The two-time Pan American and Norceca champions, the Dominican Republic Women’s Volleyball Team (The Queens of the Caribbean), qualified for the Paris Olympics for the fourth time, are now in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to prepare for the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) that starts on 14 May 2024. The Nations League tournament is the most important annual championship for senior volleyball.
Head coach, Marcos Kwiek, stated that these days of training leading up to the Nations League will be crucial for the matches ahead. Kwiek is a Brazilian volleyball coach who has been coaching the Dominican team since 2008.
Coach Marcos Kwiek said that team members who play in professional leagues around the world are joining the Santo Domingo-trained women for the preparatory practices. These include Brayelin Martínez, Gaila González, Jineirys Martinez, Alondra Tapia, Eve Mejía, Yonkaira Peña, Vielka Peralta, Florangel, among others. He said star players Brenda Castillo and Bethania de la Cruz, who are still reinforcing in Italy and the United States, have yet to join.
The Dominican Republic will debut on 14 May against Serbia in the first round of matches of the 2024 Nations League that will be played from 14 to 19 May in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Queens of the Caribbean defeated Serbia the last time they clashed in the Pre-Olympic Tournament in September 2023 in China.
On 16 May, the Dominicans will face Canada. 17 May will be a rest day, and the team returns to action on 18 May when it will play South Korea.
The Dominican Republic seeks to advance to compete in the second week in Macau from May 28th to June 2nd, and then head to Hong Kong for the final leg from 11 to 16 June.
The tournament is also an important preparatory event for the Paris Olympic volleyball competition.
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Norceca
8 May 2024