between the two teams.
Aside from Rangel’s double-digit performance, Santurce also had Gina Prososki, Neira Ortiz, and Helena Grozer with 21, 13 and 11 points respectively. Ortiz had an outstanding defensive night with 9 of the Cangrejeras’ 17 total blocks.
For the Mets de Guaynabo, Rebecca Latham led all scorers with 30 points, all from attacks. Valeria Flores followed with 13 points, while Alejandra Argüello added 11.
Santurce improved to a 2-3 record with 6 points, while Guaynabo remains at 1-3 with 3 points.
Statistically, Santurce led in attacks 56-55, blocks 17-11), and aces 6-4. Guaynabo, however, led in digs 101-75, receptions 42-41 and assists 26-11.
At the Rafael G. Amalbert court in Juncos, the Criollas de Caguas bounced back from an early setback to defeat the Valencianas de Juncos 3-1 (23-25, 26-24, 33-31, 25-23), earning three points.
With the match tied at one set apiece, the Valencianas missed their chance to close out the third set after leading 24-22. A misplay by Caguas’ Kristin Lux on an attack from Zone 2 sent the set into extra points. From there, both teams battled until 31-31, when Lux redeemed herself with a successful attack from Zone 2, followed by a failed attack from Jaylen Hodge, sealing the set for Caguas.
A similar scenario played out in the fourth set. Juncos led 23-20 after Hodge scored freely from Zone 2, seemingly pushing the match to a deciding fifth set. However, Caguas had other plans, mounting a 5-0 run capped off by consecutive blocks from middle blocker Alba Hernández to secure the win.
Caguas had four players in double digits, led by Sofía Victoria with 18 points (15 attacks, 2 blocks, 1 ace). She was followed by Alba Hernández, Kristin Lux and Stephanie Enright with 15, 14 and 13 points respectively.
Jaylen Hodge was the standout performer for the Valencianas de Juncos with 28 points.
Caguas had the advantage in blocks 13-11 and aces 6-3, while Juncos led in attacks 75-73, digs 91-88, receptions 54-30, and assists 25-21.
With this victory, Caguas now holds a 5-1 record with 15 points, tying Manatí for first place in the standings. Meanwhile, Juncos falls to 1-4 with 3 points.
LVSF action continues on Tuesday, February 4, with a single match as the Valencianas de Juncos visit the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum to face the Mets de Guaynabo at 8:00 PM.
JUNCOS, Puerto Rico, January 30, 2025.- In Thursday’s action of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League, the Valencianas de Juncos and the Mets de Guaynabo secured their first victory of the season while defending their home court.
At the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum, the Valencianas defeated the Changas de Naranjito with scores of 25-23, 25-19, and 25-18.
In the first set, the last tie occurred at 18-18. After that, a 6-0 run by the Valencianas took them to set point. Elissa Alcántara successfully attacked from zone 4, Adanna Rollins was blocked, and then Naomi Cabello capitalized on an overpass by the Changas. Two aces by Gabby Gonzales, along with another attack from Alcántara, secured the set for Juncos. The home team sealed the set at 25-19 with a key block on Aury Cruz.
In the second set, Juncos reached set point at 24-18 with Alexia Khuel attacking through the middle. They later withstood a late push from the Changas, closing the set with a block by Khuel on Cruz from Naranjito.
The third set was less competitive than the previous ones, also favoring Juncos.
With this victory, the Valencianas improve to 1-3 with 3 accumulated points, while Naranjito remains at 2-3 with 6 points, having failed to add to their tally.
Juncos outperformed Naranjito in blocks (10-5), aces (10-2), and digs (60-52). Meanwhile, the Changas had the edge in attacks (38-37), receptions (38-30), and assists (17-11).
For the Valencianas, the offensive standouts were Jaylen Hodge, Gabby Gonzales, and Adriana Rodríguez with 14, 13, and 10 points, respectively.
For the Changas, Adanna Rollins, Taylor Trammel, and Aury Cruz contributed 13, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
Mets de Guaynabo End Criollas de Caguas’ Undefeated Streak
On a memorable night at the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum, the Mets de Guaynabo ended the Criollas de Caguas’ four-game winning streak with a dominant 3-0 victory (25-17, 25-21, 25-20), showcasing their superiority on the court.
Rebecca Latham led Guaynabo with an outstanding performance, scoring 22 points and guiding her team to their first win of the season. On the Criollas’ side, Kristin Lux and Stephanie Enright both reached double digits with 10 points each, but they couldn’t stop the Mets’ momentum.
With this victory, Guaynabo improves to 1-2 and adds 3 points in the standings. Meanwhile, Caguas, which failed to score any points, remains tied for first place with the Atenienses de Manatí, both holding a 4-1 record with 12 points.
The Women’s Superior Volleyball League action continues Saturday, February 1, with three matches:
MANATÍ, Puerto Rico, January 29, 2025. – In the only match on the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) schedule, the Atenienses de Manatí, last season’s runners-up, claimed victory in four sets (25-23, 21-25, 26-24, 25-20) over the defending champions, Cangrejeras de Santurce, at the Juan Aubín Cruz Coliseum.
With the win, the Atenienses earned three points, improving their record to 4-1 and accumulating 12 points, tying for first place with the Criollas de Caguas, who also have 12 points and four wins but remain undefeated.
Santurce, which did not add any points, now holds a 1-3 record with three accumulated points, remaining in fourth place in the standings.
With the match tied at one set apiece, both teams entered the final stretch of the third set evenly matched. Manatí reached set point first at 24-23 with an ace from Juliana Askew.
After another tie, Manatí sealed the set 26-24 with two consecutive attacks, one from zone four and another through the middle.
Manatí secured the fourth set early, reaching the technical timeout with an 8-4 lead thanks to a block by Kjersti Strong on Andrea Rangel, who attacked from the back row.
For the remainder of the set, the runners-up displayed a highly organized and defensive game. They reached the second technical timeout with a 16-10 lead following a missed serve by the visitors.
The Atenienses arrived at set point with a comfortable 24-16 lead after a service error by Andrea Fuentes and sealed the victory at 25-20 following another service error by the Cangrejeras, this time from Helena Grozer.
The top scorers for the winning team were Karla Santos with 21 points, followed by Tristin Savage and Chareika Carrión with 16 points each, and Kjersti Strong with 15.
For Santurce, Andrea Rangel, Lindsay Stalzer, and Helena Grozer contributed 25, 12, and 11 points, respectively.
Manatí outperformed Santurce in attacks 63 to 45, digs 91 to 86, receptions 54 to 44, aces 5 to 3, and assists 35 to 23. Both teams finished with 11 successful blocks.
LVSF action continues Thursday, January 30, with two matches. The Changas de Naranjito will visit the Valencianas de Juncos at the Rafael G. Amalbert Coliseum in Juncos, marking the home opener for the Valencianas at 8:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the undefeated Criollas de Caguas will travel to Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum to face the Mets de Guaynabo (0-2, 0 points) at 8:00 p.m.
January 28, 2025.- The 26 January 2025 marked India’s 76th Republic Day, which was celebrated by a vibrant ceremony at the KIIT & KISS Athletic Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The event, which was attended by FIVB leadership, saw a gathering of over 40,000 students, staff and dignitaries of the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) and the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in a celebration of the nation’s progress, unity and diversity.
This year, the ceremony included a grand parade, cultural performances and the recognition of both staff and student-athletes for their dedication and accomplishments over the last year. Among the notable moments were the awards presented to 54 staff members for their exceptional service to education and 52 student-athletes who had represented India on the global stage, including at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024. Their achievements, both in India and on the global stage, are a testament to the power of collaboration, discipline, passion and solidarity – values that resonate with the FIVB’s mission of promoting volleyball as a force for positive change worldwide.
Dr Achyuta Samanta, the founder of KIIT & KISS, took a moment to reflect on the significance of the day. “Every year, the KIIT, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), and KISS family unites to celebrate Republic Day with a profound sense of pride and purpose. This day is more than a celebration – it is a testament to our collective commitment to nation-building and a moment to honour the extraordinary achievements of our students and staff, who continue to exemplify excellence and dedication. This year, we were privileged to welcome Mr. Fabio Azevedo, President of the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), as our esteemed Chief Guest. Traveling from Switzerland to join us, his presence elevated the occasion, inspiring our students to embrace global aspirations while staying rooted in their values. It was a truly memorable celebration of India’s 76th Republic Day, reflecting the spirit of unity and excellence that defines our institutions.”
FIVB President Fabio Azevedo spoke at the event and highlighted the connection between the spirit of Republic Day and the values of sport. “It is a privilege to be in India at this time to witness firsthand the celebrations of unity and progress,” President Azevedo said. “These values are also not only guiding principles of volleyball but are vital in every aspect of life. They transcend sport, extending to education, human interaction and our collective interest to build a better world. The Republic Day celebrations have been a powerful reminder of how much can be achieved when we come together as one.”
Azevedo also attended the Brahmaputra Volleyball League Finals during his time in the country. The Brahmaputra Volleyball League (BVL) Season 5 Finals brought an impactful conclusion to a season of volleyball in Assam, India on Sunday. Held in the heart of the state, the event united over 400 players, 150 coaches, 200 former state players and 300 volunteers across three days in what was a memorable showcase of the transformative power of volleyball.
What has defined the last few days of competition is the ripple effect the BVL has had, and continues to have, beyond the sport of volleyball. Across villages, the league has introduced children to new opportunities, built their confidence, challenged traditional norms and inspired social change.
FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, attending the Finals, praised the immense reach and power of the initiative: “At the heart of the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032 is that every single player, young person, athlete and fan counts. Fans and athletes must always be at the centre of all our actions. That is exactly what I have seen here at the BVL Finals. Volleyball has the power to bring people together and make the world a better place. I have never been more certain of that following everything I have seen and experienced over the past few days.”
The finals were also attended by a host of global volleyball figures, including Assam’s Sports Minister Nandita Garlosa, Volleyball Foundation Executive Director Elizaveta Bracht, Volleyball Foundation Ambassador and Thailand women’s national volleyball team player Nootsara Tomkom and Olympic Champion Vladimir Grbić, who led coaching clinics in Tezpur ahead of the finals. FIVB Volleyball Empowerment and National Federation Relations Head Hitesh Malhotra also joined the event.
The League’s visionary founder, Abhijit Bhattacharya, spoke of his pride at seeing the community come together in a celebration of sport. He said: “The presence of the FIVB President and global ambassadors at the BVL Super League Season 5 at Tezpur was beyond everyone’s imagination. It was a huge motivation and encouragement for all the BVL volunteers. They were all super excited because everyone got an opportunity to shake hands and take pictures with Mr Fabio. His broad smile and the way he mingled with the kids and volunteers have touched everyone’s heart. It was a historic three days at Tezpur, and the people of the town will never forget this amazing experience in their life.”
In what was a remarkable celebration of sport and human spirit, the BVL continued to prove that sport can, and should be, a force for transformation and hope. This aligns perfectly with the FIVB’s motto: Together as One!
January 27, 2025.- Volleyball Canada is excited to announce that Dan Lewis will be the senior men’s indoor team head coach.
Most recently Lewis was Canada’s Next Gen coach and is head coach of the professional team, Alterna Stade Poitevin, based in Poitiers, France.
Lewis is originally from Oakville, Ontario and a University of Manitoba graduate. He played professionally in Europe for many years and was a libero for the Canadian National Team until 2016.
He was an assistant coach for Canada’s Men’s National Team, including at the Tokyo Olympics, as well as Next Gen head coach. In 2023, he led Canada to a gold medal at the NORCECA Pan Am Cup and guided the men’s National Excellence Program (NEP), among other achievements.
“I am grateful and excited for the opportunity to collaborate with the athletes and staff involved with Team Canada,” said Lewis. “The international men’s game requires us to continue to grow and pursue execution at its highest level. I look forward to working with everyone towards this common goal.”
Lewis fills the role after the departure of head coach Tuomas Sammelvuo, who guided the team to a Paris 2024 Olympic berth and the quarterfinals of Volleyball Nations League in 2024.
Volleyball Canada men’s indoor high-performance director, Julien Boucher, said: “Dan has worked closely with many top coaches and has gained valuable international experience over the past several years since he retired as a player. He will be a great fit to assume this role and build on what Tuomas and former coach Glenn Hoag accomplished as the team prepares for the World Championships this year and works toward an LA 2028 berth.”
The senior men start the international competitive season in Quebec City at the Centre Videotron for week one of Volleyball Nations League 2025.
Lewis and his family live in the Gatineau, Quebec, area, where the team is based, and he splits his time between France and Canada.
NARANJITO,Puerto Rico, January 26, 2025. – On Sunday night in the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF), matches concluded in straight sets for the second consecutive evening.
At the legendary Gelito Ortega Court, the Changas de Naranjito returned to the winning path, defeating the Mets de Guaynabo with scores of 25-14, 25-14, and 25-23.
The winning offense was led by Adanna Rollins with 17 points, 15 from attacks and 2 from blocks. She was followed by Genesis Collazo with 15 points and Taylor Trammel with 12.
With the victory, Naranjito improves to 2-2 in this young season, accumulating 6 points, while the Mets de Guaynabo remain winless and no points after two matches.
In the third set, the Mets couldn’t capitalize on a slim 22-20 lead, which quickly disappeared after a 3-0 run by the Changas. The run included an overpass from the Mets that allowed Genesis Collazo to attack effectively against their block to take the lead.
The set saw one more tie before Naranjito blocked Legna Hernández to reach set point, prompting the Mets to call a timeout. On the subsequent play, the Changas secured the win with a powerful attack by Adanna Rollins from position four.
For Guaynabo, their offensive efforts were led by reinforcements Rebecca Latham and Savanna Kjolhede, who scored 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Naranjito outperformed Guaynabo in attacks (40-30), blocks (13-11), aces (3-0), digs (62-59), and assists (21-14). Guaynabo led in receptions (32-23).
Adanna Rollins Changas
Atenienses Secure Back-to-Back Wins
The Atenienses de Manatí handed the Valencianas de Juncos their third loss of the season in as many outings, defeating them at the Juan Aubin Cruz Coliseum in Manatí with scores of 25-15, 25-22, and 25-18.
Manatí excelled in attacks (41-31), aces (6-0), digs (53-46), and assists (18-13). Juncos led in blocks (4-3) and receptions (36-29).
It was the second consecutive victory for the runner-up Atenienses, who now hold a 3-1 record with 9 points, placing them second in the standings.
The winning offense saw Dariana Hollingsworth and Karla Santos each score 14 points. For Juncos (0-3 and 0 points), Jaelyn Hodge contributed 11 points, all from attacks.
Criollas Stay Undefeated
The Criollas de Caguas delivered another outstanding performance in the blocking department, amassing 10 blocks to secure their fourth win of the season. They remain at the top of the standings after defeating the defending champion, Cangrejeras de Santurce, 3-0 (25-19, 25-15, 25-16) at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum.
With the victory, Caguas has now won 9 consecutive sets after dropping the first set of their second match of the season.
Caguas dominated Santurce in attacks (40-27), blocks (10-4), aces (6-4), digs (72-57), and assists (17-12). Santurce led in receptions (38-20).
The Criollas’ offensive efforts were led by Kristin Lux, Alba Hernández, and Sofía Victoriá, who scored 13, 11, and 10 points, respectively.
For Santurce, no players reached double digits. The team remains with 3 accumulated points and a 1-2 record.
The Women’s Superior Volleyball League action resumes on Wednesday, January 29, when the Cangrejeras de Santurce visit the Atenienses de Manatí at the Juan Aubin Cruz Coliseum at 8:30 PM.
BELIZE CITY, Belize, January 25, 2025.- The General Assembly of the Central American Volleyball Association AFECAVOL concluded after two days of intense sessions, during which key topics for the transformation and development of volleyball in the region were discussed.
AFECAVOL President Félix Ambrosio Sabio presented a detailed report highlighting the following:
Calendar Compliance: Although three events scheduled for 2024 were not held, a commitment was made to uphold responsibility and improve. Sabio emphasized the importance of reciprocity among federations in ensuring participation and taking on the challenge of hosting events.
Promoting Beach Volleyball: The need to restore the Central American Senior Beach Volleyball Championship was stressed, along with discussions about hosting the first Central American U23 Beach Volleyball Championship.
Sustainability: The president highlighted the importance of achieving self-sustainability and expressed gratitude to commission coordinators for their hard work.
Financial Aspects: The generation of resources, financial assistance provided by AFECAVOL to host countries, and the necessity for the organization to reduce dependence on financial support from NORCECA and FIVB were addressed.
The Assembly also heard a Zonal Standardization Plan for the management of the game statistics system, presented by Manuel Calderón, a member of the NORCECA VIS commission. The proposal involves having each National Federation appoint its own VIS delegate to comply with FIVB international standards and strengthen volleyball’s statistical area.
Commission Reports
Sports Organization: Events not held in 2024 were added to the 2025 calendar, and monetary prizes were proposed for the top three places in the Senior Beach Volleyball Championship.
Medical: Emphasis was placed on the need for training and collaboration in anti-doping programs for athletes and on ensuring the well-being of referees.
Press: The commission proposed strengthening social media presence and training communicators.
Development: Efforts will focus on scrimmage tournaments, children’s festivals, and developing championships for younger categories.
Beach Volleyball: The first Central American U23 Championship was approved, potentially to be held simultaneously with the U21 category. The Central American Tour will continue, aiming for FIVB standardization, and will be included again in the NORCECA Tour.
VIS: AFECAVOL has consolidated a group of VIS delegates, particularly from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua, who have proven capable of managing statistical information. The referee commission’s support has been essential, and efforts will be made to expand this group to include more countries in the region.
Refereeing: Recognition was given to delegates for their work and for training in the use of technological tools. The use of the electronic score sheet was perfected in 2024. Efforts have been made to integrate new referees to assist with regional events.
Technical and Coaching: The commission proposed that AFECAVOL create a two-year competition calendar, allowing national federations to prepare their teams and plan better for hosting events.
Legal: Proposals included a disciplinary regulation and a framework to ensure member countries meet their commitments.
Event dates must be confirmed before February 10. The following competitions are set for 2025:
Volleyball: The 1st Central American U17 Men’s Championship, 7th Central American U23 Women’s Championship, 7th Central American U23 Men’s Championship, 15th U19 Championship, 2nd Women’s Final Four, 2nd Men’s Final Four, and the 23rd Central American Senior Cups (Men’s and Women’s) as part of the 12th Central American Games.
Beach Volleyball: The 3rd Central American U17 Championship, 4th Central American U19 Championship, 15th Central American U21 Championship, I U23 Central American Championship and 12th Senior Championship.
AFECAVOL will again endorse regional invitational tournaments, including the Summer and August Festivities Beach Volleyball Championships in Puerto Cortés and the U15 Women’s Indoor Championship in Nicaragua.
AFECAVOL President Félix Ambrosio Sabio closed the assembly by thanking the federation representatives and reaffirming his commitment to raising standards and popularizing volleyball. “I am pleased with the commitment of each national federation. We aim to achieve self-sustainability and help each country strengthen volleyball in the region.”
Meanwhile, NORCECA President Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz emphasized the importance of organizing more events to strengthen the zone. “This assembly has been very productive. The more discussion brought to the table, the more we grow, leading to better results. I urge greater collaboration from AFECAVOL members in organizing NORCECA events that benefit the zone. AFECAVOL is a well-organized zonal organization.”
Marte Hoffiz concluded by thanking the Belize National Federation for their hospitality and AFECAVOL President Félix Sabio for his leadership, demonstrating the region’s commitment to the development and growth of volleyball in Central America.
BELIZE CITY, Belize, January 24, 2025. – The President of the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation NORCECA, Mr. Cristóbal Marte Hoffiz, is in Belize this weekend to chair the General Assembly of the Central American Volleyball Association AFECAVOL.
During his visit, Marte Hoffiz engaged in four pivotal meetings aimed at strengthening the development of volleyball and beach volleyball in Belize, and to advocate for increased investment and support for Belize’s national volleyball programs, accompanied by Mrs. Arateide Cáceres, General Director of NORCECA and Mr. Allan Sharp, President of the National Volleyball Federation of Belize.
Meeting with the Prime Minister of Belize, the Honorable John Briceño, Mr. Ian Courtney, Senior investment officer, Prime Minister’s Office
The first meeting was with the Prime Minister of Belize, Honorable John Briceño, in which the discussions centered on government support for infrastructure and the overall development of volleyball in the country.
He also met with the Honorable Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Sports, and Mr. Linsford Castillo, Chairman of the National Sports Council. Also present was Mr. Marvin Ottley, Deputy National Director of Sport, to address the need for sports facilities and resources.
Marte Hoffiz had talks with Ms. Nicole Usher, CEO, and Mr. Evan Tillett, Director of Tourism, exploring opportunities for promoting volleyball and beach volleyball as part of sports tourism initiatives.
Another meeting was held at the Belize Olympic Committee, where Marte Hoffiz engaged with Mr. Giovanni Alamilla, Vice President, and Mr. Arturo Vasquez, Treasurer, to discuss strategies for leveraging Olympic support to enhance volleyball programs.
The meeting was also attended by the President of AFECAVOL, Félix Ambrosio Sabio, and the Secretary General of AFECAVOL, Carlos Enrique Santis.
During these meetings, Marte Hoffiz highlighted the need for government intervention to support the National Volleyball Federation of Belize. “We are doing our part; we have provided Belize with three volleyball floors and are ready to provide more. However, there are no facilities to install them for use,” he emphasized.
NORCECA’s primary mission is to supply Belize with the necessary tools to engage young people in sports, fostering the development of productive citizens. “Our Confederation is dedicated to developing the sport, but we need the government to collaborate by creating the infrastructure and support systems to make this vision a reality,” he stated.
Marte Hoffiz expressed NORCECA’s commitment to partnering with Belizean authorities to advance the sport. “We need to join forces and work together to create the know-how and infrastructure necessary for volleyball and beach volleyball to thrive in Belize. This is a joint venture that requires everyone’s effort.”
NORCECA remains steadfast in its mission to develop volleyball across the region and looks forward to continued collaboration with Belizean authorities to open the sport’s full potential.
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, January 24, 2025. – At the Mario “Quijote” Morales Coliseum, the Atenienses de Manatí returned to winning ways by spoiling the season opener for the Mets de Guaynabo. Meanwhile, at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum, the Cangrejeras de Santurce swept the Valencianas de Juncos, and the Criollas de Caguas maintained their undefeated streak, overcoming the Changas de Naranjito at the Roger Mendoza Coliseum in Caguas.
Atenienses Prevail Over Mets in a Close Match
The Atenienses edged the Mets in straight sets, 3-0 (25-22, 25-23, 25-23), with a balanced offensive effort. Dariana Hollingsworth led the charge with 20 points, including 16 kills, 3 blocks, and one ace. Karla Santos added 15 points to the winning tally.
For the Mets, the top scorers were Rebecca Latham with 16 points, Legna Hernández with 14, and Valeria Flores with 13.
Statistically, Manatí outperformed Guaynabo in digs 73-71, receptions(36-27, aces (5-1), and assists 25-15. The Mets led in attacks 45-44, while both teams recorded 6 blocks each.
The Atenienses now hold a 2-1 record with 6 points, placing them second in the standings. Guaynabo starts their campaign with a 0-1 record and no points.
Defending Champions Cangrejeras Start Strong at Clemente
The Cangrejeras de Santurce, led by Andrea Rangel with 18 points, Gina Prososki with 13, and Helena Grozer with 10, secured a 3-0 victory (26-24, 25-8, 25-20) over the Valencianas de Juncos at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Hato Rey.
Juncos, now 0-2 with no points, saw Jaelyn Hodge lead their offense with 12 points.
Santurce improved to 1-1 with 3 points and outperformed Juncos in attacks 35-29, blocks 10-5, aces 7-5, and digs 49-44. Juncos led in receptions 20-16 and assists 18-13.
Criollas Stay Undefeated
The Criollas swept the Changas de Naranjito 3-0 (25-10, 25-9, 25-13), dominating with 12 blocks to 4. They also led in attacks 47-20, aces(4-0, digs 75-46, and assists 22-16, earning their third consecutive win of the season.
Offensively, the Criollas were led by Kristin Lux with 19 points, while Alba Hernández and Stephanie Enright added 13 points each. Lux and Hernández contributed 4 blocks each out of the team’s total of 10.
Caguas now holds a 3-0 record with 9 points, leading the standings.
For the Changas, no player reached double digits. They hold a 1-2 record with 3 points.
The action of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League continues Sunday, January 26, with three matches:
Juncos vs. Manatí | 7:00 PM | Coliseo Juan Aubin Cruz
Caguas vs. Santurce | 7:00 PM | Coliseo Roberto Clemente
Guaynabo vs. Naranjito | 7:00 PM | Coliseo Gelito Ortega
NARANJITO, Puerto Rico, January 22, 2025.- In the only scheduled match of the Women’s Superior Volleyball League (LVSF) this Wednesday, the Changas de Naranjito triumphed on their opening night over the defending champion, the Cangrejeras de Santurce, in four sets (25-21, 25-17, 26-28, 26-24).
With the victory under the guidance of Jamille Torres, the former head coach of the Cangrejeras last season, the Changas secured all three points available from the match, reaching a record of 1-1 and three points. Meanwhile, Santurce sits at 0-1 with no points.
After winning the first two sets, the Cangrejeras pushed to their limit in the third set. Taking advantage of a misdirected back row attack from Naranjito and a successful spike down zone four, they extended the match to an additional set.
In the fourth set, when it seemed Santurce would force a tiebreaker by securing a 23-20 lead, Naranjito adjusted their serve strategy and scored four consecutive points to reach match point first.
The set saw another tie before Santurce committed a serving error, paving the way for American reinforcement Adana Rollins to seal the victory for Naranjito with a decisive attack through zone four.
The Changas had three players in double digits: Adana Rollins with 25 points (21 kills, 2 blocks, and 2 aces), Taylor Trammel with 12 points, and Genesis Collazo with 11 points.
For Santurce, Andrea Rangel and Helena Grozer led with 19 points each, followed by Neira Ortiz with 13 points and Gina Prososki with 10 points.
The Changas outperformed the Cangrejeras in aces (4-3) and assists (26-14). However, Santurce led in kills (56-53), blocks (10-8), digs (97-92), and receptions (49-46).
LVSF action continues this Friday, January 24, with three matches on the schedule:
Naranjito vs. Caguas | 8:00 PM | Coliseo Roger Mendoza
Juncos vs. San Juan | 8:00 PM | Coliseo Roberto Clemente
Manatí vs. Guaynabo | 8:00 PM | Coliseo Mario “Quijote” Morales
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