🏐 ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT | 🇧🇲 Alexander Southern, Best Middle Blocker - Bermuda
2026 ECVA Championship, Tortola, BVI
Bermuda's Alexander Southern left Tortola with more than memories. The towering middle was named Best Middle Blocker at the 2026 ECVA Men and Women Volleyball Championship. We caught up with him to talk about the award, his journey and what it means for volleyball back home.
🎙️ Alexander, you were named Best Middle Blocker. What went through your mind when your name was called?
"It was definitely a proud moment. As a middle, a lot of what you do doesn't always show up on the scoresheet in blocking, so it was nice to have that recognised."
🎙️ What did it mean to wear Bermuda's colours in Tortola and bring home an individual award?
"It meant a lot. It can be harder for us in Bermuda because we don't get as many opportunities to regularly play and train against other high-level teams. So being able to go to Tortola, compete well against strong teams from around the region, and come away with an individual award was something I was really proud of."
🎙️ How did your volleyball journey begin, and why the middle?
"I first got into volleyball through the Bermuda school and National Junior programmes, before moving to the UK for university, where I was selected for the 1st team at Loughborough University. Playing middle came pretty naturally to me because of my height and athleticism, but I also grew to really enjoy the position."
🎙️ Looking back on the week, which match or moment stood out most?
"It would have to be the last match against Dominica. Although we lost in a close ending, it was our best performance as a team, and we secured the best finish the team has had in this tournament. There were definitely a few blocks throughout the tournament that felt good, especially the ones on big points where you could feel the momentum change afterwards. I feel like that's the biggest impact I can make as a middle on the court."
🎙️ What do you hope this award does for volleyball in Bermuda?
"Hopefully it gives a little more visibility to volleyball in Bermuda. We have a lot of talented athletes, and I'd love to see more young people getting involved in the sport and realising there are opportunities to represent Bermuda and compete internationally."
👏 Congratulations, Alexander, on a well-deserved honour, and to Team Bermuda on a historic finish!
#ECVA #ECVA2026 #Volleyball #CaribbeanVolleyball #TeamBermuda #Bermuda #BestMiddleBlocker #NORCECA #AthleteSpotlight
