The Dominican Republic women’s volleyball team returns to the 2025 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) with experience, leadership, and one clear goal: to finally reach the Final Round.
A steady presence in international volleyball, the Dominican team has remained a top contender since the VNL began. In 2025, they are once again led by long-time head coach Marcos Kwiek and a core of star players. Despite their consistency, a place in the VNL Final Round has remained just out of reach — something they are determined to change this season.
The country’s success has been boosted by the FIVB Volleyball Empowerment programme, which has provided over CHF 940,000 since 2021. This support has helped ensure coaching stability, improve technical development, and keep the team competitive across Olympic cycles.
On the court, the team continues to dominate their region. They won the NORCECA Final Six in 2022 and 2024, took gold at the 2023 Pan American Games, and were crowned NORCECA champions again in 2023. These wins underline their status as a powerhouse in continental play.
Key to their campaign in 2025 are veteran stars Brenda Castillo, Jineiry Martínez, and Brayelin Martínez. Castillo, one of the world’s most respected liberos, remains the heart of the defense. The Martínez sisters provide skill and strength at the net, with years of international experience behind them.
The Dominican Republic will begin their VNL 2025 journey in Ottawa from June 4–8, facing Serbia, Bulgaria, Netherlands, and Japan. In Week 2, from June 18–22, they head to Istanbul to take on Türkiye, Belgium, Brazil, and Korea. Their final Preliminary Round matches will be in Arlington, USA, from July 9–13 against China, the United States, Thailand, and Germany.
The team also plans to use the VNL season to bring in new talent from its development program — another area supported by the Empowerment initiative. While the veterans lead the way, younger players will gain valuable experience, ensuring a strong future for Dominican volleyball.
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