Spectator Sports Desk
A New Chapter for Local Volleyball
The Antigua & Barbuda National Volleyball Association Division Competition has returned for another exciting season as the country’s best teams battle for supremacy in both the men’s and women’s divisions.
Anticipation is high for what promises to be another competitive year in the top division. With the return of injured stars, the comeback of a rising talent, and the introduction of a relegation system for the first time in league history, the upcoming season brings several compelling storylines.
New teams have entered the competition this year, adding fresh energy to the league and new challenges for the established contenders.
Looking Back: The 2025 Season
The 2025 campaign delivered historic achievements and dominant performances and will be remembered for a major shift in power in the men’s division and continued dominance in the women’s competition.
In the men’s league, Pytonz delivered one of the most impressive seasons in recent memory, finishing the campaign undefeated on their way to the championship. Their title run ended Stoneville’s remarkable six-year championship streak, one of the most dominant eras in the history of the local competition. Despite the disappointment, Stoneville still managed to finish the season as runners-up and will be determined to reclaim their place at the top this year.
On the women’s side, Da Squad continued their dominance by securing their fourth consecutive league title. Built on a mix of experienced international players and talented local athletes, the team once again proved to be the standard against which the rest of the league is measured.
Opening Night Showdowns
The new season began with a pair of intriguing matchups featuring the University of the West Indies (UWI), which enters teams in both divisions for the first time.
In the women’s opening match, UWI faced an immediate challenge, defending champions Da Squad. The defending champions defeated UWI in straight sets 25-6, 25-6 & 25-5.
On the men’s side, UWI was thrown into the deep against reigning champions Pytonz. UWI was unable to stop they defending champions. They were defeated in straight sets 25-12, 25-14 & 25-23.
Key Storylines This Season
Injured Stars Set to Return – Two key players have returned after injuries disrupted their involvement in the latter stages of last season.
Former league MVP Adrian Constant is back for Stoneville after suffering a devastating dislocated ankle that forced him to miss the latter half of the 2025 campaign. His absence was clearly felt as Stoneville failed to defend its title, and his return will provide a major boost as the team looks to reclaim the championship. In his return he looked sharp, he played in the unfamiliar setting role for his team because they were short handed due to injury and led them to a 3-1 victory over over Chargers Velocity 25-19, 25-14, 22-25 & 25-23.
Meanwhile, High Flyerz welcomed the return of Jamarie James. Although James completed the club season last year while playing through injury, the issue ultimately forced him to miss national team volleyball during the second half of the year. Now fully recovered, he will look to return to top form and play a leading role for his team.
A Rising Star Returns – Another exciting storyline this season is the return of Josanne Lewis, who will compete in the domestic league for the first time since 2018.
Once regarded as one of the most promising young players in local volleyball, Lewis returns with additional experience gained during her years away from the competition. She will represent the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Island Campus.
While UWI may not immediately be considered a championship contender, Lewis’ return still adds intrigue to the competition. Playing against some of the country’s top athletes week after week will give her the opportunity to test herself against elite competition while also helping elevate the level of play within the UWI squad.
Relegation Introduced for the First Time – This season marks a historic change for the league with the introduction of a relegation system. Under the new format, the bottom two teams in both the men’s and women’s divisions will be relegated at the end of the season. The change adds an entirely new dimension to the competition, as teams will now be fighting not only for championships but also to avoid dropping out of the league.
The move is expected to raise the intensity of matches throughout the entire season and ensure that every point in the standings carries significant importance.
Men’s Division Preview
Defending Champions: Pytonz – After an incredible undefeated run last season, Pytonz enter the new campaign as the team to beat. The squad returns the core of the championship roster and features the largest group of senior national team players in the league, with five members from the most recent national squad. They will also be strengthened by the arrival of Junior Volleyballer of the Year Asafa Donovan, whose addition adds depth to the lineup.
With their winning core intact, Pytonz will be aiming to continue their dominance and successfully defend their title.
Title Contenders: Stoneville – Stoneville will be motivated by redemption after their six-year championship streak was broken. The team struggled late last season without their star opposite Adrian Constant, and his return will be a significant boost. However, Stoneville faces an interesting selection decision after the emergence of young opposite George Freeland, who stepped into a larger role during Constant’s absence and plays the same position.
The team will also need to replace two middle blockers who will now suit up for UWI due to scholarship commitments. Despite these adjustments, Stoneville’s core remains strong and capable of challenging for the championship once again.
Team to Watch: Da Storming Lions – Da Storming Lions begin the season without Volleyballer of the Year Cairon Davis, who will represent UWI because of scholarship obligations. In response, the Lions have recruited three players from ECVA rivals Dominica to strengthen their squad. Combined with their experienced domestic players, these additions could make them a dangerous contender capable of pushing for silverware this season.
Women’s Division Preview
Defending Champions: Da Squad – Four-time champions Da Squad once again enter the season as the favorites. The team will welcome back Dairlys Cruz, widely considered the greatest player in the club’s history, after she missed last season through injury. She will once again be joined by fellow Cuban standouts Yuliet Lanz and Ismay Caraballo, who were among the league’s top performers last year.
However, the team will also experience some notable changes. Back-to-back Women’s Volleyballer of the Year Jassania Joseph is currently playing at York University, while Cuban international Glenda Reyes Reina returned home at the end of last season.
The squad will also benefit from the return of Antiguan national setter Anjelina Morris-Silston, who comes back after taking a season off.
Strong Contenders: Jets – Jets have consistently been among the most competitive teams in the league but are still searching for their first championship. The team has strengthened its roster with the addition of national middle blocker Nyota Peters, whose presence at the net could provide the decisive edge. Jets will be hoping her impact can help them finally break through and capture a long-awaited club title.
Rising Power: Stoneville Women – Stoneville’s women’s team features one of the most promising young cores in the country. Led by Rayana Regis, this talented group represents a generation of players expected to play a major role in the future of Antigua and Barbuda’s national volleyball program. They will be eager to translate that potential into immediate success as they aim to challenge for the championship this season.
Marquee Matchups
Several fixtures already stand out as potential highlights of the upcoming season:
Jets vs Da Squad – April 11
A matchup that could feature two of the strongest teams in the women’s division.
High Flyerz vs Renegades – April 18
A competitive battle that could shape the middle of the standings.
Jets vs Stoneville Women – April 15
Another key clash between two potential championship challengers.
Stoneville Women vs Da Squad – April 30
A major test for Stoneville’s young squad against the defending champions.
Stoneville Men vs Pytonz – May 16
A highly anticipated clash that could play a decisive role in the men’s title race.
A Season Full of Anticipation
With dominant champions defending their crowns, historic rivals seeking redemption, and emerging players ready to make their mark, the upcoming season of the Antigua & Barbuda National Volleyball Competition promises excitement across both divisions.
The addition of new teams, the return of key players, and the introduction of relegation all combine to create a season where every match could prove decisive.
The season has served off, and fans across the country are locked on to the court as the race for national volleyball glory begins.