Divine Savior Academy (DSA) was honored this summer by having one of its students chosen to represent the state of Florida at the National Girls Tournament of Champions, held in Norfolk, Va., in August. Valentina Bermudez was selected as the Florida representative by the U.S. Chess Federation based on her outstanding performance at the Florida State Chess Tournament held last spring.
The National Girls Tournament of Champions brings together the top female chess players from each state to participate in three days of competition. This was the toughest tournament yet for Bermudez, and she faced it without the direct presence of her coach, Gil Luna, and her teammates.
“I was scared to be there on my own at first,” says Bermudez. “I called Coach Luna between each round.”
Bermudez played a total of six rounds and ended up placing in the top 25 female chess players in the nation. She is part of the DSA Chess team that has enjoyed impressive success. The K8 U1000 and the K12 U1000 teams both earned championships at the last Florida State Chess Tournament. The team is led by Coach Gil Luna, who has been with DSA for seven years.
Proud of all his players, Luna says he was not surprised by the honor given to Bermudez.
“She is a great player and deserved this chance,” he said.
The Divine Savior Academy Chess program is offered to students PreK through 12th grade. Coach Luna looks forward to more success in the coming years.
Located in Doral, Divine Savior Academy provides PreK-3 – 12th grade students with college prep academics in a Christian environment. To schedule a private tour of the school, visit www.divinesavioracademy.com.
Puedo probar cada uno de ellos separadamente.. Tengo 75 años.