Belize Celebrates Landmark Volleyball Achievement

Belize Women’s Volleyball National Team returned to Belize today with a historic bronze medal from the Central American Games. These games take place every four years and it is considered the Olympics of the region. It’s the first time that Belize’s Women’s Volleyball Team made it to the semi-finals and won a medal. News Five was present at the Belize Olympic House for their arrival. We heard from the team’s head coach and its members.

 

Lawrence Bennett, Head Coach, Volleyball National Team

“This is one of the biggest upset since we beat Guatemala twice in this tournament. I am happy for the girls, not for me, because before we left everybody was a bit shaken up, injured, but they played through it. Some of them got sick there and still played through it. Central American Games every four years is like Olympics for this area. So that made it even more special. 1:41

 

Nelissa Ramirez, Captain, Volleyball National Team

“First of all we went out there with a lot of injuries and played it off very well. As a team we were well prepared physical and mentally. We dedicated our time and ourselves to it, because we had two workouts in the morning and the night.”

 

Shantel Arnold, Athlete, Volleyball National Team

“I tried to enjoy the moment since this was going to be my last national team. So I thought being the senior member, I tried to keep the girls calm even though I was nervous. I tried not to show it so that we came out victorious.”

 

Paul Lopez

“How long has you been participating in national teams?”

 

Shantel Arnold

“Eighteen years.”

 

Herdie Castillo, Athlete, Volleyball National Team

“I would say my experience was fun, tiring and exciting at the same time being able to play against the other countries and represent my country and doing our best to bring back this bronze medal which is still historic and I am still grateful for the experience I got.”