The excitement is building as the 2025 Pickleball World Cup in Fort Lauderdale approaches, and we are absolutely thrilled to see so many familiar faces from the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) family stepping up to take part in the adventure—both on the courts and behind the scenes.
This year, Team Canada's journey isn't just about incredible athletes; it's about the collaborative spirit of our league, the vision and hard work of our staff, owners, and alumni, and the unwavering support that has shaped Canadian pickleball into a true powerhouse.
Staff and Leadership From Our League Family
From General Manager Yui See Lau (co-founder/creative director of CNPL) and Player Selection Committee's Mike McAninch (co-founder/commissioner of CNPL) to Team Operations Director Ricky Liorti (owner/GM Toronto United) and Team Personnel Director/Assistant Coach Bret Shepley (owner/GM Southwestern Ontario Brewers), the pulse of CNPL leadership will be guiding Team Canada.
Their years spent building franchises, innovating programs, and nurturing athletes are invaluable strengths as they lead Canada onto the world stage.
Additional coaching staff bringing CNPL expertise:
- Assistant Coach (Open/Senior Teams): Kaytlynn Soroka (head coach of Prairie Pronghorns)
- Assistant Coach (Youth U16): Carolina Hack (Prairie Pronghorns player)
- Manager of Media Relations: Jason Whyte (CNPL Broadcaster/Northern Lights Owner)
Athletes Lighting the Way
A hearty congratulations to all the athletes who have earned their place on Team Canada. We are especially proud to see so many CNPL current stars and alumni making their mark:
Open Team Athletes:
- Kyle Hermetz (Southwestern Ontario Brewers)
- Mikaël Gaumond (Prairie Pronghorns, former Brewers)
- Caelan Sampson (Vancouver Owls)
- Mike McCaffrey (former Prairie Pronghorns)
- Chris Alain (Pronghorns, former Toronto United and East Toronto Smash)
- Anna Dyachenko (Vancouver Owls)
- Jada Bui (Toronto United)
- Tara Di Giuseppe (Brewers, former Northern Rollers)
- Carolina Hack (Pronghorns, former United)
- Casey Rodgers (former Rush and Rollers)
Senior Team Athletes:
- Corey Osborne (Elmvale, ON)
- Rob Krizmanich (Toronto, ON)
Your tireless efforts, unwavering sportsmanship, and relentless dedication to growth have paid off. As past and present CNPL players, you've inspired fans, teammates, and future stars right across the country.
A Collective Effort
Whether you helped build the league, guided a club, starred in a match, or cheered from the stands, your contribution matters.
The dream of seeing Canada atop the pickleball world podium is fueled by every practice, every match, every handshake, and every leap of faith taken for the sport.
From everyone at the CNPL, to every player, staff member, coach, owner, volunteer, and supporter—thank you. You are helping to write this new chapter for Canadian pickleball, and together, you've already made history.
Let's get behind our team and cheer them all the way to the podium!
GO TEAM CANADA GO!!