Virtual Trophy Wall & Photo Gallery
2025 Virtual Trophy Wall Introduction
We have introduced a Virtual Trophy Wall for several of those BC pickleball players who have achieved medal placement in major tournaments, and those involved with pickleball in BC who are recognized by our BC Clubs and Provincial Sports Organizations for their volunteerism, accomplishments, and contributions to the sport of pickleball.
For consideration (with your permission provided), please send photos, or YouTube video links, with required information (such as tournament name, club affiliation, dates, and location) to [email protected].
Once we have verified your content, we will post on this page. Alternately, as in the BC Western Regionals, we will post our own photos (with granted permission and attribution accordingly).
For consideration (with your permission provided), please send photos, or YouTube video links, with required information (such as tournament name, club affiliation, dates, and location) to [email protected].
Once we have verified your content, we will post on this page. Alternately, as in the BC Western Regionals, we will post our own photos (with granted permission and attribution accordingly).
Steven Deakin Struck Gold Twice In PPA Atlanta
At the PPA Atlanta Pickleball Championships, May 12 – 18, 2025 in Georgia, Steve Deakin was victorious in Gold a couple of times in Masters: (left, or top on mobile device) Mixed Doubles with Julie Johnson; and (right, or bottom on mobile device) Men’s Doubles with Altaf Merchant. (Click on photo to enlarge.)
“Another cherry on the Atlanta cake!”, said Steve.
“Another cherry on the Atlanta cake!”, said Steve.
BC’s Junior Player Mackonner Dy Won Gold at US Nationals, Arizona
Mackonner Dy with the Canadian Flag and a Gold medal winner at the US Nationals, Junior U12 – 14 bracket, November 2024, Mesa, AZ.
Last November 2024, junior pickleball BC rising star Mackonner Dy was victorious with a Gold medal at the US Nationals, Junior U12 – 14 bracket, in Mesa, AZ.
The homeschooled, Richmond-resident Mackonner started playing pickleball in August of 2020, where he also enjoys other sports such as basketball, skiing, and table tennis. Outside of his dad providing him with tips and having a training partner, he’s never had formal pickleball coaching. Other American and Canadian tournaments he’s participated in have been a part of his pickleball learning journey—which there are more upcoming tournaments planned.
A quote Mackonner likes to share is by author, poet Melody Godfred: "I finally found my rhythm when I realized that even the steps backwards were part of the dance."
Lastly, he adds: “It is my desire that more young people engage in the sport of Pickleball.”
Well wishes in all your on- and off-court aspirations, Mackonner.
The homeschooled, Richmond-resident Mackonner started playing pickleball in August of 2020, where he also enjoys other sports such as basketball, skiing, and table tennis. Outside of his dad providing him with tips and having a training partner, he’s never had formal pickleball coaching. Other American and Canadian tournaments he’s participated in have been a part of his pickleball learning journey—which there are more upcoming tournaments planned.
A quote Mackonner likes to share is by author, poet Melody Godfred: "I finally found my rhythm when I realized that even the steps backwards were part of the dance."
Lastly, he adds: “It is my desire that more young people engage in the sport of Pickleball.”
Well wishes in all your on- and off-court aspirations, Mackonner.
Young BC Sensation Armaan Jiwa Mawji Wins PPA 5.0 Gold Singles
Armaan Jiwa Mawji won Gold in 5.0 men's singles open at PPA Mesa Cup in Arizona on February 2025.
Click on photos to enlarge.
Click on photos to enlarge.
At PPA Carvana Mesa Cup, Arizona, February 18 – 23, 2025, Armaan Jiwa Mawji, who’s a top-rising Canadian pickleball player, won Gold in the 5.0 men’s singles open bracket.
On April 2, 2025 at the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) draft, Armaan was the first player picked in the third round, which he was drafted by the Vancouver Rush. The draft had a total of eight teams over six rounds and he was tenth overall out of 40 players.
Armaan explains: “I’ve been playing tennis since age 5, where I had trained with Tennis Canada as a top BC Junior, and I played in numerous tournaments including ITF.
When I’m not playing, I attend SFU Beedie School of Business and work at Hollyburn Country Club as a tennis hitting pro.
I made the transition to pickleball because I saw more of a future in the sport. Then I started training seriously about a year ago with the goal of becoming a full-time professional player, and since then I have won numerous Summer tournaments, including cash tournaments in the US.”
Currently a 5.5 DUPR with wins over 6.0+ teams, Armaan is on the road to 6.0 DUPR, where his goal is to also sign with APP or PPA, and to represent Canada in the Olympics. His motto is: "Fight for every point, no matter the score.”
You can follow his progress on Instagram. Good luck Armaan.
On April 2, 2025 at the Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) draft, Armaan was the first player picked in the third round, which he was drafted by the Vancouver Rush. The draft had a total of eight teams over six rounds and he was tenth overall out of 40 players.
Armaan explains: “I’ve been playing tennis since age 5, where I had trained with Tennis Canada as a top BC Junior, and I played in numerous tournaments including ITF.
When I’m not playing, I attend SFU Beedie School of Business and work at Hollyburn Country Club as a tennis hitting pro.
I made the transition to pickleball because I saw more of a future in the sport. Then I started training seriously about a year ago with the goal of becoming a full-time professional player, and since then I have won numerous Summer tournaments, including cash tournaments in the US.”
Currently a 5.5 DUPR with wins over 6.0+ teams, Armaan is on the road to 6.0 DUPR, where his goal is to also sign with APP or PPA, and to represent Canada in the Olympics. His motto is: "Fight for every point, no matter the score.”
You can follow his progress on Instagram. Good luck Armaan.
BC Player Mario Banderia Is A Rising Pickleball Star
Mario Banderia won a Bronze medal in Men's Singles 4.5 at PPA Tour Finals, San Clemente, California, December 6, 2024.
With a tennis background, and he only began playing pickleball around Spring 2023, BC’s Mario Banderia’s pickleball star is on the rise—where, as posted prior, he won in the Men’s Singles 4.5 Bronze at the Myoflex® National Pickleball Championship in Halifax, August 2024.
This time, last December 6th 2024 at the CIBC PPA Tour Finals in San Clemente, California, in the Men’s Singles 4.5, ages 8 – 34, Mario won a Bronze medal.
Mario, who is affiliated with the Vancouver Pickleball Association, said: “I had an amazing experience playing with high-level players in the United States and watching all the pros playing in the same venue.”
Let’s see where Mario’s pickleball adventures take him next.
This time, last December 6th 2024 at the CIBC PPA Tour Finals in San Clemente, California, in the Men’s Singles 4.5, ages 8 – 34, Mario won a Bronze medal.
Mario, who is affiliated with the Vancouver Pickleball Association, said: “I had an amazing experience playing with high-level players in the United States and watching all the pros playing in the same venue.”
Let’s see where Mario’s pickleball adventures take him next.
Great Start for BC's Steve Deakin in 2025
(Left to right, or mobile device top to bottom. Click photos to enlarge.) Photos with Julie Johnson and Altaf Merchant.
With his new sponsor’s Onix Pickleball paddle in hand—BC’s Steve Deakin won gold in both PPA Masters’ mixed doubles with Julie Johnson and men’s doubles with Altaf Merchant.
The Masters were held on January 6 – 12, 2025, Mission Hills, Rancho Mirage, California.
Steve comments: “Wasn’t feeling the greatest this weekend so I really relied on my partners. I love the Masters. Love the all white threads, and can’t beat the sunshine.”
Steve is also the head coach of Major League Pickleball's Las Vegas Night Owls.
The Masters were held on January 6 – 12, 2025, Mission Hills, Rancho Mirage, California.
Steve comments: “Wasn’t feeling the greatest this weekend so I really relied on my partners. I love the Masters. Love the all white threads, and can’t beat the sunshine.”
Steve is also the head coach of Major League Pickleball's Las Vegas Night Owls.
BC's Steve Deakin Won Gold 2x At 2024 Lapiplasty Pickleball World Championships
(Left to right, or mobile device top to bottom. Click photos to enlarge.) Steve Deakin wins Gold twice in Mixed with Julie Johnson and in Men's with Altaf Merchant. Steve shown providing sideline support to his team as coach of MLP's Las Vegas Night Owls.
The Professional Pickleball Association’s final grand slam of the year was held at the Brookhaven Country Club in Dallas, November 2024. Steve Deakin was victorious with a gold medal in both the mixed and men's finals. More than 3,500 players entered the event.
Steve adds: "As 2024 wraps up, it was my best year yet... I'm still playing main draw PPA with the world's best, added exciting new sponsorships, 57-0 undefeated season in first year of senior, and appointed head coach of Major League Pickleball's Las Vegas Night Owls."
Steve adds: "As 2024 wraps up, it was my best year yet... I'm still playing main draw PPA with the world's best, added exciting new sponsorships, 57-0 undefeated season in first year of senior, and appointed head coach of Major League Pickleball's Las Vegas Night Owls."
The Huntsman World Senior Games Friendship Festival
The Huntsman World Senior Games is a showcase of sports enthusiasts across many sports. This event is free of charge to everyone including athletes, volunteers and community members. The World Senior Championships is the largest annual multi-sport event in the world for athletes ages 50 and better. Every October more than 11,500 athletes compete in their choice of more than 30 different sports.
New this year, each night of the festival spotlighted different sports, celebrating the athletes and their accomplishments along with the teams and competitors who make the Games so special.
A few of our BC Seniors participated in the pickleball event and were awarded medals for their play. BC’s Robert Fish won Bronze 70+ 4.0 (in Blue Shirt) and Heather Hood, who co-chairs the PickleBall BC youth program and our PBC Regional Representative to PCO, with the Canadian flag won 2 bronze medals with her partners.
The Friendship Festival took place on the Dixie Convention Center grounds.
For a full line up of entertainment and activities from this year’s games (2024), visit: Huntsman World Senior Games | Friendship Festival: Sport Nights
The Huntsman World Senior Games is a showcase of sports enthusiasts across many sports. This event is free of charge to everyone including athletes, volunteers and community members. The World Senior Championships is the largest annual multi-sport event in the world for athletes ages 50 and better. Every October more than 11,500 athletes compete in their choice of more than 30 different sports.
New this year, each night of the festival spotlighted different sports, celebrating the athletes and their accomplishments along with the teams and competitors who make the Games so special.
A few of our BC Seniors participated in the pickleball event and were awarded medals for their play. BC’s Robert Fish won Bronze 70+ 4.0 (in Blue Shirt) and Heather Hood, who co-chairs the PickleBall BC youth program and our PBC Regional Representative to PCO, with the Canadian flag won 2 bronze medals with her partners.
The Friendship Festival took place on the Dixie Convention Center grounds.
For a full line up of entertainment and activities from this year’s games (2024), visit: Huntsman World Senior Games | Friendship Festival: Sport Nights
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Left to right: (Mobile Devices: top to bottom) Heather hood and partner holding Canadian Flag; Robert Fish (in Blue) and partner With Bronze Medal; Heather Hood (in red) and partner being presented one of her two bronze medals.
Pickleball Wheelchair Participant Medals in BC
Jeanine McDonald (in wheelchair) and Randy Cosman won bronze at the Pocomo Pickleball Club Tournament in Mixed Doubles 2.75/Open bracket, 22 September 2024.
Usually one only reads, or hears, about pickleball wheelchair participants; it’s rare to see one in action and let alone in a tournament.
Prior to each match, special rules regarding a wheelchair participant were reviewed. For example, if the opponent hits the wheelchair with the ball—the ball is considered out of bounds.
Every opponent exercised fair play during the matches, and Jeanine held her own. Both were satisfied with their accomplishment.
Regardless of one’s disposition, pickleball always promotes DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
And the Trophy winners are: (Left to right)
Gold Vanessa Williams & Eshan Zaman
Silver Bobby Stewart & Susan Seeman
Bronze Randy Cosman & Jeanne McDonald
Jeanine McDonald (in wheelchair) and Randy Cosman won bronze at the Pocomo Pickleball Club Tournament in Mixed Doubles 2.75/Open bracket, 22 September 2024.
Usually one only reads, or hears, about pickleball wheelchair participants; it’s rare to see one in action and let alone in a tournament.
Prior to each match, special rules regarding a wheelchair participant were reviewed. For example, if the opponent hits the wheelchair with the ball—the ball is considered out of bounds.
Every opponent exercised fair play during the matches, and Jeanine held her own. Both were satisfied with their accomplishment.
Regardless of one’s disposition, pickleball always promotes DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
And the Trophy winners are: (Left to right)
Gold Vanessa Williams & Eshan Zaman
Silver Bobby Stewart & Susan Seeman
Bronze Randy Cosman & Jeanne McDonald
2024 Western Regionals Medalists
We wish to congratulate all the players who participated in the Western Regionals and recognize those who excelled and were medalists. While there were many excellent matches and champions, all of whom can be seen in the Brackets application, we only listed the 5.0 champions here.
On the men's side, here are the 5.0 men's doubles medalists as listed on Brackets:
On the men's side, here are the 5.0 men's doubles medalists as listed on Brackets:
Robin D'Abreo is a Board Member with Pickleball BC. He is also the Athletic Director at UBC.
On the ladies side, here are the 5.0 Ladies doubles medalists as listed on Brackets:
Here we have some action featuring one of our Board member participants: Robin D'Abreo on far left
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Pickleball BC Board Member wins Gold
Another BC Player and Member of the Board of Directors picked up a gold medal in the 3.5 mixed doubles in the Western Regionals in Vernon. Dave Eaton and his partner (whom he had never met before) endured full set matches to their gold medal victory. Dave got his first gold medal from a regional and is in the 70+ age category. Well done Dave. |
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A BC Player who has excelled in his category.
A young "Newcomer" to the sport; having been playing for only a year or two, has done very well in major events such as the Victoria open and the Tournament in Vernon is a gentleman named Mario Banderia. Mario has picked up a men's singles gold medal in the Victoria 4.5 men's event, and a Silver the same event in Vernon. The pictures are of his Siver medal at the Halifax Nationals His home club is POCoMo and he plays at several venues in the Coquitlam area.
A young "Newcomer" to the sport; having been playing for only a year or two, has done very well in major events such as the Victoria open and the Tournament in Vernon is a gentleman named Mario Banderia. Mario has picked up a men's singles gold medal in the Victoria 4.5 men's event, and a Silver the same event in Vernon. The pictures are of his Siver medal at the Halifax Nationals His home club is POCoMo and he plays at several venues in the Coquitlam area.
Mario - Silver at Haliax National Finals
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Mario receiving Silver at Halifax Nationals
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Kamloops Pickleballer Picked to play in Australia's First Pro League
INFOnews January 30, 2024: Kamloops is home to Canada’s best female pickleball player and she’s been selected to play in Australia’s pro pickleball league. Casey Rodgers, 32, is an insurance broker, but her prowess on the pickleball court is sending her to compete in the first professional pickleball season in Australia as the Western Vipers’ first round pick.
Rodgers is ranked first in the country because of her performance in the Canadian National Pickleball League. “I’m thrilled to be part of a different league and travel and play. I’m super excited and proud of the work that I’ve put in,” Rodgers said. She's been playing for about seven years and got into the more competitive side of the sport two years ago. She says she loves to see how the sport is growing.
“There’s more and more people who are getting into the sport and bringing more money into it. It’s definitely getting more competitive. The states have blown up with pro pickleball and we are following suit here in Canada we’re just a bit behind. It’s all over the rest of the world too,” she said. The Australian league was created by Pacific Pickleball. Teams will be competing for a slice of the $700,000 prize pool which is split across Pacific Pickleball's six competitions.
The pickleball community in Kamloops has helped Rodgers get into playing professionally. “I would say a big thank you for the support I’ve had along the way,” she said. Currently there are no dedicated indoor pickleball courts in Kamloops so she has been travelling to Vernon to practice. “It would be great to have an indoor facility here in Kamloops, eventually somewhere down the line,” she said. “Hopefully we get some nice indoor courts to play on, we have beautiful outdoor courts.”
INFOnews January 30, 2024: Kamloops is home to Canada’s best female pickleball player and she’s been selected to play in Australia’s pro pickleball league. Casey Rodgers, 32, is an insurance broker, but her prowess on the pickleball court is sending her to compete in the first professional pickleball season in Australia as the Western Vipers’ first round pick.
Rodgers is ranked first in the country because of her performance in the Canadian National Pickleball League. “I’m thrilled to be part of a different league and travel and play. I’m super excited and proud of the work that I’ve put in,” Rodgers said. She's been playing for about seven years and got into the more competitive side of the sport two years ago. She says she loves to see how the sport is growing.
“There’s more and more people who are getting into the sport and bringing more money into it. It’s definitely getting more competitive. The states have blown up with pro pickleball and we are following suit here in Canada we’re just a bit behind. It’s all over the rest of the world too,” she said. The Australian league was created by Pacific Pickleball. Teams will be competing for a slice of the $700,000 prize pool which is split across Pacific Pickleball's six competitions.
The pickleball community in Kamloops has helped Rodgers get into playing professionally. “I would say a big thank you for the support I’ve had along the way,” she said. Currently there are no dedicated indoor pickleball courts in Kamloops so she has been travelling to Vernon to practice. “It would be great to have an indoor facility here in Kamloops, eventually somewhere down the line,” she said. “Hopefully we get some nice indoor courts to play on, we have beautiful outdoor courts.”
BC's Own Achieve 5.0 Silver in the US Nationals
Brothers Jeffery and Gary Ho win Silver in the 5.0 Event at the US Nationals held in Dallas TX - congratulations!!
MLP 2023 Challenger Event Atlanta
Congratulations to BC's own Todd Fought and the SoCal Hard Eights team for winning the MLP Challenger Cup Atlanta (undefeated in 5 straight games). The Premier and Challenger Cup tournaments were the first event of MLP's second 2023 season. Team picture below and PickleballUnion story here...
SoCal Hard Eights above (courtesy MLP): Ewa Radzikowska, CJ Klinger, Yana Grechkina, and BC's Todd Fought
In Memory Of
Phil Barker, a founding member of VRPA, passed away March 14th 2023. Philip Stephen Barker was born in Victoria where he lived, loved and explored almost all his life until his dath. Phil was an active, friendly man with a ready smile. Pearkes was his favourite venues and he had many friends there. You may not know, because he was also a modest man, Phil was the creator of the colourful, energetic VRPA logo which you see on every email you receive from the Victoria Regional Pickleball Association.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the VRPA Board.
Connie McCann
President VRPA
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the VRPA Board.
Connie McCann
President VRPA
Phil Barker, center in red shirt 2022
GOLDEN TICKET Win at APP Daytona Beach
The first post on our 2023 Virtual Trophy Wall is Tracy Bennet's incredible win at the APP Daytona Beach tournament to gain a GOLDEN TICKET direct entry to the USA Nationals this Fall at Indian Wells. Congratulations to Tracy and her Alberta-based partner Sean McCartan seen below in their BIG win with even a BIGGER trophy! Full story was posted here.
Sport BC Athletes of the Year and President's Awards
Sport BC celebrated the 55th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards on Thursday, March 9, 2023. The event was hosted by CBC’s Scott Russell recognizing the province’s best in amateur sport including athletes, coaches, teams, and officials for outstanding performances in their sport in either 2021 or 2022 season. Each finalist was nominated by their Provincial or Multi-Sport Organization, High School, College, or University. The Selection Committee, led by long-serving Chair Bernie Pascall, included a diverse group of highly experienced British Columbia sport leaders and media members. Sport BC Members are listed here.
Sport BC congratulated all the Athlete of the Year Awards’ Recipients and the President's Awards which included PIckleball BC's President Walter Knecht. Walter stated "I was honoured to receive one of Sport BC's President's Awards March 9, 2023 [recipients outlined in attached PDF] held in conjunction with their 55th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards Ceremony. I was nominated by my peers in recognition of my efforts to promote and organize pickleball here in B.C. and at the National level as well. I was one of 55 recipients this year." The President's Awards Ceremony took place in the hour preceding the Sport BC Athlete of the Year Ceremony.
The Honourable Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports gave the opening address (PDF attached). Blair Lowther Sport BC Chair, welcomed everyone to the ceremony.
Sport BC congratulated all the Athlete of the Year Awards’ Recipients and the President's Awards which included PIckleball BC's President Walter Knecht. Walter stated "I was honoured to receive one of Sport BC's President's Awards March 9, 2023 [recipients outlined in attached PDF] held in conjunction with their 55th Annual Athlete of the Year Awards Ceremony. I was nominated by my peers in recognition of my efforts to promote and organize pickleball here in B.C. and at the National level as well. I was one of 55 recipients this year." The President's Awards Ceremony took place in the hour preceding the Sport BC Athlete of the Year Ceremony.
The Honourable Lana Popham, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports gave the opening address (PDF attached). Blair Lowther Sport BC Chair, welcomed everyone to the ceremony.
PickleballBC congratulates all of the award recipients past and present as outlined and attached (PDF's) here:
We also invite you to submit a link to images of pickleball events/tournaments that have taken place in BC. Please send your suggestions to [email protected].
Please Note ...
We are unable to accept individual images other than the pics of "major" Tournament medal winners as described above - just links to services such as Club websites, Google Photos, Instagram, Dropbox, Shutterfly, etc.
Please ensure you have permission from everyone shown in the images to post them publicly. The links will be removed periodically to allow for more current images.
Please Note ...
We are unable to accept individual images other than the pics of "major" Tournament medal winners as described above - just links to services such as Club websites, Google Photos, Instagram, Dropbox, Shutterfly, etc.
Please ensure you have permission from everyone shown in the images to post them publicly. The links will be removed periodically to allow for more current images.
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September 2022
October 2022 August 2022 July 2019 May 2019 |
Hollyburn Country Club Annual, West Vancouver
Whistler Racquet Club Fall Extravaganza 2022 Canadian National Super Seniors, Surrey 2019 Kelowna Open 2019 GO Fest Mixed Doubles, Whistler |
