Cole Lester, a 21-year-old pickleball athlete from Peterborough, captured the silver medal in the Professional Division at the Canada Cup Pickleball Championships held from February 4 to 8 in Ottawa. This event featured 522 top competitors from Canada and around the world, all battling at the Forge Pickleball Club as part of the Association of Pickleball Athletes (APA) Canadian Circuit.
Strong Mixed Doubles Showing Alongside Toronto Partner
In addition to his singles success, Lester teamed up with Toronto’s Natalie Araya in the Mixed Doubles Pro Division. They advanced to the quarterfinals and finished fifth out of twelve teams, demonstrating a competitive presence in both formats at the championship.
Community Leaders Praise Lester’s Commitment and Impact
Jodi Allen, owner of Smash Courts in Peterborough, expressed great pride in Lester’s achievements.
“We’re incredibly proud of Cole and his performance at the Canada Cup,”
she stated.
“Reaching the championship level in a pro division against the best players in the country is a remarkable achievement. We see firsthand his commitment, determination, and the endless work he puts in every day — not only in his own training, but also in developing others through his role as Head Pro at Smash Courts.”
Robyn Percival, a nationally certified pickleball coach, highlighted the significance of Lester’s results, saying,
“Cole’s second-place finish in pro singles and fifth in pro mixed doubles are a testament to his exceptional work ethic and commitment to his goals. It has been impressive to follow his progress over the past year, and at the rate he is going, he will continue to challenge the top players in the sport. He is still so young and has a great future ahead of him in this sport.”
Lester’s Role Extends Beyond Competition
Outside of competitive pickleball, Lester is also advancing his education as a full-time third-year student at Trent University. His involvement in the sport goes beyond playing, as he contributes to the local pickleball community through coaching and mentorship at Smash Courts.
Organizational Support Highlights Growing Local Talent
Shelley Moloney, president of the Peterborough Pickleball Association, celebrated Lester’s success as an inspiration for emerging athletes in the region.
“Winning a silver medal in Pro singles and placing 5th in Pro Mixed Doubles represents incredible hard work, dedication, and elite performance,”
she said.
“Our young pickleball athletes are competing so well at high levels in tournaments around the province. Cole’s success at the Canada Cup in the PRO division will continue to encourage many other young local players in our community to further develop their skills.”
Jodi Allen also underscored Lester’s potential to elevate Canadian pickleball on an international scale.
“Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and Cole is a role model for our athletes and he is the future of pickleball. We have no doubt we will see him represent Canada on the Olympic stage one day and we are honoured to be a part of his journey,”
she added.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Canadian Pickleball
Cole Lester’s strong performance at the Canada Cup Pickleball Championships highlights both his personal dedication and the rising level of Canadian talent in the sport. His success not only boosts his own prospects but also inspires local players to pursue higher achievement in pickleball tournaments nationwide. With continued support and development, Lester is well-positioned to remain a prominent figure in the sport as Canadian pickleball continues to grow.
