Puerto Rico made a powerful statement at the fourth stage of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour in Ciudad Madero, Mexico, by securing gold medals in both the men's and women's tournaments. This impressive accomplishment is a testament to the country’s growing success in the beach volleyball arena, with substantial backing from the FIVB Empowerment programme.
Women's Division Highlights
Maria Gonzalez and Allanis Navas continued their undefeated streak in 2025. As the tournament's second seeds, they secured their third gold medal this season without losing a single set. In the final, they outperformed Mexico’s Susana Torres and Atenas Gutierrez with a straight sets victory (21-18, 21-19). Canada’s team of Devin Corah and Alicia Thibodeau took bronze with a three-set win over another Mexican team.
Men’s Division Breakthrough
William Rivera and Diego Rosich earned their first-ever NORCECA Tour title in a remarkable run. Despite being the sixth seed, they maintained a perfect 5-0 record throughout the tournament. In the final, they defeated the second-seeded American pair – Christopher Shaffer and Skyler Kaufman – with a 2-0 result (21-12, 24-22). The bronze medal went to Mexico’s Miguel Sarabia and Jorman Osuna.
Strategic Investment Pays Off
This dual triumph underscores the effectiveness of targeted investments in Puerto Rico’s beach volleyball programs:
- Over USD 168,000 dedicated to coaching assistance
- An additional USD 17,500 allocated for equipment through the FIVB Empowerment initiative
These resources have been crucial in elevating the country’s performance at the continental level.
Looking Forward
The Ciudad Madero tournament featured athletes from nine national federations, making Puerto Rico’s sweep even more significant. The 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour will resume in Paramaribo, Suriname, from July 25 to 27.
