The U.S. Virgin Islands is poised for an unprecedented showing at the 2025 Junior Pan-American Games, sending its largest-ever delegation of nine exceptional athletes to Asuncion, Paraguay. This significant participation underscores the territory’s growing influence in youth sports, with representatives competing across five distinct disciplines from August 9th through August 23rd. The Virgin Islands Olympic Committee’s announcement highlights a new era of competitive drive and international aspiration for the islands’ burgeoning talent pool.
A leading medal hopeful for the USVI delegation is Michelle Smith, a renowned under-20 hurdler from St. Croix whose recent performances have garnered international attention. This rising star, an incoming sophomore at the University of Georgia, is slated to compete in the women’s 400-meter hurdles, an event where she recently secured a silver medal at the 2025 World University Games in Germany. Smith’s consistent excellence, marked by a world-leading time for under-20 hurdlers, positions her as a formidable contender for a podium finish in Paraguay.
Another prominent figure expected to contend for a medal is Kruz Schembri-McCord, an accomplished fencer making his mark on the international stage. Fresh off a double gold medal performance at the 2025 Central American and Caribbean Fencing Championships, Schembri-McCord, an incoming freshman at the University of Notre Dame, has opted to compete in the men’s individual epee at the Junior Pan-Ams. His recent competitive streak, including participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics, signals his readiness for top-tier competition.
In the swimming events, Max Wilson, a 21-year-old rising senior at Florida State University, brings significant experience to the USVI team, having competed in the previous 2021 Junior Pan-Ams. Wilson, also a USVI Paris Games Olympian, holds multiple national records in various swimming disciplines, showcasing his versatility and strength in the water. His presence reinforces the team’s depth and potential for success in the pool.
The swimming contingent is further bolstered by promising talents such as Riley Miller, Kaeden Gleason, and Allison “Lu” Joseph. Miller, a 17-year-old early commit to the University of Cincinnati, and Gleason, an incoming freshman at Bryant University, both recently competed at the World Aquatics Championships, gaining invaluable international exposure. Joseph, also 18, rounds out the strong swimming team, poised to make an impact across multiple freestyle events.
The athletics team includes Brandon Pemberton, a 20-year-old sprinter from the University of Minnesota, who will compete in the men’s 100-meter dash, bringing his recent World University Games experience to the track. Michael Dizon-Bumann, 21, transitions from his swimming background at the last Junior Pan-Am Games to the triathlon, qualifying through a strong performance in Havana, Cuba. His versatility across swimming, biking, and running adds a dynamic edge to the USVI contingent.
On the tennis courts, 17-year-old Yared Alfred, a rising senior at Good Hope Country Day School, represents the USVI with a solid background on the international junior circuits. His recent double victory at the USTA’s Caribbean Sectional junior tournament highlights his readiness for the singles competition at the Junior Pan-Ams, where he aims to challenge for medals.
This diverse group of nine dedicated USVI athletes, spanning athletics, fencing, swimming, tennis, and triathlon, embodies the spirit of dedication and perseverance. Their journey to Paraguay marks not only a personal milestone for each individual but also a significant moment for Virgin Islands sports, fostering national pride and inspiring future generations of aspiring athletes. The 2025 Junior Pan-American Games serve as a crucial platform for these young stars to gain international experience and elevate their competitive profiles.
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