Overview:
A new Women’s Open Volleyball League is setting the stage for Palau’s next generation of elite athletes, offering a direct pathway from local competition to the Pacific Games. Launched on the momentum of Palau’s Pacific Mini Games success, the league is designed to sharpen skills, fuel competition and prepare players for national team selection and regional glory.
By: Laurel Mariwebuel
KOROR, Palau — A new Women’s Open Volleyball League promises Palauan athletes a fast track to national and regional stardom, organizers announced Thursday, riding the wave of the country’s Pacific Mini Games success last year.
Kenny Reklai, league organizer, hailed the competition as “uniquely positioned as a direct pathway to national and regional competition, immediately following Palau’s successful Pacific Mini Games 2025 and building on the BIIAA High School Season momentum.”
“Players can expect to gain far more than just game experience,” Reklai said. “This league serves as an important platform for selection and training for our National Women’s Team. The goal is to represent Palau at the Micronesian Qualifying event in 2026, with the top two teams from Micronesia advancing to the Pacific Games in Tahiti 2027. It’s a clear trajectory towards high-level regional exposure.”
Reklai emphasized player development through intense, consistent matches that sharpen skills and strategy. He added that the league’s tie to national team selection will ignite fierce competition while upholding fair play via strict rules, qualified referees and a focus on sportsmanship.
The Palau National Gym was selected for its FIVB-approved Gerflor flooring — the same surface athletes will face at the 2027 Pacific Games. “This provides our athletes with an invaluable opportunity to train and compete on the exact playing conditions they will encounter regionally and internationally, allowing them to get comfortable and adjust their play style well in advance,” Reklai said.