Burnette, Gibson and Coach Simon to represent Antigua and Barbuda in St. Kitts
The Chargers Volleyball family is celebrating another significant milestone as two of its outstanding young athletes, Philisha Burnette and Faith Gibson, have been selected to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the prestigious 2026 ECVA U-20 Beach Volleyball Championship, which takes place at the picturesque St. Kitts Marriott Resort from July 10–12, following an elite regional training camp from July 6–11. The championship will bring together the Eastern Caribbean’s top young beach volleyball athletes as they compete for regional honours.
For Chargers Volleyball, this selection is far more than an individual achievement—it is another affirmation of the club’s growing reputation as one of Antigua and Barbuda’s premier youth volleyball development programmes, producing athletes capable of competing on the regional stage.
Philisha Burnette Returns to the National Stage
Seventeen-year-old Philisha Burnette will be making her second appearance representing Antigua and Barbuda in international beach volleyball, a remarkable accomplishment for such a young athlete.
A graduate of Island Academy, where she earned the respected International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, Philisha has demonstrated excellence both academically and athletically. She aspires to become a physiotherapist, combining her passion for health, rehabilitation and sport.
As she prepares for another international competition, Philisha describes her emotions as a mixture of excitement and anticipation.
“It is exciting but nerve-racking. It is an honour to be selected to represent Antigua and Barbuda. I am looking forward to the experience and I want to continue pursuing beach volleyball.”
Her continued selection reflects her steady growth, commitment to training, and determination to continually improve her game.
Faith Gibson Earns Her First National Call-Up on the beach circuit
For eighteen-year-old Faith Gibson, this tournament represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
Currently pursuing her studies at AUA College of Arts and Science (AUACAS), Faith dreams of becoming a medical doctor, demonstrating the same commitment to excellence in the classroom that she displays on the volleyball court.
Although this will be her first time representing Antigua and Barbuda in beach volleyball, she embraces the opportunity with enthusiasm.
“I feel excited, honoured and nervous. I’m exploring beach volleyball as another opportunity, and I hope many more players get the chance to travel and compete in beach volleyball.”
Her selection highlights the growing opportunities available to young athletes who dedicate themselves to the sport and reflects the increasing depth of talent being developed within Antigua and Barbuda.
A Proud Moment for Chargers Volleyball
Having two athletes selected to represent the national team is a proud achievement for Chargers Volleyball and reinforces the club’s commitment to developing not only skilled volleyball players, but confident, disciplined and community-minded young leaders.
Over the past several years, Chargers has invested heavily in technical training, mentorship, leadership development and creating opportunities for young people to compete at increasingly higher levels. Seeing Philisha and Faith wear the national colours is another important milestone in that journey.
Coach Rosemarie Simon: A Mentor, Builder and National Leader
Chargers Volleyball also proudly congratulates Coach Rosemarie Simon, who will accompany the national delegation as Head Coach of Antigua and Barbuda.
Coach Simon’s selection is a testament to years of unwavering dedication to the development of volleyball throughout Antigua and Barbuda.
As Head Coach of the Chargers female programme, she has devoted countless hours to nurturing young athletes, patiently developing technical skills, building confidence and instilling discipline both on and off the court. Her influence extends well beyond wins and losses; she has helped shape the character of many young women while creating pathways to national and regional representation.
Her work with Philisha and Faith is a reflection of her broader commitment to youth development. Through consistent coaching, mentorship and encouragement, she has played a significant role in preparing both athletes for the opportunities they now enjoy.
Coach Simon has become one of the country’s strongest advocates for youth volleyball and beach volleyball development, and her appointment to lead the national team is both well deserved and a source of pride for Chargers Volleyball.
Representing More Than Themselves
As Philisha Burnette and Faith Gibson step onto the sand in St. Kitts, they will represent much more than themselves. They will proudly represent their families, their club, their coaches and the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
The entire Chargers Volleyball family extends its heartfelt congratulations to Philisha, Faith and Coach Rosemarie Simon. We are proud of your accomplishments, inspired by your dedication, and confident that you will represent Antigua and Barbuda with courage, professionalism and pride.
We wish you every success throughout the championship and look forward to welcoming you home after another memorable chapter in your volleyball journey.
Go Chargers. Go Antigua and Barbuda!
