Pickleball Canada has officially appointed veteran pro Steve Deakin as the Captain and Head Coach of Team Canada for the inaugural Major League Pickleball (MLP) Nations Cup. This high-profile international event is scheduled to take place from October 30 to November 1 in Dallas, Texas, featuring eight global teams competing for top honors.
The Path to the Nations Cup
The selection of Deakin marks a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Pickleball Canada and Steve Deakin Pickleball (SDP). This collaboration previously saw Canadian athletes compete in the MLP Mid-Season Tournament in Grand Rapids, Michigan, serving as a foundational experience for the nation's high-performance program. By leveraging Deakin’s extensive background in professional pickleball and his leadership within the PPA Canada Tour, the organization aims to elevate the competitive standard of its national roster.
The leadership structure for the upcoming tournament in Dallas includes:
- Steve Deakin (Captain and Head Coach): Responsible for the selection and strategic preparation of the Canadian roster, bringing years of elite-level experience to the team.
- Ryan Hanes (Assistant Coach): As Pickleball Canada’s Director of Competition, Hanes will provide critical support to the team, focusing on the development and readiness of the athletes throughout the event.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Deakin highlighted the importance of national pride and unity, stating that the team is heading to Dallas with a firm determination to compete at the highest level. Barry Petrachenko, Executive Director of Pickleball Canada, emphasized that this initiative is a core component of the organization's commitment to high-performance development and praised Deakin for his continued dedication to growing the sport for Canadian players.
Fans interested in seeing the full lineup of athletes representing the country can view the official roster on the MLP social media channels.
