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Thursday, October 01, 2026
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ECVA Spotlight on Bermuda's Cailey Longworth
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The Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association has revealed a Spotlight on Cailey Longworth as the Best Libero of the recently concluded tournament
She doesn't make the big kills, but she keeps the ball off the floor when it matters most. We caught up with Bermuda's Cailey Longworth, Best Libero at the last ECVA tournament in Tortola.
Q: What went through your mind when you found out you'd won the award?
A: "I was incredibly honoured. To be recognized as the 'best' at something is a huge achievement, especially knowing how many talented liberos I competed against. As a libero, I may not be the player making the big kills or scoring the points, but I can make sure the ball stays off the floor when it matters most. To have that contribution recognized was really special to me."
Q: How did you get started in volleyball, and what drew you to the libero position?
A: "Volleyball has always been part of my life. My older cousin, Amber Lopes, also played for Bermuda, and I grew up watching her school trainings, grabbing a ball and copying their drills. I officially started with the Bermuda Volleyball Association in 2016. Becoming a libero wasn't necessarily my choice. My height probably had more of a say than I did! But my coaches saw something in me that I didn't yet see in myself, and I'm very grateful for that."
Q: How has your game developed over the years?
A: "After 10 years in the position, the biggest development has been my mindset. The libero is supposed to be the 'best passer,' and that comes with pressure. My teammates and coaches have never allowed me to believe I wasn't capable of meeting that standard. They've helped me realise what I'm capable of achieving."
Q: What did preparation look like heading into Tortola?
A: "A lot of us have played together for several years, so there was a strong sense of familiarity. Our preparation was about building on that chemistry, sharpening our skills and being ready to compete as a unit."
Q: What's next, and what's your message to young players in Bermuda?
A: "Next year is a big one for Bermuda volleyball: the Final Four and the Island Games in the Faroe Islands. To the next generation: anything is possible, but the support of the people around you is so important. Build those connections, support one another and enjoy the little moments just as much as the big ones. Volleyball can teach you so much beyond the game. Just be open to embracing every part of the journey."
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Wednesday, September 30, 2026
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ECVA Spotlight on Bermuda's Olivia Gazzard
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The Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association has revealed a Spotlight on Olivia Gazzard as the Best Setter of the recently concluded tournament
Best Setter – Olivia Gazzard (Bermuda)
A setter's job is all about decisions: reading the block and picking the right spot for the ball in a split second, rally after rally. Olivia did that all tournament and helped lead Bermuda to a big win in the final, playing alongside her sister Natalie. We caught up with her after the awards
Was there a match or rally where everything clicked?
"It's very difficult to narrow it down to one moment, but there were a few times when everything just flowed naturally, especially in the final. Our team was very focused, and I was dialed in on putting the ball in areas that gave our hitters the best chance to succeed. I felt confident in my decisions and trusted my hitters to execute when we needed them. As a setter, it's such a great feeling when you're in sync with the whole team. In the final, we put it all together at the right time, which led to a big win for Bermuda."
You and Natalie were sisters long before you were setter and hitter. Can she read a look from you on court the way she would at home?
"Being sisters definitely helps. Natalie and I are very close, so sometimes we can communicate with just a look or a quick signal. At the same time, playing together has taught us a different kind of communication on the court. We've learned to trust each other and understand what the other person needs at the moment. Not many people get to share the court with their siblings and win together, so I'm very grateful for the fun and success we shared this tournament."
What does it mean to see two players from the same family and the same program recognized at an ECVA championship?
"It means a lot to both of us. We're really proud to represent Bermuda and our Paradise Hitters junior club, especially since we grew up in the same program together. I've always looked up to my sister, and seeing her recognized for all her hard work is very special. She had a great tournament, and so did our whole team. Volleyball is a team sport, and everyone contributed. We're very fortunate to play with such a great group of ladies and learn from everyone around us."
What can this success do for volleyball back home, especially for young girls watching?
"I hope it shows young girls in Bermuda that there are opportunities for them in volleyball if they work hard, believe in themselves and work toward a common goal. You don't have to come from a big place to compete and succeed. I'm very grateful for all the support from our coaches, parents, the BVA and our sponsors. Without them, none of this would be possible. I really hope this win encourages younger players to train with a purpose and keep chasing their goals."
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Sunday, August 16, 2026
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Bermuda Women Win ECVA Gold
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Bermuda's women's volleyball team defeated Antigua and Barbuda 3-1 (25-23, 27-25, 21-25, 25-20) to claim the championship title on the final day of the 2026 ECVA Men's and Women's Volleyball Championship, hosted in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
Bermuda's team sealed the 2026 ECVA women's title, defeating Antigua and Barbuda 3-1 (25-23, 27-25, 21-25, 25-20) in the gold medal match. Point for point, both sides dug in and continued to push toward their goal, with Bermuda holding firm through the tight finishes to close out the title. Antigua and Barbuda take home the Silver Medal after a hard-fought final that saw both teams trade momentum through four sets.
Speaking with Bermuda’s head coach after their victory, he expressed that It was the first ECVA gold medal of his coaching career and he was visibly elated after the win, embracing players courtside as the team celebrated the title. The team worked hard through all the adversity they faced over the course of the tournament, and it paid off with a gold medal performance in Tortola.
Dominica men team edged Bermuda 3-2 (25-17, 25-22, 20-25, 21-25, 19-21) in a five-set battle to claim the Bronze Medal at the ECVA Senior Men Championship.
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Saturday, August 15, 2026
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Bermuda Women & Men Semi-Finals
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Bermuda’s women produced a heroic, nerve-shredding performance to defeat hosts British Virgin Islands 3-1 and maintain their perfect tournament run at the 2026 ECVA Senior Volleyball Championship in Tortola.
However, there was semi-final heartbreak for Bermuda’s men, who saw their title aspirations ended following a straight-sets defeat at the hands of a clinical Saint Vincent and the Grenadines side.
Women Survive 30-28 Thriller to Silence Home Crowd
In a hostile atmosphere at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex, Gary LeBlanc’s women's side displayed immense poise and tactical grit to overcome the host nation 3-1 (25-18, 25-27, 30-28, 25-20).
Bermuda came out firing to take a commanding opening set 25-18, before BVI rallied with home crowd support to snatch a tense second frame 27-25 and level the match.
The pivotal moment of the contest arrived in an extraordinary, marathon third set. Locked in a relentless sequence of set points and counter-attacks, neither side gave an inch before Bermuda held their nerve in the clutch moments to edge it 30-28.
With momentum firmly in hand, Bermuda closed out the fourth frame 25-20 to make it four consecutive victories in Tortola.
Men Fall Short in Semi-Final Clash
In the men's semi-finals, Bermuda met their match against a formidable Saint Vincent and the Grenadines outfit, going down 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-20).
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Friday, August 14, 2026
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Cooze Dominates as Clearwater Beach Hosts Latest Tri-A-Tri Action
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Isla Cooze produced a commanding display to take overall honours as the Bermuda Triathlon Association’s Tri-A-Tri series returned to Clearwater Beach.
Cooze led the field from the front, crossing the line in an impressive time of 25 minutes and 40 seconds to seal a comfortable victory on the St. David's course.
Woollins and Davidge Secure Podium Spots
Philip Woollins was Cooze’s closest challenger, delivering a strong multi-discipline performance to take second place overall in 27:35.
Ronan Davidge completed the podium positions, stopping the clock in 29:14 to claim third spot as the only other competitor to dip under the 30-minute mark.
Further down the order, Vaughn Rowse held off a hard-charging Kelise Wade in a tight battle for fourth, with Rowse clocking 31:18 to Wade's 31:35. Paul Tohill was right on their heels, taking sixth in 31:48.
In one of the closest finishes of the day, Daniel Burke and Nicholas Burke could not be separated as both crossed the line dead-heated in 35:18, rounding out another competitive evening of multisport racing in the east end.
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