The Pickleball Association of Bermuda (PAB) has officially unveiled the Open Elite Team set to represent the island at the upcoming 2026 Caribbean Championships.
The selection follows a rigorous and comprehensive review process designed to ensure the most competitive squad takes to the court. PAB officials utilized a strict set of criteria, including international performance data, results from the National Championships, and current DUPR ratings—the global standard for pickleball skill assessment.
In a move to provide veteran leadership, Gavin Manders and Sasha Fisher have been named co-captains. Manders, a household name in Bermudian sport, brings a wealth of competitive experience, while Fisher's tactical presence is expected to be vital as the team faces the region's top talent.
The Men’s Elite team will sport a significantly different look at the 2026 Caribbean Championships, with two high-profile additions bolstered by the arrival of Jamie Stowe and Tom Mills.
The pair have been brought into the fold to replace Jaden Jones and Vince Chavez, who were mainstays of the previous campaign. The selection of Stowe and Mills reflects a clear strategic shift as the national program looks to inject fresh energy into a roster tasked with contending for regional dominance in one of the world's fastest-growing sports.
The transformation is not limited to the men’s side, as the Women’s Elite squad also sees a key personnel change. Lily Hallett has been officially drafted into the team, taking the place of Imani Phillips from last year's roster. These changes to the elite setup come as part of a comprehensive review by the Pickleball Association of Bermuda, which aims to capitalize on recent international performances and high DUPR ratings ahead of the tournament. With new talent integrated into the ranks, Bermuda's elite teams are preparing to face their Caribbean rivals with a revamped and highly competitive lineup.
The PAB confirmed that the final roster was also influenced by a specific "team role analysis," ensuring a balanced mix of aggressive attackers and defensive specialists. As pickleball continues its rapid ascent across the Caribbean, Bermuda’s elite squad will be looking to cement their status as a regional powerhouse when the tournament gets underway later this year.
Hosting the Caribbean Championships presents a defining opportunity for Bermuda to compete at the highest regional level on home soil.
“As National Director and Co-Captain, I feel the weight of it — and I welcome it,” said Gavin Manders. “This isn’t just about hosting. It’s about defending our ground, raising our standard, and showing the Caribbean exactly who Bermuda is when we compete together with intention.
This team is battle proven at the highest levels and understands the task at hand. We are preparing with purpose. And we’re going to hold each other accountable, because that’s what moments like this demand.
And while we battle, we lead. There will be young players in the stands watching how we respond to pressure, how we support each other, how we carry ourselves when it gets tough. That’s legacy. That’s culture.
On home soil, we plan on setting the tone right from the beginning. This is bigger than a tournament. It’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation.”
Men’s Team
• Gavin Manders (Co-Captain)
• Benjamin Jones
• Jamie Stowe (Player & Coach)
• Tom Mills
• Mical Russell
Women's Team
• Sasha Fisher (Co-Captain)
• Patricia Mills
• Melisa Judd
• Lily Hallett
• Naphisa Smith
Assistant Coach: John Singleton
Alternates (In Order)
Men:
1. Jasper Thomas
2. John Singleton
Women:
1. Courtney Fisher
2. Rachel Sawden
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