Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis. September 23, 2025. St. Kitts and Nevis’ own St. Clair Hodge has been selected as a member of the inaugural cohort of the FIVB (International Volleyball Federation) Volleyball Athletes’ Commission’s “Beyond the Sport” Program. The prestigious initiative, which runs from October 6–10 in Lausanne, Switzerland, is designed to support volleyball and beach volleyball players as they transition from elite competition into the next stage of their professional journey.
The week-long seminar targets athletes who are nearing retirement or are recently retired, offering them practical tools, expert insights, and networking opportunities to build meaningful and lasting careers beyond the court.
Hodge, who is also representing the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA), describes the program as a rare and invaluable opportunity.
“It’s an opportunity for retiring and retired volleyball players, whether beach or indoor, to network, upskill, and learn new things. This opportunity is incredible because it’s a selection from a global set of volleyball players. The process involved an application, a shortlist, and then an interview before the final participants were chosen,” he explained
Ahead of the program, participants have already received preparatory coursework focusing on personal branding, reputation, daily routines, and career accomplishments. Hodge believes the early exercises highlight the program’s commitment to helping athletes understand their strengths and position themselves for success.
Beyond personal development, Hodge is eager to leverage the experience for the benefit of sport in St. Kitts and Nevis and the rest of the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA).
“This is a perfect opportunity to advance my understanding of global operations, make international connections, and see how things are done on the global stage. The goal is to bring back ideas that can be applied not only in volleyball, but across different sporting disciplines in our Federation.” Hodge outlined.
In addition to his selection, Hodge continues to play an influential role in the advancement of local and regional sport. He currently serves as Chairman of the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee (SKNOC) Athletes’ Commission and sits on the executive of the St. Kitts and Nevis Amateur Volleyball Association (SKAVA).
His involvement in the “Beyond the Sport” Program is an invaluable opportunity that places him among a pioneering group of global volleyball leaders preparing to shape life after playing.
Basseterre, St. Kitts. July 7, 2025. In celebration of World Volleyball Day, President of the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) and the St. Kitts and Nevis Amateur Volleyball Association (SKAVA), Mr. Glenn Quinlan, delivered a message reflecting on the growth, impact, and future of volleyball across the region.
“Today, we celebrate not just a sport, but a movement. One that continues to bring together communities, shape young lives, and inspire excellence across our 14-member countries,” Quinlan remarked.
The ECVA President highlighted the tremendous strides made in the sport, from humble beginnings to the establishment of structured leagues, regional championships, and participation in international competitions. He applauded the resilience and talent of athletes from small island nations who have risen to global standards, proving that determination and heart often outweigh resources.
“Whether it’s beach or indoor, we know this sport is more than just a game. It teaches discipline, teamwork, resilience, and pride, and it gives our young people a chance to dream bigger on and off the court,” he indicated.
Mr. Quinlan encouraged youth throughout the ECVA region to stay passionate, focused, and driven, reminding them that the game is evolving and so are the opportunities available; whether in professional play, academic scholarships, or national representation.
As part of the World Volleyball Day observance, Quinlan also called on regional stakeholders to recommit to building stronger programs, and to continue fostering a supportive environment for athletes and coaches alike.
“Happy World Volleyball Day from all of us here in the ECVA, and thank you,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, four male teams and three female teams competed in the NORCECA U21 Beach World Championship Qualifier over this past weekend (July 3-6), in the Dominican Republic. This is a monumental achievement- the first time ever that the ECVA has had such representation at this level.
Lausanne, Switzerland. St. Kitts and Nevis national Shawn Seabrookes has successfully completed the International Coaching Enrichment Certificate Program (ICECP), a prestigious, globally recognised program, delivered by the University of Delaware and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). The certification was conferred by International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach during a distinguished graduation ceremony held on April 30, 2025, at the IOC Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Seabrookes also received the Level III Coaching Certificate from the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) during a brief post-graduation ceremony, underscoring his advanced expertise and continued commitment to volleyball development.
“Completing the ICECP and receiving the FIVB Level III certification has not only broadened my coaching perspective but reinforced my commitment to using sport as a tool for national development. I am excited to bring this knowledge back home to St. Kitts and Nevis and help shape the next generation of athletes, coaches, and sport leaders,” Seabrookes said, after receiving the certifications.
The ICECP, supported by Olympic Solidarity - the IOC’s global development initiative - aims to elevate national-level coaches with high-performance knowledge, leadership tools, and holistic development strategies. The program spanned one year and covered a wide range of core areas, including:
Seabrookes’ participation in the ICECP was made possible through a nomination by the St. Kitts Amateur Volleyball Association (SKAVA) and was endorsed by the St. Kitts and Nevis Olympic Committee (SKNOC). The SKNOC also funded his travel to Switzerland.
The program was delivered in five rigorous modules:
While in Switzerland, Seabrookes also engaged with key officials from the IOC and the FIVB, seeking to forge new pathways for the development of volleyball - and sport in general - in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Seabrookes has long been a central figure in the local sporting landscape, contributing as an athlete, coach, and administrator. He pledges to use both certifications, the ICECP and the FIVB Level III, to continue his advocacy for sport development in St. Kitts and Nevis and the wider Caribbean.
