Belize Earns First-Ever Gold in U-15 Volleyball Championship

The Saint Catherine Academy (SCA) volleyball team brought home the gold medal at the CODICADER Under-Fifteen Volleyball Tournament. The team dominated the competition, defeating Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Guatemala without losing a single set.

Assistant Coach Emma Hoare said she and Head Coach Jose Fontes were overjoyed by the win.

“Both of us are emotional and excited that we made history. This is like the very first gold ever. The girls, they work for it; they earn it through sweat, tears, sacrifice, everything in one.”

Thirteen-year-old MVP Jamie Lee Espejo said the moment of victory was overwhelming. She said, “I felt excited. So much emotions like going through everybody’s head. Everybody was like, so much emotions going every single way.”

She credited teamwork and communication for the team’s success.

Hoare added that even their competitors joined in the celebration. “The Costa Ricans were so friendly. They were wearing our flags in a good, positive way, cheering us on.”