The Bermuda Volleyball Association is set for a major international showcase as it dispatches six junior teams to the prestigious Nike Boston National Qualifier. The tournament, held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, will span the next two weekends, with the first wave of action spiking off this Friday, February 27th.
The first weekend sees four teams take to the court. Under the banner of the Paradise Hitters Volleyball Club (PH), Bermuda will be represented in the 13 & Under and 15 & Under girls’ divisions. On the boys' side, the Big Wave Riders Volleyball Club (BWR) will compete in the 15 & Under and 16 & Under brackets.
Gary LeBlanc, Club Director and National Team Committee Chairman, expressed high hopes for the travelling squads, noting that all teams have been practicing with intensity for this high-level outing.
For the Paradise Hitters Under 13 squad, led by Head Coach Kamryn Martins, the trip is a critical test of their growth. The team features athletes as young as 11, many of whom are now in their fourth year of the program.
"This trip to Boston is about more than competition. It is an opportunity to test their development in a higher-level environment," said Martins.
Meanwhile, the Under 15 Paradise Hitters arrive in Massachusetts with momentum. Following a 5th-place finish at the Florida Holiday Challenge in December, Head Coach Sean Tucker believes the group is ready to showcase their refined skills on the national stage.
The following weekend, starting March 6th, will see the elder athletes take their turn. Paradise Hitters will send an Under-17 team, coming off a victory in their local Winter League final, while the Big Wave Riders will field an Under-18 boys' squad.
U17 Head Coach Mike Gazzard highlighted the squad's resilience and drive. "This is our final travel event of the year, and the girls are motivated to perform at their highest level and represent Bermuda with pride," he added.
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