Coaches Highlight the Competitive Value

of the NORCECA Women’s Final Four 2026

 

PONCE, Puerto Rico, June 4, 2026.– The Salvador Dijols Coliseum will host the NORCECA Women’s Final Four 2026 from June 5 to 7, an event that brings together the national teams of Mexico, Cuba, Costa Rica, and host Puerto Rico in a round-robin format that will determine the new regional champion.

 

Puerto Rico will compete for its fourth consecutive title in this NORCECA Final Four.

 

The tournament will award valuable points toward the continental and world rankings, reinforcing its importance within NORCECA’s international calendar.

 

The head coaches of each team shared their perspectives on the significance of this competition, emphasizing the value of measuring progress, consolidating systems of play, and exposing their athletes to a high-demand environment in Ponce.

 

Juan Carlos Núñez – Head Coach, Puerto Rico

 

Juan Carlos Núñez explained that the Puerto Rican squad arrives with an interesting mix of new players and others who will take on roles different from previous years. He noted that, aside from Wilma Rivera —who has led the team and remains a regular starter— and Valeria Vázquez, who played more than half of last season alongside Decelise Champion, the rest of the group will have their first major opportunity on this international stage.

 

He expressed satisfaction with what he has seen in training and now looks forward to how the team will execute on the court against the incoming opponents.

 

Regarding the pursuit of a fourth consecutive title, Núñez emphasized that the key will be execution and playing solid volleyball. He recalled that Mexico has been Puerto Rico’s toughest rival in recent years, with intense matches and several decided in five sets. He also analyzed Cuba, a team arriving with powerful and physically strong athletes.

 

Beyond the opponents, he stressed that the most important factor will be how his players handle the environment and the pressure of competing at home. He acknowledged that playing in front of their own fans can bring pressure, but it also provides confidence. He assured that the team will receive his full support to push them and build, from within, the expectations needed to compete at the highest level.

Nicola Negro – Head Coach, Mexico

 

Nicola Negro described that Mexico arrives with the same group that began a new competitive cycle last year, a renewed team that continues its consolidation process. Although some players were unavailable due to physical issues, he noted that this tournament comes early in what will be a long and demanding summer with a total of six events. For that reason, he views this first competition as an essential part of their preparation.

 

Regarding the possibility of ending Puerto Rico’s streak of three consecutive titles, Negro was clear that although they always compete to win, his priority is to see the teamwork and evolve according to their plan. He explained that the result will naturally follow their performance. If they play better than the others, they will reach their goal; if not, they will use what they learn as guidance for the rest of the summer. For him, that is the true purpose of the tournament.

 

Lorenzo Martínez Cordero – Delegate, Cuba (Head Coach: Luizomar Moura)

 

Lorenzo Martínez Cordero explained that Cuba arrives with a team in full development, composed of young athletes who already have some experience in clubs in Europe and the region. Still, he acknowledged that the group’s overall experience is limited and that this tournament will serve to evaluate their technical and competitive progress. He stated that their expectations of winning are minimal, but the team is here to fight and make the most of every opportunity.

 

Martínez Cordero also expressed the team’s satisfaction in returning to Puerto Rico after four years. He highlighted the warm treatment they have always received, the excellent competition conditions, and the sense of camaraderie that makes them feel at home.

 

Ciro Zoratti – Head Coach, Costa Rica

 

Ciro Zoratti shared that he began working with the group only three weeks ago, so he will use this tournament to get to know the players better and make adjustments and experiments. He explained that he had to select the players available to travel, as organizing this type of competition is not easy. He noted that he has a very young team and that they are beginning a long-term development process.

 

Regarding the possibility of returning to the podium, Zoratti avoided comparisons with previous editions, noting that each season brings different teams. He acknowledged the strength of the opponents —Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico— and stated that he does not want to pressure his group with medal expectations. His focus is for the players to compete with their best volleyball; whatever happens afterward will be welcomed as part of their growth process.