Jamaica names teams to inaugural U17 Volleyball Champs

THE JAMAICA Volleyball Association (JaVA) yesterday announced the selection of its national under-17 boys’ and girls’ teams set to represent the country at the inaugural CAZOVA U17 Boys and Girls Volleyball Championship, taking place from July 31 to August 3 at GC Foster College of Physical Education and Sport.

The championship will feature emerging talent from across the Caribbean, with Barbados, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and hosts Jamaica competing in both the boys’ and girls’ categories.

Teams will play in a round-robin format, with the top two teams advancing to the gold-medal match on the final day.

This championship serves as a qualifier in the pathway to the NORCECA U17 Continental Championships to be held in November 2025 and ultimately the FIVB U17 World Championships, which made its debut in 2024.

“This is an important championship for Jamaica’s volleyball because it represents the start of a focused and strategic youth development journey with real international implications,” said Jacqueline Cowan, president of the Jamaica Volleyball Association.

“Our young athletes now have a direct path from national selection to regional and global stages.”

Both teams have undergone intensive preparation and selection over the past several months and are now ready to test their skills on the regional stage. With a strong blend of talent, discipline, and passion, Jamaica enters the competition with eyes set firmly on podium finishes.

A release from JaVA encouraged fans, schools, and communities to support the teams as they compete on home soil for a shot at regional glory and continental qualification.

Jamaica U17 boys

Terence Whilby (Knox College), Jaden Thompson (Knox College), Jumar Atkinson (Papine High), Treyvon Brown (Old Harbour High), Javion Easington (Jamaica College), Derrick Cunningham (St Jago), Emilio Dunkley (St. George’s College) Jordon Williams (St Jago High), Anthoneil Dixon (Knox College), Devonte Lawrence (Papine High), Damarcho Boyd (Iona High), Aiden Small (Camperdown High)

Jamaica U17 girls

Kourtney Henry (Willowdene High), Suri Waugh (Immaculate Conception High), Annaliese Dawkins (Campion College), Layla Harding (Campion College), Kai Tucker (Campion College), Elizabeth Rapley (Immaculate Conception High) Karissa Turner (Campion College), Akhira Hilary (Camperdown High), Zaria Williams (St. Jago High) Zoi Chin (Wolmer’s Girls High), Shamone Henry (St. Jago High), Kristina Lewis (St. Jago High)