Kamloops resident Casey Rodgers playing pickleball.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/ Casey Rodgers

A professional pickleball player from Kamloops qualified for a spot in a new Canadian National Pickleball league.

Casey Rodgers will be joining one of eight national teams and compete for the first prize title and a payout this year in gender doubles, mixed doubles and singles tie-breaker matches, according to a media release by the Kamloops Pickleball Club.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the CNPL and competing against some of the best pickleball players across Canada,” Rodgers said in the release. “I’m also excited about helping grow the sport and encouraging more people to pick up a paddle and play.”

Rodgers was rated in the Top 50, peaking at number two in Canada and won two gold medals in the Canadian National Championship.

She first started playing at the Kamloops Pickleball Club where she met people who helped her along the way. 

“I’m grateful for their support and inspiration,” she said.

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Rodgers hopes to continue playing in Canada, the USA and other countries around the world. She wants to see pickleball grow in Kamloops with an addition of a junior program, more exposure in schools and an indoor facility, according to the release.

Casey’s biggest fan is her dad, who was the first person to bring her out to the courts in Kamloops. He continues to support her by traveling to out of town tournaments, watching the live stream, or following along on the pickleball websites.

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Rodgers will be competing at the Kamloops Open presented by Comazetto & Associates Wealth Advisory on June 9-11, 2023 at Riverside Park by the Rose Garden, where nine other league professionals, including local pro and pickleball entrepreneur; Brett Forsythe will be competing for Kamloops Pickleball gold.

Go here to register for the tournament.

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