SPANISH TOWN, Jamaica – American International College junior Naomi Dodd has been named the Flag Bearer and Captain of the Jamaican Delegation for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, to be held from July 20-August 8 in and around Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Dodd, who will also captain the Jamaican Lady Crocs Rugby 7s team, will carry her nation's flag at the official opening ceremony on July 24.
"This is a dream I've worked toward for years. To stand among the athletes representing my country, lead my teammates as captain, and carry our flag into the CAC Games is a moment I'll never take for granted. It's a privilege that inspires me to give my absolute best," Dodd said.
The CAC Games have been played every four years since 1926, with this being the centennial edition of the games and the 25th edition of the competition. Over 6,000 athletes will compete in 483 events across 40 sports during the event, representing 37 different National Olympic Committees from Central America and the Caribbean.
Dodd has been an integral member of AIC's women's rugby team since first setting foot on campus in 2024. She led AIC to its second National Intercollegiate Rugby Association Division II National Championship that fall, winning Championship Most Outstanding Player by scoring the tying and winning tries in the second half of AIC's 20-15 win over Davenport University in the title game.
She also was MVP of the Collegiate Rugby Championship National 7s Championship in 2026, helping lead AIC to its first-ever 7s title as the team dethroned three-time national champion Brown University.
Her coaches and teammates praised her work ethic and skills.
"Naomi has been the heartbeat of every team she's been a part of. Her athletic ability speaks for itself, but it's her humility, kindness, and relentless determination that make her truly exceptional. She leads by example, challenges herself every day, and has an incredible gift for bringing out the best in everyone around her. Naomi's impact reaches far beyond the game. She inspires others to believe in themselves, to work harder, and to love this sport as much as she does. It has been an absolute privilege to watch her grow, lead, and leave every place she's been better than she found it," said Annekkia Ritter-Truxal, the team's captain the last two seasons and now associate head coach.
Director of Rugby Jameson Bonti echoed Ritter-Truxal, saying "Having witnessed Naomi's remarkable evolution as both a competitor and a leader, seeing her named Jamaica's flag bearer is a terrific honor. This prestigious privilege is a direct reflection of the elite standard, discipline, and character she brings to every team she enters. For an athlete of her caliber, this moment is just the beginning—the sky is truly the limit for what she will achieve and we're ready to celebrate every step of her journey!"
