Teams ready for the U19 Girls’ NORCECA Pan Am Cup

JUANA DIAZ, Puerto Rico, May 8, 2023.- Coaches of the eight teams at the U19 Girls’ NORCECA Pan American Cup taking place at Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico from May 9-14 commented about their expectations ahead of the competition during Monday’s preliminary inquiry.

Christine Biggs, Head coach Canada: “We had a quick preparation, we have a great pool of identified athletes in Canada and so we were flexible to the change dates, so we were excited to get a few days of training before traveling. We are excited about helping these athletes develop international match experience and looking forward to competing, working towards some wins at an international stage because this is a newer developmental program and the pathway for our seniors’ national team”.

Edivaldo Bonilla, Head coach Costa Rica: “A tournament like this one serves as preparation for our team, our goals are more focused on the Central American championship in Belize in July. It’s the debut for some players and we are strengthening the process that has lasted approximately six years. Most of the players competed last year in this same Cup and several at a senior level”.

Head coach Dominican Republic: “The team came well prepared, we had a lot of time of practice with the same team, we were able to work technically, tactically, and physically to be here. We are aiming for a medal, but mostly in improving our players’ performance for their professional career”.

Marvin Ulloa, Head coach Honduras: “The preparation was short, we weren’t expecting to participate, but we are taking the opportunity to be here for the growth of our players. Most of the team is new because this age-group had no practice during the pandemic, but 4 players competed internationally last year in other categories”.

Luis Bañuelos, Head coach Mexico: “We are glad to be here, our team has a loss due to injury and unfortunately, she couldn’t come. The team has been preparing, looking to be better. We are thrilled and focused to improve the fifth place in last year’s Cup”.

Eduardo Galarza, Head coach Puerto Rico: “We have high expectations, we always have in mind to win and even more because we are the hosts, with the support of our fans we want to go far in the competition. The team had seven training sessions here at the High-Performance Center in Salinas and we have two months of hard work. The players are excited and ready to compete. Almost 80% of the team will be competing at the U19 world championship and this will be a great preparation”.

Keegan Cook, Head coach United States: “This is the first time we have the opportunity to compete in two events in a year, so we are thankful because it gives us a chance to see many more athletes within our program. We had a short training block in Anaheim to put together a competitive and youthful group to bring here. I expect their level of play to improve throughout the tournament, some players have experience, but many are competing internationally for the first time, it’s their debut and I am excited for that”.

Isaac Raphael, Head coach U.S. Virgin Islands: “It’s going to be a tough competition, I am excited about it, to be here and the opportunity. We took a week to prepare and practice, and then a week off to go back to school. I really wish us luck”.