Against All Odds! Micoud Secondary’s Volleyballers Impress with Strong Tournament Run

The Micoud Secondary School (MSS) Volleyball programme received well-deserved recognition at the closing ceremony of this year’s Under-19 Schools Volleyball Competition. Although they did not secure victory in either the male or female categories—both of which concluded on March 5—the team’s unprecedented rise remains commendable, regardless of their final placements.

In the female division, the MSS girls narrowly missed out on a third-place finish, falling to Soufriere. Even more impressively, the male squad advanced to the final—a milestone the institution had not achieved in over a decade. However, they ultimately fell to powerhouse Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in straight sets.

What makes these achievements particularly remarkable is that, for many MSS students, this was their first experience participating in an organised volleyball tournament. 

Coach Ryi Maryat told St Lucia Times that “understanding the game, rotation, and transition within the short timeframe available” posed a significant challenge. 

He also acknowledged that assistance from trained volleyball coaches played a crucial role in the team’s success.

“Training with coach Terry Verdant to learn the basics certainly helped us. We engaged in free play using the school’s net and held mini-competitions between teachers and students. Improvements were made in fundamental skills such as blocking, passing, and serving,” he explained.

One of the biggest hurdles the team faced was the lack of resources. However, the coach pointed out that his players did not allow this to deter them.

“We had limited resources, including a shortage of proper volleyballs, but the students never let that become an issue—they trained regardless. Their focus was simply to play,” he noted.

A standout aspect of MSS’ performance during the tournament was the team’s unwavering spirit, with their energetic chants even recognised by opposing teams and spectators. Realising that they could compete with the more established schools, the team rallied together for a memorable tournament run.

With onlookers and volleyball enthusiasts taking note of their individual and collective talents, it may not be long before names like Team MVP Keihanna St Juste and athletic force Maran Tisson become household names in the sport. Early discussions about possibly getting these players into volleyball clubs have also been initiated.