Chile and Costa Rica, both beneficiaries of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment initiative, recently achieved significant success at the NORCECA U21 Women’s Pan American Cup held in San Jose. Chile proudly secured the silver medal, while tournament hosts Costa Rica earned the bronze. The United States team ultimately triumphed, claiming the gold.
FIVB Empowerment`s Impact
The Federacion de Voleibol de Chile has received substantial support through the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program, including USD 168,000 for coaching their women’s national teams and an additional USD 228,000 in volleyball equipment. Similarly, the Federacion Costarricense de Voleibol was granted USD 84,000 in coaching support and USD 131,500 for equipment.
Chile`s Path to Silver
Chile`s journey in San Jose began strong, with a 3-0 victory against Puerto Rico (25-14, 25-17, 25-23) and a 3-1 win over Canada (25-22, 25-18, 22-25, 25-17). Despite a 0-3 loss to the eventual champions, USA (25-18, 25-19, 25-11), Chile advanced as Pool B runners-up. In the quarterfinals, they swept Mexico 3-0 (25-15, 25-20, 25-17), securing a spot in the semifinals. A commanding 3-0 win over Costa Rica (25-15, 25-14, 25-23) then propelled them to the gold medal match against the USA, guaranteeing at least a silver finish.
Costa Rica`s Bronze Triumph
As hosts, Costa Rica demonstrated their strength in the initial stage, topping Pool A with dominant 3-0 victories over Dominican Republic (25-19, 25-14, 25-15) and Mexico (25-6, 25-17, 25-23), which earned them a direct path to the semifinals. Although they suffered a semifinal defeat to Chile, Costa Rica bounced back impressively in the third-place game, defeating Canada 3-1 (11-25, 25-18, 25-23, 30-28) to the delight of their home crowd, securing the bronze medals.
USA`s Dominant Gold
The USA team had an impeccable performance throughout the tournament, winning all five of their matches without dropping a single set. They sealed their championship run with a decisive 3-0 victory over Chile in the final (25-18, 25-14, 25-13), marking their third consecutive and fifth overall U21 Pan American Cup title.
Tournament Standings and Individual Awards
In the final standings, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Mexico finished fifth, sixth, and seventh respectively.
Individual accolades were also distributed. Brooklyn Deleye, the 20-year-old outside hitter from the United States, was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and included in the tournament’s Dream Team. The ideal lineup featured setter Ella McVittie (Canada), opposite Logan King (Canada), outside hitter Melina Abarca (Costa Rica), middle blockers Yalyn Victoria Firpo (Dominican Republic) and Favor Anyanwu (USA), and libero Rashanny Solano (Costa Rica). Chile’s Dominga Aylwin earned the Best Scorer award, USA’s Taylor Parks was recognized as the Best Server, Mexico’s Sofia Padron received the Best Digger prize, and Canada’s Misha Hameed was honored as the Best Receiver.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood