The documentary “Captain, Mom, Legend – Niverka Marte’s Most Powerful VNL” offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Dominican captain`s unique experience competing in the VNL while pregnant.
Niverka Marte, the long-serving captain of the Dominican Republic women`s national team, known as `Las Reinas del Caribe` (The Queens of the Caribbean), has experienced many highs and lows representing her country around the world since 2008.
However, the Volleyball Nations League 2025 presented a completely new challenge for the 34-year-old setter: she competed in the first two weeks of the tournament while expecting her first child. Her journey of continuing her professional career during pregnancy is featured in the latest VBTV production, “Captain, Mom, Legend – Niverka Marte’s Most Powerful VNL”, which is now streaming on the platform.
The documentary covers everything from the moment she discovered her unexpected pregnancy during the club season in Greece to her decision to continue playing and join the Dominican national team for the VNL 2025. She has been embracing this period, celebrating a moment she long awaited.
“It was like getting the best news ever and not expecting it,” Marte said. “I was walking on the streets, so happy, everything was perfect. I’m very happy and I want to share it with everyone.”
After informing Dominican coach Marcos Kwiek, Marte made it clear she intended to play as long as she felt comfortable. Her teammates reacted wonderfully, not only celebrating this special time in their captain`s life but also embracing her, ensuring her comfort and well-being during travel, practices, and matches.
While the sight of a pregnant woman playing professional sports remains uncommon, Marte has also faced unpleasant messages and comments from people who believe she should have stopped playing during her pregnancy.
“I feel normal, so I didn’t see the point in just stopping my life because I’m pregnant,” she added. “It’s new to me being pregnant, but I don’t feel different. Some of my teammates were worried at first because they really care about me, but I feel really protected by them. Unfortunately, I also hear some comments from people who were never in my life but think they have the right to tell me what to do. When I hear those comments, I just close my ears and keep doing what I think I should do. I don’t want them to come inside me.”
Marte is not the first woman to continue playing sports while pregnant, and she doesn`t wish to be defined solely by this. However, she has an important message for those following her journey in VNL 2025 and in life.
“I didn’t want to be an inspiration for anyone because this is something really personal,” she added. “Everyone is different, and I’d just like people to be brave and to do what they think is best for them. And that’s the same thing I wish for my daughter, that she has her own voice and makes the decisions in her life.”
Jasper Thornfield 
Oliver Wrenwick