QC student leads U17 team to CAZOVA

Queen’s College student Jasiah Coward has been appointed captain of the Barbados Under-17 girls’ volleyball team for the upcoming CAZOVA 2025 Youth Caribbean Championships, set for July 30 to August 4 in Jamaica.

The squad will compete against regional rivals including hosts Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, with the top teams advancing to the NORCECA Under-17 Championships in Costa Rica later in November.

The Barbados selectors were forced to revise their lineup after tournament organisers adjusted the age eligibility criteria downward. Despite this challenge and the withdrawal of several teams, team manager Julia Broome expressed confidence in the group.

“Most of the players were already in training from September, so after the age change we had to shift focus to the younger group,” Broome explained. “We then brought in some additional players to strengthen our options. These are the best of our age group players – many of whom are already competing in the Barbados Volleyball Association’s competitions and are even starters on division one teams.”

Vice-captain Chelsea Broome, who also represents Harrison College and the national junior cricket team, brings additional leadership experience. Her schoolmate Cuzarah Batson will serve as an attacker or setter, while Naima Cabey aims to continue her fine form after earning MVP honours during HC’s recent Under-16 schools’ tournament victory.

Shawntay Gill and Gabrielle Sandiford of Christ Church Foundation School are also expected to play pivotal roles. The team is coached by Julia Lewis with Stephen Packer assisting.
Full Squad: Jasiah Coward (captain), Chelsea Broome (vice-captain), Cuzarah Batson, Naima Cabey, Shawntay Gill, Gabrielle Sandiford, Zoraya Barnett, Kayla Batson, Cayla Rouse, Saran Walters-Belgrave, Arielle Ward, Raan Yarde. (RW)