Mervin Mingo is a dedicated and accomplished volleyball player from Dominica, known for his leadership, consistent work ethic, and excellence across both indoor and beach disciplines. Introduced to the sport at age eight while attending Will Strathmore Stevens Primary School, Mervin’s passion for volleyball has driven steady development from youth competition to international tournaments.
Career highlights
- Early development: Represented North East Comprehensive School in multiple age-group competitions, establishing a strong competitive foundation.
- Club play: Made his National Volleyball League debut in 2023 with Sunrise Sports Club, where he quickly emerged as a leader on and off the court and a key contributor to the club’s performance.
- Beach volleyball: Transitioned successfully to beach play and built a standout partnership with Bill Frederick. Together they placed third at the 2023 ECVA Junior Beach Championships in St. Kitts and captured back-to-back gold medals at the ECVA Junior Beach Championships in 2024 and 2025. The pair also finished fourth at the 2025 ECVA Senior Championships. Mervin has competed in numerous ECVA and NORCECA beach tournaments, including NORCECA events in El Salvador.
- Regional indoor volleyball: Represented Dominica at regional indoor events, including the 2023 ECVA U23 Championships where Dominica won bronze and Mervin was honored as Best Libero. He was also a member of the senior national team that won silver at the 2024 ECVA Senior Championships and bronze at the 2025 Men’s Final Four.
Tournaments
- 2023: ECVA Junior Beach Championships (3rd place)
- 2024: ECVA Junior Beach Championships (gold); ECVA Senior Beach Championships; NORCECA Beach Tour — El Salvador
- 2025: ECVA Junior Beach Championships (gold); ECVA Senior Beach Championships (4th place); NORCECA U21 World Championship Qualifier
Playing profile
- Position: Libero / defensive specialist (indoor); beach specialist (defense and transition)
- Strengths: Exceptional defensive instincts, consistent serve-receive, high work rate, strong leadership and team communication
- Attributes: Coachable, resilient, and team-oriented—brings energy and discipline to training and competition
Mervin’s steady progression from a promising youth player to a regional standout reflects a rare combination of talent and dedication. With significant junior and senior successes and growing international experience across ECVA and NORCECA events, he is widely regarded as a rising leader in Caribbean volleyball with a bright future ahead.
Port St. Lucie, FL — Sophie Weikl captured first place in the U16 division at the RPS College Clinic Tournament held February 8–9 in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
The two-day event served as an identification tournament, providing athletes the opportunity to work with different college coaches and perform in front of college recruiters and scouts.
Weikl partnered with an athlete from another club for the competition. Despite not having competed together previously, the pair developed strong on-court chemistry throughout the weekend and remained together for the duration of the tournament.
They delivered a dominant performance, finishing undefeated with a 6–0 match record. The team went 3–0 on Saturday and followed with another 3–0 performance on Sunday, including semifinal and championship victories.
Reflecting on the competition, Weikl said:
“The tournament was tough — it was a battle for every single point. For me, it really showed that the game is just as mental as it is physical. You can have all the skill and stay efficient, but that doesn’t mean you’ll keep a level head when the pressure hits. Staying calm, focused, and confident is what really makes the difference. In moments like that, it’s not just about how well you play — it’s about how well you handle yourself.”
She also shared her thoughts on the partnership:
“It was truly a great experience playing together. She’s an amazing player and very level-headed, which made a big difference in high-pressure moments. Even though we had never played together before, we clicked right away. Our chemistry felt natural, and everything just flowed on the court.”
Looking ahead, Weikl remains focused on continued development.
“I’m going to keep grinding, keep improving my game, and continue strengthening my mental toughness. I’m focused on getting better every day and preparing for my next tournament.”
This latest result highlights not only Weikl’s technical ability, but also her growing maturity and composure in high-level competition settings.
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.
My volleyball journey began at the age of 12 while attending St. Joseph’s Convent Secondary School in Saint Lucia. From my very first game, volleyball has been a passion that continues to shape my personal and professional life.
At just 13 years old, I competed in my first regional tournament—the 2019 Windward Islands School Games—where Team Saint Lucia secured the gold medal, and I was honored to receive the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Shortly after, I represented my country at the ECVA U19 Indoor Tournament in Antigua, earning another gold medal, along with MVP and Best Outside Hitter accolades.
The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted many competitions, but it led me to explore beach volleyball, which quickly became a new passion. In 2022, I made the Saint Lucia Senior National Indoor Team, competing in the ECVA Senior Championships in Sint Maarten, where we won gold. That same year, I participated in my first international beach volleyball event—the Centro America and Caribbean Games in Colombia—which was a valuable experience, despite not medaling.
In 2023, I represented Saint Lucia in multiple tournaments, including the ECVA Senior Beach Volleyball Championships (4th place) and the ECVA U23 Indoor Championship in Dominica, where we won gold. I also played in the U21 Beach Volleyball Tournament in St. Kitts, placing 5th due to an injury.
After completing my associate degree in December 2023, I took on a full-time role as a café supervisor while preparing to further my education. In 2024, I returned to the ECVA Senior National Indoor Team, winning gold again in Antigua. In 2025, I was accepted to Humber College in Canada to pursue a bachelor’s in international business.
Before relocating to Canada, I played in my final beach volleyball tournaments for Saint Lucia, earning gold at the ECVA U21 Beach Volleyball Championship and qualifying for the Norceca U21 World Championship Qualifier in Punta Cana, where we placed 9th overall.
I currently attend Humber College and compete on the school’s extramural volleyball team, playing both as an outside hitter and, for the first time, as a middle blocker.
Career Highlights & Tournaments
2019
2022
2023
2024
2025
Current Status
With over 8 years of experience officiating indoor volleyball at the club level, Michael Hamilton has grown into a passionate and disciplined referee committed to the highest standards of the sport.
In 2024, he elevated his career by completing the prestigious NORCECA Continental Beach Referee Course in Puerto Rico, marking his entry into international-level officiating.
Since then, Michael has proudly officiated at the ECVA Under-21 Junior Beach Championships (2024 & 2025) in St. Kitts, and the ECVA Senior Beach Championships (2025) in St. Lucia.
His journey reflects a deep love for the game, a drive for continuous growth, and a commitment to excellence on and off the court.
Michael believes that every match is an opportunity to inspire, uphold fairness, and serve the sport he loves.
His message to aspiring referees: “Stay focused, stay humble, and never stop learning — the game deserves your best.”
Ajani Davis - Legacy in the Making
Born and raised in the beautiful twin-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Ajani Davis discovered his love for volleyball at an early age. Growing up in a community that valued sports and youth development, Ajani was inspired by local coaches, mentors, and national athletes who fueled his passion for the game. His natural talent for defense and court awareness became evident in his teenage years, earning him early recognition within the local volleyball scene.
Ajani's journey as a competitive athlete began in earnest when he joined the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) circuit, representing his country and regional clubs in several high-level tournaments. Over a span of four years, he established himself as one of the top defensive players.
Throughout his years in ECVA tournaments, Ajani also represented his local club in domestic competitions and regional matchups, gaining invaluable experience and honing his craft as a libero.
Ajani’s talent did not go unnoticed internationally. He earned an opportunity to pursue higher education in the United States, enrolling at Benedict College, a college known for its strong academic and athletic programs. Transitioning to the NCAA Men’s Volleyball circuit, Ajani quickly made an impact as a libero and defensive specialist, earning a starting position on the team.
Known for his agility, quick decision-making, and tactical intelligence, Ajani plays a crucial role on the court, often leading defensive plays and serving as a stabilizing force during high-pressure moments. His performance in the NCAA has drawn attention from scouts, coaches, and volleyball enthusiasts alike.
While excelling in volleyball, Ajani remains deeply committed to his academic journey. He is currently majoring in Electrical Engineering, a challenging field that reflects his intellectual curiosity and drive for innovation. His goal is to fuse his engineering knowledge with his passion for sports, particularly in areas such as sports analytics, and performance enhancement systems.
Ajani believes that the future of athletics lies in the intersection of technology and human performance, and he aspires to be at the forefront of this evolution — not just as a player, but as a contributor to the science behind the sport.
In just his sophomore year, Ajani has already proven to be a standout student-athlete. His dedication to excellence on the court is matched by his humility, work ethic, and leadership qualities. Coaches and teammates frequently commend him for his sportsmanship, discipline, and ability to uplift those around him.
Whether diving for a crucial save or mentoring younger players, Ajani leads by example and embodies the values of perseverance and resilience.
Ajani’s vision for the future is both ambitious and inspiring. He aims to:
Ajani is determined to be a role model for the next generation — proving that with passion, discipline, and support, it is possible to excel both academically and athletically.
Ajani Davis is more than just a volleyball player; he is a symbol of determination, talent, and purpose. His story is a source of pride for his homeland and the youth who dream of making it big on the international stage. As he continues to grow both as a student and an athlete, the Caribbean can expect great things from Ajani
St. Kitts & Nevis — The Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) proudly announces that five of its National Federations (NFs) have qualified for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Beach Volleyball, underscoring the region’s growing strength and competitiveness on the international stage.
Following a series of competitive performances, the following ECVA member nations have secured qualification:
Men’s Beach Volleyball
Women’s Beach Volleyball
ECVA President Glenn Quinlan expressed his pride in the achievements of the qualifying teams:
“This qualification pathway, achieved through the 2025 NORCECA Beach Tour, stands as a testament to the dedication, development, and talent of our athletes and coaching staff. We are immensely proud of the efforts of our national federations and look forward to their success at the Central American and Caribbean Games.”
“While Anguilla has successfully accumulated the points required for qualification, their final participation will depend on several external factors.”
The 2026 CAC Games, scheduled for July 23–30, 2026, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, will feature the region’s top beach volleyball teams, offering a platform for high-level competition, international exposure, and regional pride.
The ECVA remains committed to supporting its athletes through ongoing development, training programs, and regional competitions as they pursue excellence on the continental stage.
About ECVA
The Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) is a zonal body under NORCECA (North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation) dedicated to the growth and promotion of indoor and beach volleyball across the Eastern Caribbean. Through leadership, training, and competition, ECVA supports its member federations in elevating the sport regionally and internationally.
St. Kitts & Nevis – The Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) is proud to announce the appointment of three distinguished referees to officiate at the XXV Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Beach Volleyball, scheduled to take place from July 23–30, 2026, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
This prestigious selection underscores the high caliber of officiating talent within the ECVA region and reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to excellence in all aspects of the sport.
The referees appointed are:
Reginald Willemsberg, Chairman of the ECVA Referee Commission and member of the NORCECA Referee Commission, remarked on the recent referee assignments:
“The assignments of Rogol, Julian, and Keam truly highlight the depth of talent and professionalism within our region. It’s encouraging to see ECVA’s commitment not only to athletes but also to the integrity of officiating at the highest level. These referees embody the values of dedication, fairness, and international standards, and their presence at the CAC Games will undoubtedly elevate the competition. Congratulations to them and to ECVA for setting such a strong example of regional pride and global quality.”
These appointments reflect the commitment of the ECVA to not only develop top-notch athletes but also to ensure that the officiating is of the highest caliber. We are proud to see our referees take on this vital role at a major international event, further showcasing the quality of volleyball in the Eastern Caribbean.
The ECVA wishes Rogol, Julian, and Keam the best as they prepare for this exciting opportunity. Their presence at the CAC Games will undoubtedly enhance the quality of the matches and inspire upcoming referees throughout the region.
https://norceca.net/Santo%20Domingo%20to%20host%202026...
Rogol Mills-Costoso (SKN), Appointed to officiate at the XXV Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Beach Volleyball, scheduled to take place from July 23–30, 2026, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Rogol Mills-Costoso, In 2016, assigned by Mr. Arnaldo Sánchez, he attended his first international tournament, the NORCECA Championship in Boquerón, Puerto Rico.
Thanks to the efforts of President Glenn Quinlan, he was sent in November 2019 to take the international beach volleyball referee course.
- 2021: Participated as a guest referee in the XIII Central American U21 Championship in Guatemala.
- 2021: Guest referee at the AFECAVOL Senior Central American Championship in El Salvador.
- From 2021 to the present, he has continuously participated in NORCECA Championships, officiating prominently in medal matches. He has distinguished himself in all of them, working the medal games.
- Assigned to his first Central American and Caribbean Games in 2023, in El Salvador, officiating the Bronze Medal match.
- Assigned to the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, 2023.
- Assigned to the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay, 2025.
He has also worked at the ECVA U-21 and Senior Championships held in Saint Lucia and Saint Kitts.
Keam Charlery (LCA) is a distinguished International Beach Volleyball Referee whose career reflects dedication, technical excellence, and a lifelong commitment to the development of volleyball at the national, regional, and international levels. His journey in the sport began at an early age, sparked by a passion developed during his primary school years and nurtured throughout secondary school and university. This enduring enthusiasm has shaped a multifaceted career as a referee, coach, administrator, and technical official.
Mr. Charlery’s officiating career commenced in 2002, progressing steadily through the ranks from ball retriever to certified line judge, scorer, second referee, and ultimately first referee. His commitment to continuous development led him to complete the International Beach Volleyball Nomination Course in Santo Domingo in 2012. His first NORCECA tournament was in Saint Lucia that year then also in the same year, he officiated his first NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tournament outside of Saint Lucia in Aruba, marking the beginning of his international refereeing career.
In 2014, Mr. Charlery made his debut at the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) level at a Beach Volleyball Tournament in Acapulco, Mexico. His competence and professionalism were further demonstrated when he was selected to referee at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz, Mexico, also in 2014. In recognition of his growing experience and expertise, he officially received his FIVB certification as an International Beach Volleyball Referee in 2016.
Since then, Mr. Charlery has officiated at numerous high-profile international tournaments across the Americas. These include FIVB events in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; the Fort Lauderdale Major and Las Vegas in the United States; and Edmonton, Canada. His regional assignments have included the NORCECA Beach Volleyball Circuit in Bonaire in 2024 and Guadalajara, Mexico in 2025, as well as the CAZOVA and ECVA U19 Beach Volleyball Qualifiers in Trinidad and Tobago in 2024.
Mr. Charlery has also contributed significantly to youth and developmental competitions. He officiated at the U23 Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago in 2023 and has been a regular official for the Eastern Caribbean Beach Volleyball Circuit in Saint Lucia from 2023 to 2025. Additionally, he has served as a referee at underage beach volleyball competitions in Saint Kitts from 2023 through 2025.
Beyond officiating, Mr. Charlery is a certified Level 2 Volleyball Coach and Beach Volleyball Coach. He has represented Saint Lucia as a coach at both regional volleyball and beach volleyball events, most notably serving as a Beach Volleyball Coach at the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China, in 2014. He remains actively involved in the sport as a member of the Jet Setters Volleyball Club in Saint Lucia.
Mr. Charlery’s leadership and service extend into volleyball administration. He has held executive roles within Volleyball Saint Lucia Inc., serving as both a floor member and Vice President. In 2025, he was appointed to the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Beach Volleyball Commission and currently serves as a member of the ECVA Volleyball Information Systems (VIS) Technical Team.
Through over two decades of service, Keam Charlery has established himself as a respected official and advocate for volleyball development. His career embodies professionalism, mentorship, and a steadfast commitment to advancing beach volleyball across the Caribbean and internationally.
REFEREE SPOTLIGHT - Julian Seraphine (Dominica) Appointed to officiate at the XXV Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Beach Volleyball, scheduled to take place from July 23–30, 2026, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Julian Seraphine is an accomplished International Beach Volleyball Referee whose officiating career began at the grassroots level, serving as a second referee at a local match. Following this initial experience, he was afforded opportunities to officiate additional games, allowing him to steadily develop his skills and confidence.
In 2012, the Dominica Amateur Volleyball Association (DAVA) nominated him to participate in a Beach Volleyball Referee Course held in Santo Domingo. From there, Julian continued to build his officiating portfolio, serving as a Continental Referee at numerous North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation (NORCECA) and Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) tournaments across the region, including events in Cuba and Colombia.
In 2014, Julian achieved the distinction of becoming a Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) International Beach Volleyball Referee. In this capacity, he has officiated at several prestigious international competitions, including the U21 World Championships in Puebla, Mexico (2025), the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago (2023), the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia (2018), the Birmingham Commonwealth Games (2022), and the Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) Games held in Germany (2025), among others.
Beyond officiating, Julian’s passion for volleyball remains an integral part of his life. He proudly represented the Commonwealth of Dominica as a national player on multiple occasions and previously served as an executive member of the Dominica Amateur Volleyball Association. He also contributes to the development of the sport by assisting with youth coaching at the R & D Club, with the aim of instilling in young athletes the same passion and discipline that volleyball has fostered in him.
Looking ahead, Julian remains committed to continuous improvement and professional development as an international referee. He believes that consistent growth and experience are essential to elevating the overall quality and integrity of the sport.
