Bermuda’s volleyball community is celebrating a landmark showing on the international stage, as senior officials and coaches break their silence following a highly successful fortnight at the Nike Boston National Qualifier.
While IslandStats.com provided live coverage and immediate results as the action unfolded at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, the official verdict from the Bermuda Volleyball Association (BVA) is now in. The consensus? Bermuda’s youth programs are not just competing—they are contending with the very best in North America.
Gary LeBlanc, BVA Club Director and National Team Committee Chairman, reflected on the tour with a mixture of realism and immense pride.
"We knew this would be a tough tournament for some of our teams," LeBlanc admitted. "But we’re very excited with all of our teams’ results. To see our squads hold their own in such a massive field speaks volumes about where the sport is heading on the island."
The standout headline from the second weekend belonged to the Paradise Hitters 17 & Under. In what was only their second overseas outing of the season, the team secured a remarkable 5th-place finish out of 63 teams.
Head Coach Mike Gazzard was quick to point out the composure his players showed when faced with seasoned U.S. club programs.
"The girls demonstrated tremendous determination and teamwork," Gazzard said. "As coaches, we are extremely proud of the way they represented themselves, our club, and Bermuda. This result is a testament to the hard work and commitment they have shown all season."
The younger contingent also left a lasting impression in Massachusetts. The Paradise Hitters 13 & Under started their campaign with a "dominant" first day, sweeping their pool play matches.
Despite a grueling second day that ended in a hard-fought loss, and an eventual exit in the Silver Bracket championship play, Head Coach Kamryn Martins praised the group’s psychological growth.
"The U13s showed strong teamwork and resilience," Martins noted. "Their strong performance over the first two days earned them a place in the Silver Bracket. Despite the final result, they showed continued growth competing against high-level competition."
As the dust settles on the Boston courts, the message from the coaches is clear: Bermuda’s junior volleyballers have returned home with more than just trophies—they’ve returned with the respect of their international peers.
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