When & how did you start playing volleyball?
I started playing volleyball in 1991 on the beach in Negril Jamaica (stopping the ball from going into the ocean counts, doesn’t it?) I started serious in 1995 and was a setter in high school.
What is your playing background?
I played 3 years at G.C. Foster College in Jamaica College as well as the junior and senior national team from 1999-2000. I didn’t really start messing around with beach volleyball until 2004 and started the EVP in 2006. I had my first win on the EVP with Rick Banis (city vs. city) in 2007. My first ‘Pro’ win was with Keil Pittman in an Oklahoma City 2006. My first EVP ‘PRO’ win came in 2007 playing with Steve Hinds in Long Island NY.
Where are some of the places you have traveled to play?
For the EVP I have traveled to Florida, Wisconsin, New York, Colorado, Michigan, Kansas, Missouri, and, Indiana. In 1999 while playing indoor volleyball for the Jamaican national team, I traveled to Monterrey Mexico, Barbados, and Aruba.
What attracted you to the EVP Tour?
It was a great chance to play competitively in Chicago but also afforded me the opportunity to travel to play against good competition.
What is your most memorable moment play on tour so far?
My three favorites are my first win with Steve Hinds in 2007, my second win with Mike Dauernheim in Chicago 2008, and my 3rd place finish with Michael Dauernheim at the Motherlode in 2008 (representing the EVP).
What are your favorite foods, music, books?
I love all kinds of different music and it depends on the mood. When I’m playing volleyball, its reggae to get me pumped up. For relaxing I like old school soul and R & B. I’m embarrassed to say I don’t read much but I do like doing crosswords and reading the news on the internet. My favorite food is no doubt Jamaican Jerk Chicken and my mom’s red rice and beans with Oxtail.
What is your favorite thing to do besides volleyball?
I love spending time with my son, Jamil (6), going salsa dancing with my wife of a year and half (Andranique). I also love teaching (Elementary and Middle School PE), as well as coaching Volleyball Track and Basketball.
The EVP is perfect for me because I get to play great competition every weekend, but at the same time have time for my family and work. In addition to playing different competition each week, I like that the tournament gets done win one day and the players all hang out afterwards. I have met so many great friends through playing on the EVP tour and I’m sure that we will continue to have these friendships even after we’ve all retired from volleyball. Special thanks to Dave Johnson, for first inviting me to the tour, Ross, for putting on these wonderful events and great partners such as; Doug, Keil, Steve, and Mike.
