B.C. Talent Shines as Team Canada Finalizes Roster for 2025 Canada Cup
The Canada Cup is coming back to South Surrey, and Team Canada is ready to take the field with hometown pride. This year’s roster features eight standout players from British Columbia—six of them from the Lower Mainland—poised to thrill local fans on home turf.
Set for July 4–13 at Softball City, the international tournament will bring together more than 1,500 elite athletes from around the globe. Following last year’s gold-medal finish, Team Canada returns to the tournament with a strong mix of experienced veterans and dynamic new players, determined to defend their title.
Meet the B.C. Players Representing Team Canada
This year’s lineup celebrates British Columbia’s growing influence in Canadian softball. The eight players representing the province include:
- Peyton Bryden – Victoria
- Emma Entzminger – Victoria
- Larissa Franklin – Maple Ridge
- Kianna Jones – Surrey
- Grace Messmer – Cloverdale
- Callum Pilgrim – Abbotsford
- Morgan Reimer – Langley
- CC Wong – Port Coquitlam
From Vancouver Island to the Fraser Valley, these athletes reflect the strength and depth of softball talent in B.C.
Coach Rafter Leads Team Through Global Stretch
Veteran coach Kaleigh Rafter will guide Team Canada through a double-header of elite tournaments. Before returning home for the Canada Cup, the team will compete at the Pan American Championships in Montería, Colombia, from June 27 to July 4.
Seven of the same players—excluding Bryden—are part of the Pan Am roster. That tournament serves as a qualifier for the 2026 WBSC Women’s World Cup, making it a critical step on Canada’s international journey.
“This group has trained hard all off-season,” said Rafter. “This year’s selection camp was the largest and most competitive we’ve held. I’m thrilled to watch this team represent Canada both abroad and at home.”
Blending Experience with Fresh Firepower
Team Canada’s current squad reflects a thoughtful mix of seasoned athletes and new energy.
- At the Pan Am Championship, 12 players return from the 2024 WBSC World Cup team. Four will make their Pan Am debut.
- At the Canada Cup, 13 players from last year’s gold-medal team are back, joined by eight newcomers making their tournament debut.
This balance offers the team depth, adaptability, and a bright future on the diamond.
Canada Cup 2025: Key Dates and Matchups
Team Canada’s campaign at Softball City begins on Tuesday, July 8, with two exciting games:
- 6:00 p.m. vs New Zealand
- 8:30 p.m. vs Ukraine
Fans eager to support the home team can find full rosters at softball.ca and secure tickets at canadacup.com/tickets-canada-cup/. The atmosphere promises to be electric as Surrey hosts one of the most anticipated events of the summer.
Stay tuned to Surrey Speak for all the latest updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and stories that bring Canada’s biggest softball tournament to life.
