WINNIPEG (February 24, 2026) – Racquetball Canada is pleased to announce the athletes who will represent Canada at the 2026 Pan American Championships, taking place March 27 to April 4, 2026, in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
The team will be led on court by Samuel Murray (St-Basile-le-Grand, QC) and Coby Iwaasa (Lethbridge, AB), two of Canada’s most accomplished international athletes. They are joined by Lee Connell (Saskatoon, SK), Juliette Parent (Saint-Jacques, QC), Chloé Jauvin (Terrebonne, QC), and Marjolaine Parent (St-Basile-le-Grand, QC), all of whom bring prior international competition experience.
Murray and Iwaasa bring a combined 28 international podium finishes into the event. Highlights of their career include a 2024 World Championship doubles title, a 2022 Pan American Championships doubles title, and double silver at the 2023 Pan American Games, cementing their status as one of the world’s top doubles teams. Iwaasa also added a podium finish at the 2025 World Games.
I’m really grateful for the opportunity to compete at the Pan American Championships in Guatemala,” said Samuel Murray. My preparation has looked a little different this time, but I’m excited to embrace the challenge, especially since it will be my first international event traveling with my little boy, Elliot. It means a lot to share this experience with him while representing Canada.
Juliette Parent has earned international podium results, including a bronze medal at the 2024 World Championships and a silver medal at the 2024 Pan American Championships, both in doubles. Connell and Jauvin have also contributed to international podium performances in team events, underscoring the depth across the roster.
Athletes earned their positions through results at the past three national events, reflecting sustained performance and competitive readiness.
Jennifer Saunders, Racquetball Canada’s High Performance Director, will make her debut as Team Canada Head Coach at the Pan American Championships. Building on her extensive experience as a former national team athlete and one of Canada’s most accomplished international competitors, Saunders now adds the Team Canada Head Coach role to her leadership portfolio. She was recently part of the staff at the 2025 World Junior Championships and brings both elite playing experience and deep insight into athlete development to her work with Team Canada.
“I’m incredibly honoured to lead this team at the 2026 Pan Am Championships,” said Jennifer Saunders. “My experience at last year’s World Junior Championships renewed my interest in coaching and in investing in our top athletes in this way. Since then, I’ve continued to prioritize my own development to ensure I am prepared for this opportunity. We have a talented and driven group of athletes, and this event is an important step as we build toward the 2027 Pan American Games.”
Supporting the team in Guatemala City will be Team Therapist Amy Barrette (Baie-Comeau, QC), who continues her involvement with the national program and Team Canada competition.
The International Racquetball Federation will provide live coverage of the tournament. Additional event details and broadcast information will be shared in a pre-event release and across Racquetball Canada’s social media channels.
To support the athletes’ journey, Racquetball Canada has launched a donation campaign. With rising travel and competition costs, donations help Racquetball Canada continue to support our athletes and teams at the highest level. Contributions are tax-deductible. Learn more at: [link]
Athlete biographies can be accessed by clicking on each athlete’s name in the chart below.
| 2026 Pan American Championships Women’s Team |
| Athlete | Residence | Divisions |
| Juliette Parent | Saint-Jacques, QC | SinglesMixed Doubles |
| Chloé Jauvin | Repentigny, QC | SinglesWomen’s Doubles |
| Marjolaine Parent | St-Basile-le-Grand, QC | Women’s Doubles |
| 2026 Pan American Championships Men’s Team |
| Athlete | Residence | Divisions |
| Samuel Murray | St-Basile-le-Grand, QC | SinglesMen’s Doubles |
| Coby Iwaasa | Lethbridge, AB | SinglesMen’s Doubles |
| Lee Connell | Saskatoon, SK | Mixed Doubles |
About Racquetball Canada
Racquetball Canada is the National Sport Organization for the sport of racquetball. As a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee, our mission is to coordinate, govern and encourage the advancement of racquetball from the grassroots to the elite level across Canada. Our vision is to be a visible, vibrant sport enjoyed coast to coast by Canadians of all ages and abilities. For more information visit our website.
Media Contact
Jan Hanson
Communications, Diversity & Safe Sport Director
communications@racquetballcanada.ca I 306.502.4422
