Biography of Emilio Spanner
Emilio Spanner wasn’t always into volleyball. His first passion was basketball, a sport where he showed exceptional talent from an early age. He dedicated much of his time to the game and developed strong athletic skills and a competitive spirit. That changed when he decided to try volleyball, and what began as a new experience quickly became a second passion. Emilio was drawn to the sport’s fast pace, teamwork, and strategy.
Emilio’s volleyball journey began with the local team No Fear, where he started training at just 12 years old. Through hard work and commitment, he developed his skills and quickly grew into the sport. He participated in his first official local tournament at the age of 15, marking the beginning of his competitive volleyball career. As he gained more experience, he later went on to play with the team Scorpions, continuing to improve and compete at higher levels. Even today, despite competing internationally and at the collegiate level, Emilio still participates in local tournaments whenever possible, staying connected to his community and roots.
In 2015, Emilio’s talent was recognized early when he was nominated for Rookie of the Year in the local tournament. Two years later, in 2017, he earned the Best Blocker award in the local competition, a special achievement made even more memorable as he shared that honor alongside his father, highlighting the strong family connection and support within his volleyball journey.
At the age of 15, Emilio’s abilities stood out even further when he was selected to represent his island, Sint Eustatius, in the ECVA Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship, competing against older and more experienced players. His outstanding performance earned him the Best Blocker award at the regional level, marking an important milestone in his athletic career.
In 2023, Emilio received a volleyball scholarship to William Penn University in the United States, where he chose to major in Sport Management. His academic focus reflects his interest in the leadership and organizational side of athletics, inspired by his firsthand experience in competitive sports and his desire to understand how successful sports programs are developed and managed.
Emilio has also continued to achieve success in local competition. In 2023 and 2024, he won championship titles with the Scorpions team, and in 2025, he captured another championship with Dynamite, further demonstrating his impact and leadership on the court.
In 2024, Emilio once again represented Sint Eustatius in the ECVA Senior Men’s Volleyball Championship, where he demonstrated exceptional growth and high-level performance. Emilio continues to proudly participate in volleyball tournaments and represent his island whenever he can, showing his dedication not only to the sport but also to his community and home.
By combining elite athletic performance with academic training in Sport Management, Emilio aims to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of sports both on and off the court.
