Best Middle Blocker — Jenson Mitchell 🇬🇩
2026 ECVA Championship, Tortola, BVI
Q: You were named Best Middle Blocker at this year's ECVA Championship — what did that moment mean to you, and who did you want to share it with?
That moment was surreal. Sacrificing so much time over the last few months, it felt like all my of hard work had finally paid off. I honestly didn't realize I had won it until the last day some of my teammates told me I was at the top of the leaderboard and I was like WOW.
I would like to share it with my wife, firstly always being my #1 supporter and backbone of my success. My friends, family members who understood that the amount of time spent not being able to go to the beach, or spending time with them was not wasted, that the milestone I put out for myself I achieved it. And finally my coaches, who worked with me tirelessly to achieve something that we all worked together as a unit to achieve not myself alone.
Q: Middle blocker is such a demanding position. What does your preparation look like, and what separates a good blocker from a great one?
My preparation starts with understanding firstly the pass. Seeing if the pass is a good pass, and the options that the setter has. Then seeing some of the setters habits, as most setters have a 'tell' in which they would set the ball either to their better spiker, or player scoring the most at the moment. So I will react and adjust my speed of block depending on the flight of the ball, and most importantly to stay low and loaded, so I can instinctively jump at any moment.
I think your ability to penetrate the net and get your hands up and over as quickly as possible sets a good Blocker apart from a great Blocker. Because reading the block is only half the action but reaching and being a hindrance by penetrating the net quickly, allows you to not only block the ball, but disrupting the attackers view and making it easier for your backcourt to pick up the ball.
Q: What did it mean to represent Grenada on this stage, and how did the team's chemistry come together for the results in Tortola?
It is always a pleasure and great pride in representing Grenada at any stage. And the teams chemistry was phenomenal, believing that 'we got this' despite being down in some matches, we came together and fought back in different matches to win and in pivotal moments trusting in each others abilities.
Q: Was there a turning point in your volleyball journey that pushed you toward the level you're playing at now?
For me it was the last final 4 tournament. Experiencing the level of competition and the results was not what we wanted as a team. I vowed to work and push to never feel that way again. That I can contribute to my team in the role that I have been blessed with. Middle Blocker, Blocking the ball.
Q: What would you say to young Grenadian volleyballers watching your success and dreaming of wearing the national colours themselves?
I would tell them success doesn't come to you, if you sit back and be content with just 'making the team'. And as one of the coaches who started me on this journey Coach Peer Nassire stated: "Hard work beats ole talk". Extra time has to placed into yourself as a professional believing in yourself that you can do anything. The road would not be easy. But say to yourself, will the you in the next 6-8 months be satisfied that you used those last few months grinding, training, working hard. And look back and say it is good. I done well, that I have something to show for my dedication. Either be it an award, a personal goal or the teams overall position. That when I step foot on the court. That I can wear my national colors with pride, knowing that I did all that I can to showcase my ability.
