Cayman is set to host two high-stakes, back-to-back youth beach volleyball tournaments: the CAZOVA U21 World Championship Beach Qualifier and the NORCECA Youth U23 Beach Volleyball Continental Tour.
From 19-22 June, Seven Mile Public Beach will transform into a battleground for more than 60 elite youth beach volleyball athletes from more than 10 countries.
Trevor Theroulde, Cayman Islands Volleyball Federation’s technical director, is optimistic about the local talent.
“Our youth players have worked extremely hard, and we are seeing the rewards,” Theroulde told the Compass, highlighting the programme’s remarkable growth in under two-and-a-half years.
He believes the home teams have a “great chance” at qualifying for both continental and world championships, emphasising the importance of local corporate sponsorship to fund future international competitions.
Players are equally enthusiastic about the upcoming tournaments.
Luna Ebanks, 16, told the Compass that, during this tournament, she personally aims for improved consistency and decision-making under pressure.
She hopes to gain more experience from playing in higher-level competitions like these and says, “Facing older and more experienced players helps me grow as an athlete and pushes me to level up my game.”
Another Cayman player, Anjia Delapenha, 20, is focused on staying mentally sharp, communicating effectively and competing with confidence. She shared that she and her beach partner, Joanna Robinson, want to secure a top-three finish to qualify for the NORCECA U21 continental tournament to be held in the Dominican Republic, 3-7 July.
“As a small island, it’s easy to feel intimidated going up against larger countries like USA, Mexico, Canada and Puerto Rico. That’s something we’ve faced in the past, but this time, I truly believe we’re stepping into this tournament with a stronger mindset, better preparation, and the full force of a development programme that’s been building for the past five years,” Delapenha told the Compass.
Stephen Watson, 20, a player from one of the Cayman’s boys’ teams, is keen on technical growth, mastering pressure and maintaining a strong and positive mindset despite any nerves.
“Nervousness also plays a big factor when playing [in] these tournaments, because you never really know how you will do on that first serve of the game, but that’s why we have to perform at a high level early in the game and treat every point like it’s the last,” Watson told the Compass.
All players emphasised the honour of representing the Cayman Islands and see these tournaments as an opportunity to showcase their country’s talent while inspiring younger athletes.
Spectators can enjoy four days of thrilling action from 9am to 5pm daily, with free, open-air seating or $5 for covered seats.
More information can be obtained by following @caymanisvolleyball on Facebook and Instagram or by visiting visit www.civf.ky.
