Golden Girls Gear Up for Volleyball Glory

They brought home gold in 2024 and now, Belize’s National Women’s Volleyball Team is gearing up to do it all over again. Next week, our under-23 squad hits the court at the Central American Volleyball Championship, ready to take on some of the region’s toughest teams. And if you ask them, they’re more prepared, and more fired up, than ever to make Belize proud. The action unfolds right here at the Belize City Civic Center, and fans can expect nothing short of a show. News Five’s Paul Lopez has more on the golden girls chasing glory once again, in tonight’s edition of Belize on Reel.

 

Paul Lopez, Reporting

One year ago, they made history. Belize’s National Under-21 Women’s Volleyball Team pulled off something no other local team had ever done; they brought home our very first gold medal in volleyball at any level. It was a moment of pride, passion, and pure celebration. And just like that, they earned a new name, the Golden Girls.

 

Gareth Bruce, Team Captain, Volleyball National Team (File: July 22, 2025)

“This is such an emotional and happy feeling. Belize made history, our first gold medal ever. This is so amazing.”

 

In just three days, the journey begins again. The same team that made history last year is back; this time, aiming to strike gold in the Under-23 Championship Tournament. With their eyes set on another title, Belize’s rising volleyball stars are putting in the work. We dropped in on one of their intense practice sessions at the Belize City Civic Center, where we caught up with Team Captain Gareth Bruce, who shared how the team is feeling ahead of the big showdown.

 

Gareth Bruce

“The pressure is there. It is more than previous tournaments, but I am very excited to know that I have made history and I would love to keep making more history for Belize. It was just a start for us and I feel like this year we can be a gold medal team as well.”

 

But Bruce’s confidence does not come only from her ability to lead her team to victory. The conviction she holds rests on the very foundation built by the skills of the teammates around her, like outside hitter twenty-two-year-old Samanatha Jones. For Jones, volleyball is more than just a sport. It gave her a new path away from the personal challenges she faced while living in Chicago.

 

Samantha Jones, Outside Hitter, Volleyball National Team

“It means family, it means union. I get to play volleyball not only with my family here in Belize. But, when I did live in Chicago I feel like it brings out the best in me. It took me out of my environment, while living in the streets, in the hood of Chicago. So, I feel like it was always love. It always pushed me to be a better woman. And it makes me happy. I like to be happy, have fun and just play ball.”

 

And then there is nineteen-year-old Jevia Leslie, who was also a member of the Golden Girls in 2024. Leslie brings height, strength and skillful awareness as a middle blocker. She shared how she has been able to keep her head in the game over the last year, while basking in her historic accomplishment.

 

Jevia Leslie, Middle Blocker, Volleyball National Team

“Winning our very first gold medal was something huge for us. It was an original experience. We had a great time playing and we trained very hard for that tournament. Going into this tournament we also expect the same outcome. So we are training with the same intensity, staying humble and motivating each other to continue to do and come out with that same energy we did last year so that we can maintain the streak.”

 

On July twentieth, five teams from five countries will converge inside the Belize City Civic Center for opening night. When it comes to volleyball in Belize, Allan Sharp is a name that stands out. As president of the Belize Volleyball Association, he’s once again at the forefront, making sure that this year’s regional tournament is not just successful, but unforgettable for every team and country involved. From logistics to hospitality, Sharp is leading the charge to ensure Belize shines on and off the court.

 

Allan Sharp, President, Belize Volleyball Association

“This is right next to the seniors so we have a lot of the big guns coming and we have our own big guns. Five teams, so all of Central America, but Nicaragua and Costa Rica said they cant make it this time. In the case of Costa Rica, no surprise, we felt as if they might not want to come again. The other five countries will be here to battle. The teams arrive July eighteenth and departs the twenty-fifth. The tournament will begin on Sunday the twentieth and it runs Sunday through Thursday.”

Gareth Bruce

“You all being out here and cheering us on, the fan and everything, it is a great factor to the team and to myself. We look out to see you guys out here. We are not just playing for ourselves, but for you guys. There are fourteen players on the team and three coaches, but you guys are a major factor in what we may do on the court. You are a big part.”

Team Belize is scheduled to play on Sunday Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Reporting for News Five, I am Paul Lopez.