WINNIPEG, March 1, 2024 – Team Canada is wrapping up their final training as they prepare for the upcoming 2024 Pan American Championships scheduled to take place in Guatemala City, Guatemala from March 22 to 30.
Samuel Murray and Coby Iwaasa bring a wealth of experience to the team, with a combined total of 26 international tournaments under their belts as members of Team Canada. Their recent success includes winning silver at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games in both men’s doubles and the men’s team event. They also won silver at the 2022 World Championships in the men’s team event and bronze in men’s doubles. In February, Murray clinched his second International Racquetball Pro-Tour title, further demonstrating his skill on the international stage.
Danielle Ramsay and Juliette Parent, also veteran national team members, have represented Canada at 11 international elite tournaments combined. Ramsay won bronze at the 2019 Pan American Championships with partner Jennifer Saunders.
This will be Kurtis Cullen’s second elite international tournament and Marjolaine Parent’s first. Cullen was a member of the men’s team that won silver at the 2022 World Championships. He recently finished in 2nd place at an International Racquetball Pro-Tour event in men’s doubles with partner Rodrigo Montoya of Mexico so hopes to build off that success.
Coaches Rino Langelier and Evan Pritchard bring several years of experience to Team Canada. Christian Lord will join the support staff as the Team Therapist and Jennifer Saunders is the Team Leader.
“Our team is looking forward to the challenge of competing internationally,” said Jennifer Saunders, Racquetball Canada’s High Performance Director. “We have an interesting mix of experienced and newer team members. Sam and Coby are always a medal threat in any division they compete in. The female team is gaining more experience and are looking to have a breakthrough performance. The coaches and staff are ready to support each athlete to perform at their best and appreciate the experience of playing for Team Canada.”
The Pan American Championships mark the beginning of a new competitive cycle for Team Canada, culminating in the Lima 2027 Pan American Games. It provides an opportunity for top ranked athletes to test their recent international performances as they strive for the podium and for upcoming athletes to gain valuable international experience.
The International Racquetball Federation will be streaming the Championship Round and Team Event on Facebook Live and YouTube. You will find links for streaming as well as draws and results on the IRF website closer to the beginning of the tournament.
Stay updated on Team Canada’s progress and results at the Pan Am Championships through Racquetball Canada’s website and social channels. Links can be found at the bottom of this communication.
2024 Pan American Championships Team
| Athlete | Residence | Division |
|---|---|---|
| Kurtis Cullen | Brandon, MB | Men’s Singles |
| Coby Iwaasa | Lethbridge, AB | Men’s Doubles & Mixed Doubles |
| Samuel Murray | Saint-Hubert, QC | Men’s Singles & Men’s Doubles |
| Juliette Parent | Saint-Jacques,QC | Women’s Singles & Mixed Doubles |
| Marjolaine Parent | Saint-Jacques, QC | Women’s Doubles |
| Danielle Ramsay | Saskatoon, SK | Women’s Singles & Women’s Doubles |
2024 Pan American Championships Team Support Staff
| Name | Residence | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Rino Langelier | Verdun, QC | Head Coach |
| Evan Pritchard | Winnipeg,MB | Assistant Coach |
| Christian Lord | Longueuil, QC | Therapist |
| Jennifer Saunders | Winnipeg, MB | Team Leader |
About Racquetball Canada
Racquetball Canada is the National Sport Organization for the sport of racquetball. As a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, our mission is to coordinate, govern and encourage the advancement of racquetball from the grassroots to the elite level across Canada. Our vision is to be a visible, vibrant sport enjoyed coast to coast by Canadians of all ages and abilities.
Media Contact:
Jan Hanson
Communications, Diversity & Safe Sport Director
communications@racquetballcanada.ca I 306.502.4422