Chadiya Martin – UWI Five Islands in Collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Amateur Volleyball Association (ABAVA) – Scholarship Recipient
Chadiya Martin is a driven, disciplined, and community-minded young woman from Antigua and Barbuda whose journey reflects a powerful commitment to service, sport, and continuous self-improvement. Her story resonates strongly with athletes who understand the value of persistence, adaptability, and stepping up when opportunity calls.
Chadiya’s educational foundation was built at the Antigua Wesleyan Junior Academy (2006–2013) and Otto’s Comprehensive School (2013–2018), where her leadership and work ethic quickly set her apart. In 2018, she graduated as Valedictorian, while also being recognized as a Volleyball Awardee and Sportswoman of the Year—a clear demonstration of her ability to balance academic excellence with athletic dedication.
She continued her studies at Antigua State College (2018–2020) before entering the workforce at Amalgamated Security Services Antigua Ltd. Starting as a Security Officer (2021–2022), she progressed to Duty Officer (2022–2023) and now serves as an Administrative Assistant (2023–present). Each role strengthened her leadership, discipline, and sense of responsibility—qualities that align with her long-term aspiration to serve and protect the people of Antigua and Barbuda, following in her parents’ footsteps.
Today, Chadiya is further pursuing this goal as a Criminology and Criminal Justice student at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus. She is a proud recipient of a scholarship awarded through a collaborative partnership between UWI Five Islands and the Antigua and Barbuda Amateur Volleyball Association (ABAVA)—a milestone that reflects her dedication, character, and contributions both on and off the court.
Chadiya’s athletic journey is equally inspiring. She was introduced to volleyball in 2015 after her mother encouraged her to try it instead of netball. Through school league competition and guidance from coaches such as Mr. Lewis, Mr. Hamilton, and Mr. Joseph, she steadily developed her skills. Early setbacks—including not being selected for the Under-16 national team—tested her resolve but never broke it.
Her perseverance ultimately opened the door to competitive club volleyball within ABAVA. Chadiya began her club career with Targets Volleyball Club, where she served as the team’s main setter for two years, laying a strong foundation for her development. She later continued her journey through Acme and eventually joined the STARZ Volleyball Club in 2019. Each transition required her to start over—often at the junior level—but Chadiya embraced the challenge, working relentlessly to earn her place on the senior team. Her journey stands as a powerful reminder that growth is rarely linear, and that belief in oneself, patience, and consistent effort are essential to long-term success.
In 2023, Chadiya expanded her contribution to the sport by becoming a local volleyball referee. When the Local Organising Committee issued a call for each club to designate a referee, she stepped forward to support her team. What began as service quickly became another avenue for growth. Her goal is to continue learning, represent her club with integrity, and ultimately officiate at the regional level.
While volleyball has shaped her competitive edge, cricket remains one of her loves. Chadiya often jokes that her connection to the sport began before birth—her mother played cricket while pregnant with her and was a member of the Police Cricket Team. For the past five years, Chadiya has served as a scorer with the Antigua and Barbuda Cricket Association (ABCA), officiating at local, regional, and international matches. To her, cricket mirrors life itself—unpredictable, demanding, and deeply rewarding—teaching patience, teamwork, resilience, and the importance of embracing every new opportunity.
Grounded, passionate, and purpose-driven, Chadiya Martin continues to evolve as a scholar, professional, athlete, official, and servant of her community. Her journey stands as a powerful reminder that success is built not only through talent, but through discipline, service, and the courage to grow in every role the sport offers.
Thornia Mitchell: A Force on the Court and the Stage
Thornia Mitchell is a powerhouse in Caribbean sports and pageantry, recognized as a versatile athlete, dedicated administrator, and a symbol of female empowerment in Grenada. Her career is a testament to her commitment to excellence, whether she is spiking a ball on the sand or advocating for athletes in the boardroom.
Elite Volleyball Career
Thornia has established herself as one of Grenada’s most prominent volleyball figures, excelling in both indoor and beach volleyball. As a dynamic outside hitter and a dominant beach athlete, she has represented her nation on the world’s most prestigious stages. Her competitive resume includes:
* International Competitions: Competing in high-stakes environments like the Olympic Qualifiers (Tlaxcala, Mexico 2024), Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games, and the Commonwealth Games.
* NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour: A consistent competitor on the continental circuit, facing off against top-tier talent from across North and Central America.
* ECVA Dominance: Thornia, alongside partner Renisha Stafford, has been a leading force in the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA), clinching Gold at the 2024 and 2025 Beach Championships.
Leadership & Coaching
Beyond her play, Thornia is deeply invested in the growth of the sport. She serves as an indoor and beach volleyball coach, sharing her technical expertise with the next generation of athletes. Her influence extends into sports governance and administration:
* ECVA Control Committee: As a member of the Control Committee, she plays a vital role in the management and oversight of regional tournaments.
* Grenada Athletes’ Commission: She is an active member of the commission, advocating for the rights, welfare, and diversity of athletes within the volleyball community and beyond.
A Reigning Queen
In 2025, Thornia added a new title to her list of achievements: Mrs. Grenada Globe 2025. Transitioning from the court to the pageant stage, she represented Grenada at the international Mrs. Globe finals in Shenzhen, China. Through this platform, she champions the "Beauty with a Purpose" movement, celebrating the resilience, confidence, and strength of women.
Gercia is a passionate and dedicated volleyball player whose love for the sport began at the age of 11.
Inspired by watching her mother and aunts play, she quickly developed a deep admiration for the game and dreamed of following in their footsteps. In 2022, Gercia officially began her volleyball journey when she joined team Bomb Threats in the local league, marking the start of her competitive career.
Not only has she found love on the court, but also in the sand. In 2025, Gercia competed in the ECVA U23 Beach Volleyball Tournament held in St. Kitts. She enjoys both beach and indoor volleyball, appreciating the unique challenges each brings.
However, indoor volleyball holds a special place in her heart, as it is where she truly fell in love with the sport and continues to grow as a player. Driven, focused, and ambitious, Gercia’s goal is to become one of the best volleyball players in the Caribbean, representing her talent, hard work, and passion at the highest level.
Darius Lewis serves as the Vice President of the Montserrat Volleyball Association (MVA), a leader whose journey is defined by a deep commitment to national service and a relentless drive to see volleyball thrive on his home soil. His path is rooted in the discipline he developed early on, joining the Montserrat Secondary School (MSS) Cadet Corps in 2008. He eventually rose to the rank of Cadet Sergeant Major before transitioning to the Royal Montserrat Defence Force (RMDF), where he continues to serve as a Corporal. Having represented both organizations abroad, Darius brings a unique level of military discipline and institutional knowledge to the world of sports administration.
Darius’s influence on the sport began long before he held an executive title. In 2012, as a student at MSS, he was part of a dedicated group of students who successfully campaigned for volleyball’s inclusion in the school’s annual sports meet, a move that helped establish a competitive foundation for the sport. This passion carried him through his college years and led to him representing Montserrat as a national player at the 2016 ECVA Indoor Volleyball tournament in Antigua.
Recognizing that the sport needed a new technical foundation to combat the challenges of athlete migration, Darius shifted his focus toward coaching and grassroots development. In 2024, he attended a Beach Volleyball Coaching Course in St. Kitts, returning home with a singular mission to reinvigorate the local scene. By October of that year, he had mobilized a new generation of youth for regular indoor training, proving his commitment to rebuilding the sport’s participation base from the ground up.
Following his participation in the ECVA Development Workshop in St. Kitts in December 2025, Darius returned to Montserrat and was officially voted in as Vice President of the Association. Since taking office, he has transformed that mandate into strategic action, focusing on expanding the sport’s reach within the school system and increasing community engagement. By bridging the gap between his experience as a national athlete and his background in disciplined service, Darius Lewis is dedicated to establishing a sustainable structure that will elevate Montserrat volleyball to a higher level of regional excellence.
NORCECA commissions are specialized, expert-driven bodies under the Board of Administration that manage, develop, and promote volleyball and beach volleyball across North, Central America, and the Caribbean. Comprised of representatives from member nations, these 11+ commissions (including Athletes, Coaches, Medical, Refereeing, and Press) enhance governance, operational efficiency, and event organization.
They operate under the Board of Administration to implement strategic goals, ensure compliance with FIVB rules, and foster technical advancements in the region.
Zjandréa De Jesus
Born on February 14, 2002, Zjandréa De Jesus discovered her passion for volleyball at a
young age by watching her mother and other family members play. What began as simple
curiosity quickly turned into dedication, as she spent countless hours playing volleyball on
the road and over neighbors’ fences, using anything available as a net.
At age 9, Zjandréa joined her first volleyball team as an outside hitter, quickly becoming
known for her aggressive attacking style and her personal motto: “Attack everything.” Over
time, she developed into a versatile, all-around player, gaining experience as an outside
hitter, opposite hitter, middle blocker, and setter. Her commitment and leadership
eventually earned her the role of team captain.
Volleyball became more than a sport—it became her escape from life. Through the game,
she found strength and purpose, using every training session and match as a way to
express herself both emotionally and physically.
Throughout her playing career, Zjandréa competed across the Caribbean, traveling to Saint
Martin, Antigua and Barbuda, and Curaçao for volleyball competitions and tournaments.
She also made her mark in beach volleyball, earning second place in Curaçao and first
place in St. Eustatius.
In 2025, Zjandréa took the next step in her volleyball journey by accepting the position of
assistant coach for a teen male team in St. Eustatius, continuing to expand her knowledge,
leadership, and impact within the sport. She is currently an active player competing in
Curaçao at the superior level.
YOUTH ATHLETE SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT – Ms. Philisha
Burnette
Philisha Burnette is a determined and passionate volleyball player from Antigua and Barbuda
who refuses to let limitations define her potential. At 5’3”, she has often been underestimated
in a sport where height is heavily emphasized, yet she has transformed that challenge into
motivation. Her journey reflects the belief that skill, discipline, and relentless work ethic are just
as powerful as physical stature.
A proud member of the Antigua & Barbuda Amateur Volleyball Association (ABAVA), Philisha
began her competitive volleyball career in 2023 with Jets Volleyball Club as a libero. Her
exceptional defensive instincts, court awareness, and tireless work rate quickly distinguished
her on the court. In 2024, she joined Chargers Volleyball Club and embraced a new
challenge—transitioning from libero to outside hitter. With confidence and determination, she
continues to develop into a versatile and fearless attacker.
Philisha has proudly represented Antigua and Barbuda on several regional and international
stages. In 2023, she competed as a libero at the ECVA U23 Women’s Volleyball Championship in
Dominica. She later represented her country at the 2025 NORCECA U18 Women’s Beach
Volleyball World Championship Qualifier in Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic, where she and her
partner placed 12th out of 14 teams. In September 2025, Philisha again donned national colors
as an outside hitter at the ECVA Final Four Women’s Championship, helping her team secure a
commendable third-place finish.
Her dedication to excellence extends beyond competition. In May 2025, while participating in
the UWI Games, held for the very first time in Antigua and Barbuda, Ms. Burnette was named
one of only two recipients of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus
scholarships. Awarded in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Amateur Volleyball
Association (ABAVA), the scholarship underscores a shared commitment to creating academic
pathways for athletes through sports, ensuring that sporting ambition is matched with
educational opportunity.
Off the court, Philisha is equally driven. She is currently enrolled in the International
Baccalaureate (IB) Programme at Island Academy and plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in
Sports Kinetics at the University of the West Indies. Aspiring to become a physiotherapist, she
hopes to continue giving back to sport by supporting athletes in performance, recovery, and
long-term well-being.
Philisha’s ultimate goal is to compete on the world’s biggest stages while representing Antigua
and Barbuda—and the wider Caribbean—with pride. Beyond her own success, she is motivated
by a desire to inspire others, particularly athletes from small islands and those who may not fit
the “typical” mold, to pursue their dreams with confidence and courage. Her story is a powerful
reminder that effort, belief, and heart can carry you further than limitations ever could.
Volleyball Referee | Former National Player | Advocate for Sports Development
Dominica
Don Daniel Gordon's journey in volleyball began at the age of 12, marking the start of a lifelong passion for the sport. Hailing from Dominica, he quickly rose through the ranks, and by the year 2000, his talent and dedication earned him a position on Dominica’s senior men’s national volleyball team which won the championship. Representing his country at both junior and senior levels, Don developed not only as an athlete but as a leader and mentor in the volleyball community.
Transitioning from player to official, Don's refereeing career has been marked by consistent growth and professionalism. He has officiated at several notable tournaments within the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA), including:
Respected for his integrity, fairness, and expertise, Don continues to elevate his officiating credentials with each tournament, laying the groundwork for future international assignments. His passion for volleyball goes beyond the court, as he remains committed to mentoring young talent and fostering the growth of the game in the region.
With unwavering dedication, Don Daniel Gordon aspires to become an international referee, using his journey to inspire others and demonstrate that perseverance and purpose can take you from local courts to global arenas.
Javin Noel has been a dedicated contributor to the development of volleyball in Grenada, serving the sport in various capacities as a player, coach, administrator, and club leader.
He made his national debut at the age of 15, representing Grenada as part of the first team to place second at the ECVA Under-19 Championship, a milestone achievement for the country. During his school years, he was also a member of the Grenadian team that won the male category at the Windward Islands School Games, earning Grenada’s first-ever gold medal in the event. To date, no other Grenadian male team has placed first at the Games, making the achievement a notable moment in the nation’s sporting history. He was honoured with the Most Valuable Player award for his contribution to the team’s success.
After transitioning from playing to coaching, Noel has continued to support national team development. In 2025, he served as Head Coach of Grenada’s Under-23 Male National Team, which achieved a historic bronze medal at the ECVA U23 Championship, becoming the first Grenadian U23 national team to win a medal at that level.
At the club level, he serves as president of one of the island’s leading volleyball clubs, which consistently competes in national championships and contributes to the development of athletes for the national programme.
Beyond the court, Noel is actively involved in volleyball administration. He currently serves as President of the Grenada Volleyball Association (GVA) and is recognized as the youngest president within the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA). In this role, he has been involved in organizing competitions, supporting coaching and officiating development, and strengthening administrative structures aimed at the sustainable growth of the sport.
Through steady service and a commitment to teamwork and development, Javin Noel continues to contribute to the advancement of volleyball in Grenada and the wider Eastern Caribbean.
ABAVA YOUTH SPOTLIGHT – UWI FIVE ISLANDS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
DARREN WILLIAMS
Darren Williams is a proud alumnus of the Antigua Grammar School, graduating with the Class of 2024. His journey into volleyball began unexpectedly in early 2022, when a friend invited him to a casual Saturday practice at the YMCA with Coach Franz and the City South Chargers Volleyball Club. At the time, Darren was hesitant and unfamiliar with the sport, but that single session sparked a curiosity that would soon grow into passion, discipline, and purpose.
What started as a simple invitation quickly became a defining turning point. Darren committed himself fully to volleyball, training consistently and competing in both Division 1 and Division 2 with the Chargers Volleyball Club. Darren officially became a member of ABAVA upon joining the Chargers Volleyball Club, further solidifying his commitment to the sport at the national level.
His dedication and rapid development were evident, and in June 2025, he earned the opportunity to compete in the UWI Games—an experience that would change the course of his future.
Following the UWI Games, Darren was awarded a scholarship to The University of the West Indies, Five Islands Campus, through a collaboration between UWI and the Antigua and Barbuda Amateur Volleyball Association (ABAVA). This achievement marked a major milestone in his athletic and academic journey. Now in his second semester at UWI Five Islands, Darren is pursuing a degree in Accounting and Finance while continuing to excel as an outside hitter for Team Velocity of the Chargers Volleyball Club. Volleyball has become second nature to him, shaping his character both on and off the court. Through the sport, he has learned the importance of teamwork, accountability, discipline, and resilience—understanding that every decision made on the court impacts not only individual performance, but the success of the entire team.
Darren aspires to one day represent Antigua and Barbuda on a larger stage, firmly believing that national success begins with individual commitment and consistent effort today. His journey is a powerful reminder of the impact of saying “yes” to opportunity, trusting the process, and staying committed to personal growth.
Born from moderately humble beginnings. This young Athlete is the son of a teacher by the name Mrs. Hamilton and forestry worker turned social work, Pas. Hamilton. After years off feeling like the average joe, his greatest achievements were realized this year in succession. First a hunger the move away from being that “Average Joe“ consumed every part of his life. He then was able to develop the courage to believe and devote himself in pursuit of his dreams.
This led him to surround himself with incredible people in every area of life. His life started falling into place. There was exponentially growth in school, sports, personal development and most importantly his faith in God. Quickly after these pieces were connect, the picture became clear and success quickly followed.
Although he had been a national representative for Grenada on multiple occasions, he has definitely out done himself this past year. He and his teammate Zerick Walcott battled to clench a first ever podium finish at the U21 beach level. In the Windward Island School games, his efforts were recognised as he was named the MVP for Team Grenada’s volleyball team.
The crowning moment came from his performance at the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association’s (ECVA) U23 Men’s competition, where he led team Grenada in scoring and was awarded as the Best passer and the 2nd Best Outside hitter. A competition where his personal growth shown through.
He stands approximately 5’11 and a half inch, weighting in at 150.5 lbs. This Volleyball is none other than, Kibose Hamilton.
A lifelong volleyball enthusiast, Reginald played competitively from 1984 to 1991 before dedicating himself fully to refereeing. His journey was not without challenges. After completing his first international referee course in 1990 in Salinas, Puerto Rico, he did not receive enough international match assignments to earn certification. He often joked about being the “eternal Candidate International Referee,” yet he never gave up.
A turning point came in 2001 during the World Championship qualifiers in Santo Domingo, where he met Mr. Perez Vento, Chairman of the NORCECA Referee Commission. Encouraged to attend the international referee course in Buenos Aires later that year, Reginald followed the advice—and it changed the trajectory of his career. In Buenos Aires, amid the global shock of the 9/11 attacks, he completed the course and officiated as First Referee in the South American Women’s Volleyball Championship finals between Argentina and Brazil, marking his emergence on the international stage.
He went on to officiate across CAZOVA, ECVA, NORCECA, and Pan American Cup tournaments, representing Sint Maarten throughout the Caribbean, the Americas, and beyond. His leadership roles include:
Reginald credits mentors such as José “Papo” Caraballos of Puerto Rico, the late Randy Heath of Suriname, and Mr. Guy Bradburry of Canada for shaping his development as a referee administrator. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to excellence, service, and the strengthening of institutions and athletes across the Caribbean.
