🏐🇧🇲 SPOTLIGHT: BEST MIDDLE BLOCKER – AMBER SIMONS 🇧🇲🏐
Bermuda went undefeated to claim GOLD 🥇, and middle blocker Amber Simons walked away with the Best Middle Blocker award. We caught up with her after the tournament 👇
🎙️ Congratulations on being named Best Middle Blocker! What went through your mind when your name was called, and what does this award mean to you and to volleyball in Bermuda?
"I felt incredibly proud and honoured. There were so many talented players competing, so being recognised was a really rewarding moment. This award reflects the hard work and dedication I've put into the sport. It also speaks to the level of talent we have in Bermuda. Despite being a small island, we can compete and excel on the international stage. I hope achievements like this continue to inspire the next generation of volleyball players in Bermuda."
🎙️ Bermuda won gold undefeated. If you could replay one rally from the whole week, which would it be?
"The final point of the second set against Antigua in the gold medal match. We were battling point for point, and their outside hitter, Rayana Regis, had been a real threat. I knew if the ball went to her she'd swing aggressively, so I focused on reading the play and timing my block. I can still replay that moment in slow motion. As soon as the ball hit my hands, I knew it was going straight down. Closing out such a hard-fought set like that and seeing my teammates' excitement was incredible. It gave us the momentum we needed and put us one set closer to gold."
🎙️ Last year you won Best Blocker but took home silver. This year it's gold and Best Middle Blocker. What changed?
"The biggest difference was growth in my overall game. As a middle, you're the first line of defence at the net, but you also help create offensive opportunities. This past year I focused on becoming a more complete player: being consistently available as an attacking option for my setter, which opens up more chances for our outside hitters. Defensively, I refined my timing, positioning and reading of the opposing offence, and built stronger chemistry with my outside blockers. Last year was about individual growth. This year the goal was to turn that into a team result. Walking away with both gold and Best Middle Blocker makes that progress even more rewarding."
🎙️ You shared the award. Give a shout-out to someone who made your job at the net easier.
"It's impossible to single out just one person! My teammates on the court and the bench, our coaching staff, the men's team offering advice, and the fans bringing the energy all played a part. I was constantly getting feedback on closing our blocks, hitters' tendencies, and which players to key in on in crucial moments. Blocking may be counted as an individual stat, but it's really the product of a whole team's effort, and I'm so grateful to everyone who contributed."
👏 Congratulations, Amber, and congratulations to Team Bermuda on an unbeaten gold medal run! 🇧🇲🥇
#ECVA #Volleyball #TeamBermuda #BestMiddleBlocker #CaribbeanVolleyball #WomenInSport #ECVAIndoor2026
