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 and Exhibition Center, spans the next two weekends, with the first wave of action spiking off today, Friday, February 27th.
The opening weekend features four squads from the island. Under the banner of the Paradise Hitters Volleyball Club, Bermuda is represented in the 13 and Under and 15 and Under girls’ divisions. On the boys’ side, the Big Wave Riders compete in the 15 and Under and 16 and Under brackets.
For the Paradise Hitters Under-13 squad, the trip is a critical barometer of their development. Led by Head Coach Kamryn Martins, the team features athletes as young as 11. “This is an opportunity to test their development in a higher-level environment,” said Martins.
Meanwhile, the Under-15 Paradise Hitters arrive in Massachusetts with significant momentum following a top-five finish at the Florida Holiday Challenge in December. Head Coach Sean Tucker believes the group is primed to showcase their refined skills on the national stage.
The following weekend, starting March 6th, the elder athletes take their turn. Paradise Hitters will field an Under-17 team—fresh from a local Winter League final victory—while the Big Wave Riders will send an Under-18 boys’ squad.
U17 Head Coach Mike Gazzard highlighted the squad’s motivation for their final travel event of the year, emphasizing their drive to “represent Bermuda with pride” against top-tier opposition.
