🏐🇩🇲 ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: MERVIN MINGO
Best Libero – 2026 ECVA Senior Men's Indoor Championship
Dominica's Mervin Mingo continues to make his mark on regional volleyball! After being named Best Libero and Best Digger at the 2023 ECVA U23 Championship, and winning back-to-back ECVA U21 Beach titles with partner Bill Frederick in 2024 and 2025, Mervin has now been named Best Libero at senior level. Dominica took bronze at the championship in the BVI.
We caught up with Mervin to talk about his journey. 👇
Q: You won Best Libero and Best Digger at the 2023 ECVA U23 Championship. Now you're Best Libero at senior level. How has your game improved, and what does this award mean to you?
Mervin: "Since 2023, I believe my game has improved a lot, especially in my reading of the game, positioning, communication, and consistency. Playing at different levels has given me more experience and confidence. Winning Best Libero at the senior level means a lot to me because it shows that the hard work, training, and sacrifices are paying off. It also motivates me to continue improving and representing Dominica at the highest level I can."
Q: You and Bill Frederick won the ECVA U21 Beach title two years in a row. How has beach volleyball helped you as an indoor libero?
Mervin:"Beach volleyball has helped me tremendously because there are only two players on the court, so you have to be involved in almost every play. It has improved my ball control, reading of the opponent, movement, communication, and decision-making. Those skills have transferred directly into indoor volleyball and have helped me become a better player."
Q: Liberos don't always get the spotlight. Why did you choose this position, and who helped you become the player you are today?
Mervin: "I chose libero because I enjoy defending and helping my teammates stay in the game. I like the challenge of keeping difficult balls alive and creating opportunities for the team to attack. I also enjoy being someone my teammates can depend on in the back row. My parents, coaches, teammates, and everyone who has supported me throughout my volleyball journey have all played an important role in helping me become the player I am today."
Q: After your 2025 beach win, you thanked your parents, coaches and fans. Who has supported you the most, and what would you like to say to them?
Mervin:"My parents have been a major source of support throughout my journey. They have always encouraged me, supported my training, and believed in me. My coaches, teammates, friends, and fans have also played a big part. I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me, whether it was at a game, during training, or simply by encouraging me. I truly appreciate it, and I hope I can continue making you proud."
Q: You've been honoured at U21, U23 and senior level. What's your next goal, and what advice would you give young Dominicans who want to follow your path?
Mervin: "My next goal is to continue developing as a player, compete at higher levels, and represent Dominica as well as I possibly can. One of my biggest goals is to win the ECVA Senior Beach Volleyball Tournament in 2027. I would love to achieve that and continue building on everything I have accomplished so far.
To young Dominicans who want to follow this path, I would say believe in yourself, work hard, stay disciplined, and don't be afraid of setbacks. Listen to your coaches, learn from every experience, and always remember where you came from. Most importantly, enjoy the sport and keep pushing yourself to get better."
👏 Congratulations, Mervin! Dominica is proud of you. Keep defending, keep inspiring! 💪🇩🇲
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