Fraser Valley pickleball player Caelan Sampson has been selected to represent Canada at the World Cup of Pickleball, held from Oct. 27 to Nov. 7 in Florida. Sampson, an educational assistant in Chilliwack and former University of the Fraser Valley Cascades baseball player, will compete on the national team.
Fundraising for the Tournament
All competitors are asked to raise sponsorship or donations to cover tournament costs. Sampson is seeking $3,000 from the community to cover flights, accommodation, and training. “So grateful to be representing Canada again this year in Florida,” Sampson stated on Facebook. “What an amazing group of people.”
B.C. Representation on Team Canada
Sampson, originally from Langley, joins Surrey’s Mike McCaffrey and Casey Rodgers from Kamloops on the Team Canada open team. Port Coquitlam’s Robin D’Abreo, Coquitlam’s Margit Aardmaa, and North Vancouver’s Maggie Murch will play on the Canadian senior team. Nearly 50 countries are competing at the World Cup, held on 43 regulation courts including the world’s first-ever pickleball stadium.
CNPL Success and Upcoming Playoffs
Earlier this year, Sampson was drafted in the fifth round of the Canadian National Pickleball League by the Vancouver Rush, later renamed the Owls. Sampson and the Owls won the Western Split event in July and finished second overall in the CNPL West Division with a record of 40-35. The Owls will face Toronto United in the CNPL playoffs on Oct. 4, with the champion to be crowned on Oct. 5.
Sampson’s selection highlights his rising profile in Canadian pickleball and shows the growing strength of B.C. players on the international stage. His participation may inspire more local athletes to compete in national and global tournaments.
News in Brief: Fraser Valley Pickleball Star Team Canada
Caelan Sampson from Fraser Valley will represent Canada at the World Cup of Pickleball in Florida from Oct. 27 to Nov. 7. The Chilliwack educational assistant seeks $3,000 in donations for travel and training. Sampson previously played for the Vancouver Owls and won the CNPL Western Split in July.
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