The United States Virgin Islands is competing in the 2026 North America, Central America, and Caribbean Women’s U21 Pan American Cup, scheduled for July 7-12 at the Covelli Center on the campus of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.
The USVI is one of eight teams vying for the title. Group A comprises Canada, Mexico, Venezuela, and the host, the United States of America. The United States Virgin Islands is joined by Belize, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic in Group B.
“I am truly enjoying coaching this group of ladies”, said USVI’s Head Coach Isaac Raphael. “They are young but very talented, with bright futures. We will be playing very tough competition, which will definitely help in the future development of the program.
The tournament schedule for the Virgin Islands team is as follows:
- Tuesday, July 7, 2026 – Costa Rica vs US Virgin Islands – 3:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, July 8, 2026 – Dominican Republic vs US Virgin Islands – 3:00 pm.
- Thursday, July 9, 2026 – US Virgin Islands vs Belize – 1:00 p.m.
Raphael brings a legacy of success over his 35 years of coaching. He has won international championships in the Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association, National AAU Championships, and a state championship in the Florida High School Athletic Association. Melissa Simmonds, a long-time varsity coach at Central High School, will serve as the assistant coach.
“I look forward to the challenge of competing at this level and seeing exponential growth from our ladies,” Raphael shared.
Games start Tuesday with four pool-play matches, and end Friday with playoffs. The championship and final consolation matches will be held on Sunday, July 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Fans can watch the tournament live on YouTube.
Let’s meet the players:
Name – Krystal Eddy – #1
Age – 20
School – Ivanna Eudora Kean High School
Club – Island Mixx Volleyball Club
Position – Middle Blocker
Name – Heaven Preni – #2
Age – 15
School – Boone High School
Club – 407 Volleyball Club
Position – Outside Hitter
Name – Verneecia Caines – #4
Age – 19
School – Seminole High School
Club – Jestorce Volleyball Club
Position – Setter / Opposite Hitter
Name – Verneeci Caines – #5
Age – 17
School – Seminole High School
Club – Jestorce Volleyball Club
Position – Libero
Name – McKaylah Mattis – #7
Age – 14
School – Seminole High School
Club – Bokey Volleyball Academy
Position – Setter / Opposite Hitter
Name – Kinsley Taylor – #8
Age – 16
School – Antilles School
Club – Island Mixx Volleyball Club
Position – Outside Hitter
Name – Danielle Allen – #9
Age – 16
School – Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy
Club – Island Mixx Volleyball Club
Position – Libero
Name – Anna-Marie Figueroa – #10*
Age – 15
School – Good Hope Country Day School
Club – Island Heat
Position – Libero
Name – Lindsey Allen – #11
Age – 15
School – Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy
Club – Island Mixx
Position – Setter
Name – Neveah Jackson – #12
Age – 15
School – The Woodlands Christian Academy
Club – Houston Juniors Volleyball Club
Position – Middle Blocker
Name – Rejanae Richardson – #13
Age – 14
School – Virgin Island Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy / Seven Day Adventist School
Club – Island Mixx Volleyball Club
Position – Middle Blocker
Name – Brielle Nestor – #15 – Team Captain
Age – 17
School – Northside Christian
Club – Orlando-Tampa Volleyball Academy
Position – Opposite Hitter
Name – Kymli Joseph – #17
Age – 15
School – Heritage High School
Club – Resilient Volleyball Club
Position – Outside Hitter
Name – Chelsea Leonce – #24
Age – 15
School – All Saints Cathedral School
Club – Island Mixx Volleyball Club
Position – Middle Blocker
Name – A’vielle Lewis – #50
Age – 14
School – CMIT North High School
Club – Bay Area Volleyball Academy
Position – Outside Hitter
*Anna-Marie is included in the picture but will not be participating in this event. She will be on the roster for their second tournament. Information on the second event will be publicized at a later date.
