Alliyah Smith is a dedicated and driven volleyball athlete from Antigua and Barbuda whose journey in the sport began at the age of 11 while attending Antigua Girls High School. Introduced to volleyball through school competitions, she quickly distinguished herself through natural athletic ability, discipline, and a strong work ethic.
Her consistent training and commitment led to opportunities to represent both her school and country in local and regional competitions under the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA). Her first national appearance came at the 2019 ECVA U20 Female Volleyball Championship, marking a significant milestone in her athletic development.
In 2024 and 2025, Alliyah earned selection to the Female Senior National Team, further solidifying her role as a key contributor to the sport. In 2025, she received notable regional recognition as Best Middle Blocker (2nd in ECVA), highlighting her growth, perseverance, and impact on the court.
Beyond athletics, Alliyah demonstrates exceptional balance and ambition. She is a Draftsperson and AutoCAD Technician, a Certified Property Manager, Hairstylist, and serves as PRO for the Gemonites Steel Orchestra. She is also currently pursuing certifications in Strategic HR Management and Project Management, while building a professional portfolio aimed toward careers in Architecture, Construction Management, and Property Management.
Academics, entrepreneurship, and athletic excellence remain central pillars of her journey. With discipline, leadership, and a clear vision for the future, Alliyah continues to pursue higher levels of competition while proudly representing Antigua and Barbuda on and off the court.
Adrian Constant – Athlete | Sports Journalist | DJ
🏐 National Volleyball Player | Multi-Sport Athlete | Brand Ambassador
From a young age, Adrian Constant was immersed in volleyball, growing up in a family of athletes. His father, Wendy Constant, was a member of the Stoneville club, while his mother, Carolyn Christian, also represented Antigua at the national level. Introduced to the sport at age 4, Adrian’s journey is one of relentless work ethic, discipline, and dedication.
Early Beginnings
Although not initially seen as a natural talent, Adrian’s commitment to improvement set him apart. Inspired by legends like Kobe Bryant, he would wake up early to train, often putting in extra hours at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. His routine included practicing with various teams across different age groups, and even balancing football with volleyball on weekends.
By 2014, he was already competing at high levels, earning bronze in the 100 meters at the Interschools Track and Field Championships before hitting the volleyball courts in the ECVA Under-21 finals.
Education & Collegiate Career
A scholarship to Midway University in Kentucky led to an outstanding collegiate career. Adrian was named NAIA All-American and finished top in kills across multiple seasons. He also competed with the Kentucky Unicorns and Blue Grass Blaze and participated in the AVP beach volleyball circuit.
International Achievements
Adrian's international career is highlighted by multiple gold medals with the Antigua & Barbuda senior volleyball team at the ECVA Championships (2022, 2024), as well as silver and bronze medals on the beach volleyball circuit. He represented his country at the 2025 XVIII Pan American Cup in Mexico, marking Antigua and Barbuda’s first appearance in the tournament.
Playing Style
Standing 6’1”, Adrian is known for his explosive athleticism, high vertical leap, and relentless playstyle. His versatility as an attacker, blocker, and complete player makes him a key asset to any team. Although he continues to refine his serve reception, Adrian takes pride in his volleyball IQ and his ability to shift momentum with critical blocks and well-timed offensive moves.
Mentors & Influences
Adrian credits his parents for their unwavering support and sacrifices throughout his journey; his coaches—especially Coach Olsen “Karrat” Joseph and Coach Augusto Sabbitini—for shaping his game. He has also been guided by national players like Joelle Thomas and Urvin Lewis, and is inspired by the late Kenneth “Zuki/Mozo” Antony, who played a significant role in his early career. Adrian also credits a strong network of supporters for his success, including teammates and mentors from his Stoneville years—Emroy, Carl, Deon, and Bob—and his collegiate coach at Midway University, Coach Jonea Rima, who elevated both his technical skills and life perspective. He also values the ongoing encouragement from Nikki, Carlena, Karen, Jonee, and Petra. His best friend, Dennis “Menace” Roberts, has been a constant source of motivation, famously declaring, “I am not here for the team, I am here for Adrian.”
Family plays a vital role, with his aunts Joezine and Allison, uncles Lloyd and Ranja Christian (a former national footballer), cousins Brytney and Wayne, and younger brother, Nyon Grayman, all serving as pillars of strength and encouragement. He holds a special memory of his late grandmother, Hillarine James, who passed in 2009 and never got to see him compete at the highest levels and credits Mr. Wilbur Harrigan, president of the Antigua and Barbuda Volleyball Association, for creating opportunities and advancing volleyball in the country.
Off the Court
Outside volleyball, Adrian is a passionate gamer, competing in NBA 2K, FIFA, and Call of Duty at a high level. He is also a well-known DJ in Antigua and Barbuda and a sports journalist, aspiring to become a commentator or analyst for major sports networks like ESPN.
Philosophy
For Adrian, volleyball is a way of life. His philosophy is simple:
"In a volleyball game, you do not get a full second to execute any skill, so make it count."
Adrian is also proud to represent brands like Vollis Beach Volleyball, DeLe’s Burgers, and Joma.
Kemarni Joseph, a proud graduate of Island Academy, began his volleyball journey in 2019 at
the age of 15. His passion for the sport was sparked by his school coach, Randy St. Jean, whose
mentorship laid a strong foundation for his athletic development. Under the continued
guidance of his Stoneville Club Coach, Olsen Joseph, and with the support and leadership of
senior teammates, Kemarni steadily evolved into the disciplined and competitive athlete he is
today.
Kemarni made his first national appearance in October 2023 at the U23 ECVA Men’s Volleyball
Championship in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Competing at the regional level marked a
significant milestone in his early career and showcased his potential among the top young
athletes in Antigua and Barbuda.
In 2024, he advanced to the Senior National Team, demonstrating both maturity and readiness
to compete at a higher level.
In 2025, Kemarni proudly represented Antigua and Barbuda at the XVIII Pan American Cup in
Mexico, marking an important milestone in his international career. He also competed at the
ECVA Final Four Championship hosted in Antigua and Barbuda, where the national team
delivered an outstanding performance and secured a first-place finish. These achievements
further solidified his growing presence on the regional and international stage.
Driven by ambition and a strong sense of discipline, Kemarni has set his sights on reaching the
highest levels of the sport, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the Olympic Games and
proudly representing his country on the world stage.
Off the court, Kemarni is currently pursuing a degree in Sports Kinetics at The University of the
West Indies, Five Islands Campus. His ability to balance academic achievement with athletic
excellence reflects leadership, perseverance, and long-term vision.
Through a scholarship opportunity in collaboration with ABAVA, Kemarni Joseph continues to
enhance his athletic development while maintaining academic success, positioning himself for
elite international competition in the years ahead.
Shamar Bannis is a driven and grounded individual who believes in the power of education, discipline, and sport to shape a meaningful future. A graduate of Sir Novelle Richard’s Academy, Shamar developed a strong foundation of discipline, focus, and personal responsibility that continues to guide his academic and athletic journey. These qualities were further strengthened during his time at the University of the West Indies (UWI), where he cultivated structure, consistency, and a determined mindset toward achieving long-term goals.
Athletics plays a central role in Shamar’s life, and he approaches sport with intention and seriousness. He understands that success is built through consistent training, mental resilience, and dedication rather than talent alone. Shamar has been an active member of his local volleyball club, Stoneville, for several years, gaining valuable experience in competitive environments.
He proudly represented the Antigua and Barbuda Volleyball Association (ABAVA) at the ECVA U23 Men’s Volleyball Championships, competing in 2023 and 2025. In 2025, Shamar and his team achieved an impressive 2nd-place finish, a significant improvement from their 9th-place result in 2023, highlighting both individual growth and collective team progress.
Shamar’s interest in volleyball began after watching his friend, Khaliq Joseph, demonstrate his skills on the court. Inspired by that moment, he decided to try the sport for himself, quickly forming a strong connection that deepened his commitment to athletics.
Looking ahead, Shamar plans to pursue a degree in Sports Management, with a minor in Marketing, allowing him to merge his academic ambitions with his passion for sports. His long-term goal is to use education and athletics to create meaningful opportunities, achieve financial stability, and contribute positively to the sporting community. Focused, disciplined, and motivated, Shamar Bannis continues to strive for excellence both on and off the court.
A proud student of Island Academy International, set to graduate in June 2026, this young athlete has already built a name for himself through discipline, resilience, and an undeniable love for volleyball. At just 16 years old and standing 5'8", he is determined to prove that greatness isn’t defined by height or age — but by heart, sacrifice, and relentless work ethic.
His volleyball journey began in 2021 at age 12, when he was introduced to the sport during a PE class at school. What started as simple curiosity quickly turned into passion. He joined the after-school club and began training consistently, laying the foundation for what would become an inspiring athletic career.
In 2022, during seventh grade, he competed in his first inter-schools tournament. The loss was heavy, but it ignited something powerful within him — a hunger to improve and a love for the game that only grew stronger.
By 2023, his hard work paid off when his school team won the inter-schools indoor championship. That same year, he stepped onto the sand for the first time after being encouraged by Coach Olsen Joseph (Karat) during indoor U23 practice. He competed in the ECVA U21 Beach Volleyball Tournament in St. Kitts, placing 5th as the youngest player in the competition. He later competed in the ECVA U23 Indoor Volleyball Tournament in BVI.
In 2024, he earned MVP honors while leading his school to another inter-schools indoor championship victory. He also competed internationally at the CAZOVA U19 Beach Volleyball Championship in Tobago, a World Championship qualifier, and secured 3rd place at the ECVA U21 Beach Tournament in St. Kitts.
The 2025 season marked a historic chapter for Miguel. His school team won their third consecutive inter-schools indoor title — making history for Island Academy International. He and his beach partner placed 7th at the ECVA U21 Beach Tournament in St. Kitts, earned silver at the ECVA U23 Indoor Volleyball Championship, and made his senior indoor debut at the XVIII Senior Men's Pan American Cup in Mexico — once again the youngest player on the roster. He also made his NORCECA beach debut at the final stop in Juan Dolio, continuing his trend of competing fearlessly against older, more experienced athletes.
A setter for High Flyerz Volleyball Club, he thrives on the adrenaline and rhythm of indoor volleyball, though he values both beach and indoor equally. Volleyball has given him more than medals and milestones — it has taught him discipline, resilience, self-belief, and authenticity. It has revealed a drive within him that he never knew existed.
After graduation, he plans to attend college in the United States, where he will study marketing while playing collegiate volleyball. His ultimate goal is to compete professionally.
More than anything, he wants his journey to inspire others. He wants young athletes who feel limited by their height or age to understand that limits are often self-imposed. What truly matters is how much you are willing to sacrifice, how hard you are willing to work, and how deeply you believe in your dream.
For him, volleyball is more than a sport — it’s a rush of adrenaline he never wants to stop chasing.
Nikel John is a leader in Grenadian volleyball with a career spanning over 13 years. From elite athlete to esteemed referee and administrator, his journey reflects unwavering dedication to the growth and excellence of the sport in the Eastern Caribbean.
Currently serving as the Vice President of the Grenada Volleyball Association (GVA), Nikel was elected to the executive board in late 2025 alongside President Javin Noel. Together, their leadership focuses on enhancing capacity building, youth development, and regional cooperation in volleyball across the Eastern Caribbean.
Career Highlights & Contributions
Administrative Leadership: As Vice President of the GVA, Nikel plays a pivotal role in shaping national volleyball policy, strengthening club structures, and expanding opportunities for athletes and coaches throughout Grenada.
Regional Officiating: Nikel is an active and respected referee with the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA). He has officiated in notable regional competitions, including the ECVA U23 Men’s Championship, contributing to the integrity and professional standards of officiating in the region.
-Athletic Legacy:
- Former Captain of Grenada’s U23 National Team
- Specialized as a Middle Blocker, earning multiple individual accolades
- Honored as “Best Middle Blocker” at the 2016 ECVA Men’s World Championship Qualifiers
- Led Grenada to key wins, including a decisive 3-0 victory against Bermuda, highlighted by his leadership and dominant net play
Nikel John's passion for volleyball goes beyond the court, as he continuously mentors the next generation of players, coaches, and referees. His multi-faceted contributions to the sport make him not only a respected figure in Grenada but also a growing influencer across the Caribbean volleyball community.
Shakira Collymore affectionately known as Latty. I began playing sports at a very young age and quickly developed a reputation as a dedicated, multi-talented Grenadian athlete. By age 12, I was representing Grenada at the regional level in several sporting disciplines. At 16, I represented Grenada at the 2007 Volleyball World Championship Qualifiers in St. Lucia as one of the youngest players. I was a member of the Windward Islands School Games Volleyball team for several years, earning MVP honors for four consecutive years.
My passion for volleyball continued to grow as I transitioned into both court and beach volleyball, representing Grenada at the national and regional levels. Over time, my focus expanded beyond playing into coaching, officiating, and administration, with a strong commitment to developing the sport and supporting the next generation of athletes. I am a Level II FIVB Certified coach. I was the past coach of Grenada’s National U23 Female Team, and I am currently the head coach of both male and female Windward Island Volleyball Teams.
Beyond competition, I have dedicated my career to sports development. I am employed by the Ministry of Sports, where I serve as the Interim Head Coach and the officer responsible for volleyball within the Ministry. In this role, I coach, officiate, organize tournaments, and oversee volleyball development at multiple levels. I have recently also participated in a certified ECVA Beach Volleyball Referee course. I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's in Sports Management.
Driven by a lifelong love for sport, I am committed to building opportunities for athletes that I did not always have growing up. Through coaching, administration, and mentorship, I aim to create clear pathways, increase exposure, and help the next generation of athletes dream bigger and go further.
UWI Scholarship in Collaboration with ABAVA – Athlete Spotlight: Jerri-Ann Barnes
Jerri-Ann Barnes is a dedicated student-athlete and proud graduate of Antigua Girls’ High School, Class of 2025. Her volleyball journey began in 2022 after she attended a school practice out of curiosity—an experience that quickly ignited a deep passion for the sport. Through consistent training, discipline, and determination, Jerri-Ann rose through the ranks, earning leadership roles as captain of her school’s volleyball team and becoming a committed member of the City South Chargers Volleyball Club.
Her hard work and perseverance led to national recognition when she represented Antigua on the U23 National Volleyball Team in 2023. In 2025, she further showcased her skill and resilience by competing as a setter with the Antigua and Barbuda Women’s National Volleyball Team at the 2025 ECVA Final Four Tournament.
Jerri-Ann is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science at The University of the West Indies through a UWI Scholarship awarded in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Amateur Volleyball Association (ABAVA) Youth Program. This partnership reflects ABAVA’s commitment to supporting the holistic development of young athletes, both academically and athletically.
Focused on continuous growth, Jerri-Ann remains committed to advancing her volleyball career while proudly representing Antigua and Barbuda. Driven by a strong desire for personal excellence, she hopes to become the best version of herself on and off the court and to inspire younger athletes to believe in their abilities and work relentlessly toward their goals.
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.
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.
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.
