Nassau, Bahamas – Jamaica’s national senior men’s and women’s volleyball teams have both secured bronze medals at the recently concluded 19th Caribbean Zonal Volleyball Association (CAZOVA) Senior Volleyball Championships, held from August 16-24, 2025, in Nassau, Bahamas. This significant achievement underscores the growing prowess of Jamaican volleyball on the regional stage.
Men’s Reggae Warriors Earn Redemption Bronze
The Jamaican men’s team battled hard to claim the bronze medal, defeating Suriname 3-1 in a hard-fought match. This victory offered a measure of redemption, as Jamaica had previously lost to Suriname in the preliminary pool play of the championship. Their journey to the podium also included a semi-final defeat against the eventual men’s champions, Curacao. Key player Rick Webb was recognized for his exceptional service throughout the tournament, earning the coveted ‘Best Server’ award. This bronze medal marks an improvement for the men’s team, following their fifth-place finish in the 2023 edition of the CAZOVA Championships.
Women’s Reggae Queens Add Bronze to Their Legacy
Jamaica’s women’s team, entering the championship as the defending champions from their historic 2023 victory, demonstrated resilience by securing the bronze medal. They achieved this with a commanding straight-sets victory over Guadeloupe. Anesia Edwards was a standout performer for the women, earning the distinction of ‘Second Best Middle Blocker’ for her consistent defensive and blocking contributions. The women’s team’s path to bronze included a semi-final loss to the eventual champions, Trinidad and Tobago. Their bronze medal finish reaffirms their status as a top-tier force in Caribbean women’s volleyball, following their undefeated run and first-ever senior CAZOVA title in 2023.
The CAZOVA Championship: A Regional Showcase
The CAZOVA Championship serves as a premier platform for volleyball talent across the Caribbean, fostering fierce competition and national pride. This year’s tournament saw Curacao emerge as the men’s champions, while Trinidad and Tobago clinched the women’s title, dethroning Barbados in a closely contested final. The event highlighted the high level of play and dedication present within the region’s volleyball programs.
A Boost for Jamaican Sports
These double bronze medals represent a significant moment for sports in Jamaica, showcasing the dedication and skill of both the men’s and women’s national teams. The performances are expected to inspire a new generation of athletes and further elevate the profile of volleyball within the country. The resilience displayed by both squads, particularly in overcoming semi-final defeats to secure podium finishes, speaks volumes about the team’s character and strategic depth.
Jamaica’s volleyball association expressed pride in their athletes’ achievements, recognizing the hard work and commitment required to compete at this elite regional level. The success achieved at the 2025 CAZOVA Championship sets a positive trajectory for the future, as Jamaica continues to build its legacy in international volleyball. The news serves as a testament to the ongoing development and commitment to excellence within Jamaican sports.