Casey Rodgers of Kamloops is a professional pickleball coach at a colossal club in the Caribbean and will represent Canada this fall at the sport’s World Cup in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
“I could not have imagined when I picked up the paddle like seven or eight years ago that I would ever be here — not in the least bit ever,” Rodgers said.
“It’s actually been incredible. I’ve been so fortunate. I definitely got in at the right time and have taken full advantage of every opportunity I’ve been given.”
Rodgers, 34, was coaxed into the game by her snowbird father about seven years ago after he returned to Kamloops from wintering in Arizona.
“I got out there, he kicked my butt the first time and I got destroyed by a bunch of much older people,” Rodgers said. “From there, I just kind of kept it going and just didn’t really stop.”
A multi-sport athlete, Rodgers proved a quick study.
The Kamloops Pickleball Club member has played professionally in Canadian and Australian leagues and earned a gold medal in women’s doubles (with partner Tatiana Ruhl) at the 2024 Pickleball World Cup in Lima, Peru.
A happenstance meeting during the World Cup in Peru proved fruitful for Rodgers, who had a brief chat with the owner of Pickleball Cayman after bumping into him in a lineup.
Rodgers and her boyfriend were planning to move some place warm this winter when she came across a job posting for a coaching position at the club in George Town, Cayman Islands — the capital city of the British Overseas Territory in the western Caribbean.
“The next thing I knew, I had a job offer and I was on a plane less than three weeks later,” said Rodgers, who moved to George Town in September and coaches for 25 hours each week. “It happened very fast, but it was amazing. I can’t complain, that’s for sure.”
Pickleball Cayman boasts 24 courts and more than 10,000 members — about 13 pe cent of the Cayman Islands population.
“It’s actually insane. It’s the biggest pickleball club in the world,” said Rodgers, who also works remotely as an insurance broker. “My first work permit is only for six months, but from there I can basically decide what I want to do and if I want to stay and who knows? I definitely want to be here all winter. I don’t want to have another cold winter back home. You can snorkel right off the beach basically, so that’s been really cool.”
Rodgers is one of 10 Canadians who will compete in the open division at the 2025 World Cup, which is scheduled to run from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2 in Fort Lauderdale.
Team Canada athletes were selected through a rigorous process involving provincial and national committees, according to a Pickleball Canada media release, which notes each individual represents the best the country has to offer in talent, sportsmanship and commitment.
Rodgers is expected to compete in women’s doubles and mixed doubles events, aiming to repeat her podium performance in her second World Cup appearance.
“There’s nothing like it, just wearing that flag,” Rodgers said, noting there is also a chance she sees singles competition. “It’s just incredible. You fight a lot harder for something bigger than just yourself.”