Photo via FIVB

Duos from Mexico, Nicaragua and Canada claim NORCECA U23 medals with Empowerment

Mexico’s Antonio Lares and Carlos Andrés Ayala captured the men’s gold medal at the NORCECA U23 Beach Volleyball Championships in San Salvador, winning both the semifinal and final without dropping a set. Their compatriots Giselle Chay and Vanessa Chay earned silver in the women’s event, while the bronze went to Nicaragua’s Deyner Lopez and Angelo Guadamuz.

In the men’s bronze match, Nicaragua’s duo prevailed, and Canada’s Natalia Casas and Julia McDougall secured the women’s bronze. The United States completed the podium with Avery Junk and Addison Junk taking women’s gold and Malachi Brewington with Titus Lance winning men’s silver.

The tournament highlighted the impact of FIVB Volleyball Empowerment, which has provided over $1.6 million in coach support to Mexico, $31,500 to Nicaragua and $252,000 to Canada, alongside equipment and development grants.

The Mexican men’s pair entered the draw as the 12th seed and dominated five matches, including a 2‑0 final win over the third‑seeded Americans Brewington and Lance (21‑17, 21‑19). Their training is overseen by Brazilian Olympian Ricardo Santos, while the women’s team is coached by fellow Brazilian Reis Castro.

Nicaragua’s team benefits from Cuban coach Eduardo Palomo Zayas, and Canada’s athletes work with Serbian coach Srdjan Veckov, with additional funding allocated for coach development programs.

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