Brenda Allen, committed and versatile volleyballer, transitioned from track & field to volleyball in 1986 while in high school and quickly rose through the ranks to join the national team. Determined to earn court time, she trained with both female and male squads, mastered all front-row positions, and secured a permanent starting role. Her club career with the Rebels and national team assignments saw her excel as an outside hitter, middle blocker and opposite when tactical needs demanded.
Career highlights and awards
- National and regional competition: represented her country at OECS, Leeward Islands, and World Championship Qualifiers.
- Beach volleyball: began competing in 2010; represented the national federation at four CAC Games (first appearance, 2010 — 8th place; most recent, 2023). Won the inaugural ECVA Beach Championship (St. Lucia) with partner Shanicia Dyer and earned bronze at ECVA 2023 with partner Genelle Lake.
- Individual honors: MVP (OECS, ECVA, Leeward Islands), Best Server, Best Reception, Best Outside Attacker, Best Middle Blocker, Best Scorer, All-Tournament selections.
- Collegiate achievements: attended Lindenwood University on a partial volleyball scholarship (1999); four-year varsity starter, All-Tournament Team, Scholar-Athlete, All-American, and consistent Honor Roll recipient while earning a BA in Marketing and later an MBA in International Business. Coached a junior varsity team during graduate studies.
- COACHING: Brenda Began coaching while still an active player and continues as a beach volleyball coach, developing players at national and junior levels. Led junior team to training camp in Paraguay (2025) and served as Chef de Mission for the national Pan Am junior team.
- OFFICIATING: Active local referee and official at regional events, including referee duties at the inaugural U19 ECVA Beach Tournament (St. Kitts, 2023), and is also the Secretary General of SKAVA.
- SPORTS ADMINISTRATION: Recently appointed to the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee (SKNOC) and serving as Secretary of SKAVA. She also serves as the ECVA Administration Assistant/Manager and on the Control Committee overseeing games operations: athlete safety inspections, fair play enforcement, rules compliance, and ensuring athletes’ voices are heard.
Philosophy and legacy
An athlete and leader who believes hard work, adaptability and giving back open doors to achievement. She attributes much of her development to her mentor and lifelong coach, Glenn Quinlan, whose belief and guidance shaped her on and off the court. She remains dedicated to fostering the next generation of players and serving her sport at every level.
Brenda is also available for coaching, speaking engagements, and sports development consulting. (Contact details available on request.)
