Saint Lucia women to defend volleyball title after tense wait

The Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Championships begin this week in the British Virgin Islands. Saint Lucia’s women’s team, the defending champions, will compete after facing a long period of uncertainty.

Sources close to the Saint Lucia Volleyball Association told St Lucia Times that until this week, both the women’s and men’s teams were unsure if they could participate because of a lack of funding. They were at risk of having to withdraw from the competition.

In the past 72 hours, the national federation managed to secure enough funds to book a charter flight.

Seven players from last year’s championship-winning women’s team are returning, including several award winners. Captain Cindy Wilson has previously been named the best setter at the ECVA tournament. In 2025, Tenayestigni Joseph was chosen as the best digger and best libero, while Amalia Louis earned awards for best outside hitter and best receiver.

The returning group also features Nevaeh Wilson, Denila Prospere, Clio Phillip and Chenoa Evans. The 10-player squad, led by head coach Kendall Charlery and manager Khrisann Eugene, is rounded out by Jemima Evans, Nyoka Nugent and Yosherbel Emmanuel.

However, opposite player Lisa Casimie will not be with the team. She was named the most valuable player of the Final Four and also received awards for best opposite and best scorer.

Saint Lucia has won six ECVA senior women’s titles, including championships in 2022, 2024, and the most recent Final Four in September 2025. The women’s team also took home the gold medal at the Windward Islands Schools Games last month.

Saint Lucia’s men’s team will also compete at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola. They won bronze at the last full ECVA competition and silver in last year’s Final Four.

The article Saint Lucia women to defend volleyball title after tense wait is from St. Lucia Times.