Anna 
Mexican women’s volleyball is experiencing a major transformation, thanks to the FIVB Empowerment Programme. Since 2020, the programme has invested over €1 million in the technical and athletic development of the national team, resulting in impressive progress in regional and continental tournaments.
Jesús Perales Navarro, President of the Mexican Volleyball Federation (FMVB), emphasized the positive impact of this new approach, which introduced international coaches with innovative strategies. “It was a radical shift because we had always depended on local coaches. With Petry and later Nicola Negro, we saw a new way of working. The quality of training improved, and the players’ commitment grew,” he said.
Italian coach Nicola Negro brought a faster style of play that suited the team’s physical strengths. Perales noted that this shift helped the team develop a unique identity and become a tougher competitor. “Negro introduced a new perspective, using the team’s physicality. This faster style has made us more challenging for our opponents,” he explained.
Since 2023, Mexico has achieved significant success, including silver at the U-23 Pan American Cup, bronze at the 2023 Pan Am Games in Santiago, silver at the 2024 NORCECA Women’s Final Four, and bronze at the 2024 NORCECA Women’s Final Six. Several players have earned spots in the tournament’s “Dream Teams” and have excelled in various positions, including setters, attackers, and blockers.
Key player Grecia Castro praised the arrival of the new coaching staff: “It had a huge impact because it allowed us to see volleyball differently,” she said. Team captain Jocelyn Urías also highlighted the value of international experience, noting, “The preparation for the World Championships was much better. The Empowerment support has given us the opportunity to work with highly professional foreign coaches.”
Looking ahead, the team has set clear goals, with a focus on qualifying for the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games in 2026, to be held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, as well as securing a podium finish. The Lima 2027 Pan American Games and qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics are also on the horizon. Additionally, there are plans to establish a professional women’s volleyball league in Mexico to ensure a high level of competition for future generations.
With new coaching structures in place and ambitious goals set for the future, Mexico’s women’s volleyball team is well on its way to continued success and growth.
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