Bermuda Pickleball Elite Team Named
The Pickleball Association of Bermuda has officially announced the Open Elite Team that will represent the island as hosts of the 2026 Caribbean Championships.
A spokesperson said, “The Pickleball Association of Bermuda [PAB] is proud to officially announce its Open Elite Team for the 2026 Caribbean Championships, set to be hosted in Bermuda.
“The team was selected through PAB’s established performance-based criteria, including international results, National Championships performance, DUPR ratings, trials, and role-specific evaluation. The roster reflects competitive readiness, defined team roles, and alignment with Bermuda’s high- performance framework.
“Open Elite Team
“Men
“Gavin Manders [Co-Captain]
“Benjamin Jones
“Jamie Stowe [Player & Coach]
“Tom Mills
“Mical Russell
“Women
“Sasha Fisher [Co-Captain]
“Patricia Mills
“Melisa Judd
“Lily Hallett
“Naphisa Smith
Assistant Coach: Jonny Singleton
Alternates [In Order]
Men:
- 1. Jasper Thomas
- 2. John Singleton
Women:
- 1. Courtney Fisher
- 2. Rachel Sawden
“Hosting the Caribbean Championships presents a defining opportunity for Bermuda to compete at the highest regional level on home soil.
Gavin Manders said, “As National Director and Co-Captain, I feel the weight of it — and I welcome it, This isn’t just about hosting. It’s about defending our ground, raising our standard, and showing the Caribbean exactly who Bermuda is when we compete together with intention.”
“This team is battle proven at the highest levels and understands the task at hand. We are preparing with purpose. And we’re going to hold each other accountable, because that’s what moments like this demand.
“And while we battle, we lead. There will be young players in the stands watching how we respond to pressure, how we support each other, how we carry ourselves when it gets tough. That’s legacy. That’s culture.
“On home soil, we plan on setting the tone right from the beginning. This is bigger than a tournament. It’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation.”
The spokesperson said, “Co-Captain Sasha Fisher emphasized the tactical focus required to compete at the highest level.”
Fisher said, “Hosting raises the standard, Our focus is preparation, discipline, and execution. If we control the details in training, we give ourselves the best chance to perform when it matters most.”
PAB President George Thomas highlighted the broader significance of the moment for Bermuda: “This team has been forged through the highest levels of international competition. Our gold medal at the 2025 Caribbean Nations Cup and our performances at the 2024 and 2025 World Cup were not accidents — they are the product of a deliberate high-performance system built over three years.
“When we welcome the Caribbean to Bermuda in March, we showcase what our community of 63,000 can achieve through commitment, structure, and belief. Every athlete on this roster carries that responsibility, and every young player watching from the stands will see exactly what’s possible.
“We are ready. This is Bermuda’s time!”
The spokesperson said, “The 2026 Caribbean Championships will not only showcase elite regional competition but will also include developmental initiatives and junior programming designed to strengthen the sport across the island.
“As Bermuda prepares to host the region, the focus remains clear: elevate the standard, compete with purpose, and continue building a legacy for the future of Caribbean pickleball.”
