🏐 SPOTLIGHT: VALISSIA BRATHWAITE 🇻🇬
Fresh off being named Best Outside Hitter at the 2026 ECVA Championships in Tortola, BVI's Valissia Brathwaite reflect on a hard-fought home tournament, her evolution as a player and coach, and what's next.
Q - Taking home Best Outside Hitter — what was the first emotion that hit you after competing against the region's top talent?
"I was pleasantly surprised — because of how many positions I was playing on the court."
Q - As hosts, BVI faced intense pressure on home soil. How would you rate the team's execution, cohesion, and growth over those five days? And was there a moment where you saw real fighting spirit?
"I agree there was a lot of pressure as the home team. But as a young team with a few veteran players, I'd give us a 7 on overall execution and growth — I feel like we have so much more to give. One moment that stood out was when we took a set from Bermuda. That moment made me want that win even more."
Q - You've had a long journey with BVI volleyball — as a veteran leader and the Volleyball Executive Players' Representative. How has your journey as an athlete evolved? And as a certified national beach volleyball coach who mentors the U20 squads, how does that coaching lens change the way you read the game as a player?
"My journey as an athlete has evolved tremendously. I was — and still am at times — a rather quiet, laid-back player. Even during our team meetings toward the end of the tournament, I let the players know how much I've grown because of them; this was the most vocal I've ever been on the court. Switching roles to step on the court as a player gets difficult, because I expect the players to know their role and execute it — but I still end up doing a bit of coaching while I play."
Q - Now that the 2026 ECVA Championships have wrapped, what's next for you?
"It's going to be a bit of both. I'll be back to my regular coaching duties, while also getting ready for the Final Four next year and playing in some beach tournaments."
Grit, growth, and a whole lot of heart — that's Valissia Brathwaite. 🏐🇻🇬
#ECVA2026 #BVIVolleyball #BestOutsideHitter #EasternCaribbeanVolleyball
