When a small nation wins a big prize, everyone takes notice, thus when Team Belize took second place at the recent Under-23 Central American Female Volleyball Championship 2019 in Managua, Nicaragua, these feisty athletes immediately became the darlings of a country eager to show the world that one needn’t come from a world capital to perform like a superstar.
Belize’s 12-player team showcased their expert training and willingness to go the distance against equally seasoned volleyball players and did the country proud. Every woman, all three coaches and one referee returned home to Belize wearing silver medals to show that they not only rose to the challenge but exceeded it.
What do the players say about their road to this victory? That it was a hard-won experience made possible by a coach who refused to stop pushing each woman by calling 6:30 a.m. practices so players were conditioned to wake up early and perform to a highly-set standard.
Team Captain Sherika Burton said, “We all knew it was going to be difficult, especially since our competitors were equally desirous of medaling. And we had to contend with Nicaragua’s hometown fans, so our team had to stay extra focused.”
Was Coach Jose Fontes happy with his team’s performance? You bet. “Each player went into the competition with a great attitude and displayed all of the teamwork and camaraderie a coach could ask for. By placing second, our team earned the respect of all Central American fans and the sky is the limit when it comes to future competitions.”
Chabil Mar management and staff are proud to salute these 12 heroic female athletes and the dedicated behind-the-scenes team that supported their hard work and tenacity. “These twelve women are putting Belize on the map,” say Chabil Mar employees who followed every minute of the competition. “We’re so inspired by their amazing performance. Next year, gold!”
