Under-23 Belize Women’s National Volleyball Team won the VII AFECAVOL U23 Women’s Central American Volleyball Championship by defeating Guatemala 3-1 in their final games on Thursday night at the Belize City Civic Center. Photo Credit: AFECAVOL
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize has officially been awarded hosting rights for the 2026 U23 Women’s Central American Volleyball Championship, according to the newly released NORCECA calendar. The tournament will take place from July 17–27, 2026 at the Belize City Civic Center.
NORCECA’s decision recognizes the Belize Volleyball Association’s (BVA) strong record of organizing international events, including the successful staging of the VII AFECAVOL U23 Women’s Central American Championship in 2025.
Belize Won the Last Tournament Played at Home
The last time Belize hosted the U23 women’s championship, the national team delivered a historic performance. On Thursday, July 24, 2025, the Under‑23 Belize Women’s National Volleyball Team were crowned champions after defeating Guatemala 3–1 in the final match at the Belize City Civic Center.
That victory secured Belize’s first U23 women’s title and marked a milestone moment for the program.
Belize also swept major individual awards at that tournament:
• Most Valuable Player: Khaya Gordon 
• Best Attacker (Spiker): Khaya Gordon
• Best Opposite: Nisaan Martínez 
Belize’s Khaya Gordon was named MVP and Best Spiker of the VII AFECAVOL U23 Women’s Central American Volleyball Championship which concluded at the Belize City Civic Center on Thursday, July 24, 2925. Photo Credit: AFECAVOL
Belize’s Nisaan Martinez was named Best Opposite of the VII AFECAVOL U23 Women’s Central American Volleyball Championship which concluded at the Belize City Civic Center on Thursday, July 24, 2925. Photo Credit: AFECAVOL
2025 Champions Set the Standard
Belize’s 2025 squad featured a powerful offensive lineup with Khaya Gordon, Nissan Martinez, Fatima Ramirez, Herdie Castillo, and Blessed Omamurhe. Captain and libero Gareth Bruce anchored the defense with consistency and leadership.
Their gold‑medal run established the benchmark that the 2026 team will now aim to match.
A New Cycle Begins in 2026
With Ramirez and Castillo expected to age out of the U23 category, the upcoming championship will open opportunities for new players to step into key roles. The 2026 tournament marks the start of a new cycle as Belize works to build on last year’s success.
Home Court Advantage Returns
The Belize City Civic Center will once again host the region’s top young athletes, giving Belize a valuable home‑court advantage as the defending champions prepare to compete in front of local supporters.
Herdie Castillo with power play for Belize in 3-1 championship win over Guatemala at the VII AFECAVOL U23 Women’s Central American Volleyball Championship on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Photo Credit: AFECAVOL
The post Belize to host 2026 U23 Women’s Central American Volleyball Championship at Civic Center appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Under-23 Belize Women’s National Volleyball Team won the VII AFECAVOL U23 Women’s Central American Volleyball Championship by defeating Guatemala 3-1 in their final games on Thursday night at the Belize City Civic Center. Photo Credit: AFECAVOL By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize has officially been awarded hosting rights for the 2026 U23 Women’s Central American Volleyball
The post Belize to host 2026 U23 Women’s Central American Volleyball Championship at Civic Center appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
