Mexico and Canada, both beneficiaries of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment program, achieved significant success at the Men`s Pan American Volleyball Cup in Leon, Mexico. Mexico proudly claimed the silver medal, while Canada secured the bronze. The coveted gold trophy was ultimately lifted by the Venezuelan team.
The impressive performances by Mexico and Canada underscore the impact of the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment initiative. Mexico`s national volleyball and beach volleyball programs have received substantial coaching support totaling USD 1,328,000, alongside USD 115,000 in equipment. Their men`s national team is currently guided by Brazilian coach Carlos Schwanke and his dedicated staff. Similarly, Volleyball Canada has benefited from USD 1,391,000 in coaching support and an additional USD 75,000 for equipment, with coach David Preston contributing his expertise to their men’s teams.
Competing on home soil in Leon, Mexico demonstrated strong form, finishing second in Pool C after dominant victories against Suriname and the Dominican Republic, despite a hard-fought five-set loss to Chile. Their journey to the final included a convincing 3-1 quarterfinal win over USA (runners-up in Pool A) and a decisive 3-1 semifinal triumph against Canada (Pool B winners). Ultimately, Mexico faced Venezuela, the undefeated Pool A winners, in a challenging gold medal match, where they secured the silver medal after a 3-1 defeat.
Canada also displayed resilience throughout the tournament, achieving pool stage victories over Puerto Rico, Guatemala, and Colombia. Despite a semifinal loss to host nation Mexico, the Canadian squad rallied impressively to secure the bronze medal with a dominant 3-0 sweep against Colombia in the third-place playoff match.
Tournament champions Venezuela maintained a flawless record, completing the entire event undefeated across five matches. Their path to gold included strong pool play performances, securing wins against the United States, Cuba, and Antigua & Barbuda. In a thrilling semifinal, they overcame Colombia in a tight five-set encounter (3-2), which propelled them into the final where they ultimately captured the championship.
The remaining positions in the final standings, from fifth to twelfth place, were occupied by Chile, USA, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Suriname, Guatemala, and Antigua & Barbuda, respectively.
Individually, Venezuelan outside hitter and captain Willner Rivas, 30, was honored as the tournament`s Most Valuable Player (MVP). The distinguished Men`s Pan American Cup Dream Team included Mason Greves (Canada) as setter, Vicente Parraguirre (Chile) as opposite, Nolan Flexen (USA) and Pelegrin Vargas (Puerto Rico) as outside hitters, Rafael Burgos (Dominican Republic) and Cole Duncanson (Canada) as middle blockers, and Rafael Almonte (Dominican Republic) as libero, with Almonte also receiving the Best Digger award. Further individual accolades saw Parraguirre recognized as the Best Scorer, Mexico`s Axel Tellez as the Best Server, and Canada`s Erik Siksna as the Best Receiver.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood