The women’s and men’s national volleyball teams are travelling to Columbus, Ohio to compete in the US Open Volleyball Championships on Thursday.

The three-day championships, which are being held in the Greater Columbus Convention Center will give the teams an opportunity to compete at a higher level in preparation for the ECVA Senior Indoor Championships, whic take place in October in Antigua.

The teams are competing under their club names, with the women registered under the name “DIVC” and the men as “Ace Boyz”.

Women’s coach Gary LeBlanc is confident his team wil perform with credit.

“We are very excited to attend the 2024 USA Volleyball Open National Championships in Columbus, Ohio under our club team name, Devils Isle Volleyball Club (DIVC),” LeBlanc said.

“This year's team is a very well balanced mix of experienced senior players with a good core group of junior players. This year, we have seven players who have risen through the ranks of our junior club programme, Paradise Hitters Volleyball Club which is a testament to all of the work and effort of our volunteer coaches and administrators who have helped that programme thrive over the last nine years.

“Many of these players have gone on to continue playing volleyball in university and bring a fresh look that Bermuda volleyball can expand on. Rounding out the team are our senior players who have the experience of competing at this annual tournament and they are critical in providing the guidance required to be successful in a three-day tournament such as the US Open. As long as we remain focused and consistent with our play, we will be able to compete with the best teams in our division.”

Men’s head coach Mike Smith has been putting his side through their paces ahead of the US trip

“We have an outstanding group of players this year,” Smith said.

“They have worked exceptionally hard and dedicated a tremendous amount of time and effort to reach this point. The competition will be tough, but we've been working hard on our defensive and offensive systems.

“Defensively, our passing has come a long way, and because of that we have a very strong and fast attack. I'm excited to see their hard work pay off in the upcoming tournament and I’m confident they will make Bermuda proud.”