Three volleyball teams from the U.S. Virgin Islands recently concluded their participation in the 51st AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships, held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The teams, hailing from St. Thomas’ Island Mixx Volleyball Club and St. Croix’s Positive Guidance VI, competed against some of the best youth volleyball talent from around the country.

The AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships, renowned as the world’s largest volleyball tournament, hosted over 5,000 teams this year. This prestigious event spans multiple age groups and divisions, offering a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and compete at a high level. The tournament, held from June 14 to July 4, featured intense competition and provided valuable experience for all participants.

Island Mixx Volleyball Club and Positive Guidance VI represented the U.S. Virgin Islands with determination and spirit. These teams have been training rigorously for months, aiming to make a mark on the national stage. Despite the stiff competition, the players demonstrated exceptional teamwork, skill, and resilience, earning respect from their peers and coaches alike.

The event not only served as a competitive arena but also as an opportunity for cultural exchange and learning. Players had the chance to meet and interact with teams from different states and countries, broadening their horizons and fostering new friendships. The exposure to diverse playing styles and strategies is expected to benefit the players in their future volleyball pursuits.

This year’s AAU Junior Nationals were particularly significant, celebrating over five decades of volleyball excellence. The tournament’s history and scale make it a coveted event for youth volleyball teams. The experience gained from competing at such a high level is invaluable for the development of young athletes, preparing them for future challenges in their sporting careers.

As the teams from the U.S. Virgin Islands return home, they bring back not just memories of intense matches but also lessons learned and experiences that will contribute to their growth as athletes. Coaches and players alike are optimistic about the future, using this experience as a stepping stone for further achievements.

For more detailed results and highlights from the tournament, you can visit the official AAU results page​ (AAU Sports)​.

St. Thomas, USVI — The LRVI Football Club showcased their resilience and skill, securing a narrow win over Massey Football Club on Sunday. This victory, part of the Week 6 matches of the U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Federation’s (USVISF) men’s and women’s Premier Leagues, keeps LRVI FC undefeated and firmly at the top of the St. Thomas Division standings.

LRVI FC now boasts an impressive record of 5-0-0, amassing a total of 15 points. The tightly contested match against Massey FC ended with LRVI emerging victorious, continuing their dominant form this season. Massey FC, on the other hand, holds a record of 2-0-3, with six points.

Match Highlights

The match at the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School field was a thrilling contest from start to finish. Both teams exhibited excellent defensive strategies, making it challenging for either side to find the back of the net. Despite the high-pressure environment, LRVI FC managed to secure the winning goal in the final minutes of the game, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.

The victory was a testament to LRVI FC’s well-coordinated team play and tactical superiority. Key players stood out with their performances, particularly in midfield and defense, ensuring that Massey FC’s forwards had limited opportunities to score.

Other Week 6 Matches

In another St. Thomas Division match, United We Stand Sports Club celebrated their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Raymix Football Club. This win moves United We Stand SC to a record of 1-0-3, while Raymix FC also stands at 1-0-4. The match saw an impressive comeback from United We Stand SC, who managed to overturn a 1-0 deficit in the second half with two late goals, securing their first three points of the season.

League Standings and Future Outlook

The standings after Week 6 place LRVI FC firmly at the top of the St. Thomas Division, with United We Stand SC and Raymix FC struggling at the bottom. Massey FC remains in the middle of the table, looking to bounce back in the coming weeks.

LRVI FC’s next challenge will be maintaining their perfect record as they face tougher opponents in the following weeks. The team’s current form suggests they are well-prepared for the upcoming matches, with a balanced squad capable of both attacking brilliance and defensive solidity.

Player and Coach Reactions

Post-match interviews with LRVI FC players and coaching staff highlighted their satisfaction with the team’s performance. The head coach praised the players for their dedication and discipline, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus for the remainder of the season. Players echoed these sentiments, expressing confidence in their ability to continue their winning streak.

Community and Fan Support

The local community and fans of LRVI FC have been a driving force behind the team’s success. The atmosphere at the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School field was electric, with fans cheering passionately for their team. The support from the stands undoubtedly provided an extra boost to the players on the field.

LRVI FC’s unbeaten run in the USVISF Premier League is a remarkable achievement, showcasing their strength and determination. As the season progresses, the team aims to maintain their top position and continue delivering outstanding performances. With strong community support and a well-rounded squad, LRVI FC is poised for a successful campaign.

For more details and updates, visit the USVI Soccer Federation’s official website.

U.S. Virgin Islands swimmers achieved remarkable success at the Central American and Caribbean Amateur Swimming Confederation’s (CCCAN) 2024 Championships held at the Centro Acuatico Olimpica Universitario in Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, Mexico. The event, which concluded on Saturday, saw USVI athletes adding four more medals to their tally, including two golds and two bronzes, alongside setting two new territorial records.

Rakeem Miller emerged as a standout performer, securing two gold medals and breaking territorial records in the process. Miller’s victories came in the 100-meter freestyle and 200-meter individual medley, showcasing his versatility and elite skill level. His impressive performance not only highlights his personal dedication and hard work but also places him among the top swimmers in the region. His achievements are a testament to the high level of training and support provided by the USVI’s swimming program.

Meanwhile, Cinthia Sanes contributed significantly to the medal count with two bronze medals. Sanes delivered strong performances in the 100-meter breaststroke and 200-meter butterfly, events that demand a combination of strength, technique, and endurance. Her bronze medals are a reflection of her consistent performance and ability to compete at a high level against some of the best swimmers in Central America and the Caribbean.

The success of Miller and Sanes at the CCCAN Championships is a significant milestone for the USVI swimming team. The team’s performance demonstrates the growing prowess and competitiveness of USVI swimmers on an international stage. It also serves as an inspiration for younger athletes in the territory, showing that with dedication and hard work, they too can achieve greatness.

The CCCAN Championships brought together top swimmers from across the region, making the competition fierce and the achievements of the USVI swimmers even more noteworthy. The event served as an important platform for athletes to test their skills against some of the best in the region, providing invaluable experience and exposure.

In addition to the medals, the new territorial records set by Miller are a significant accomplishment. Breaking records is not only a personal achievement but also a point of pride for the territory. It shows progress and development in the sport, indicating that the training programs and resources allocated to swimming in the USVI are yielding positive results.

The success at the CCCAN Championships is expected to boost the morale of the USVI swimming community and garner more support for the sport. It highlights the potential of USVI swimmers and underscores the importance of continued investment in sports development programs.

As the USVI swimmers return home with their medals and records, the focus will likely shift to preparing for future competitions. The experience gained and the confidence built from this event will be crucial as they aim for even greater achievements in upcoming meets.

The CCCAN Championships not only provided a platform for competition but also fostered camaraderie among athletes from different countries, promoting sportsmanship and mutual respect. The event was a celebration of swimming talent and a demonstration of the dedication and hard work of athletes, coaches, and support staff.

For further details and updates on the event, visit The Royal Gazette and Swimming World Magazine.