Bermuda's Fisher Leads Team in Multi-Nation Pickleball Championship

Bermuda's Representation in Pickleball

At 39 years old, Fisher is proudly representing Bermuda in both the women's 5.0 and mixed 5.0 divisions, alongside co-captain Gavin Manders. The multi-nation tournament, which includes teams from the Cayman Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua & Barbuda, and Jamaica, is set to run until March 21. Fisher expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Our aim is to collaborate effectively as a team against these other nations.” She emphasized the significance of this event as a chance to witness the development of young talent in Bermuda.

Fisher, who currently serves as a high-performance head professional at Bosse in Natick, Massachusetts, is adeptly balancing her coaching responsibilities with her competitive aspirations. She noted, “I’m accustomed to managing the coaching aspect, supporting my teammates, and sharing insights from my competitive experiences.” While coaching can sometimes detract from her playing time, she is learning to compartmentalize her roles to better support both the elite and senior teams.

The championships include the Rally on the Rock and the Caribbean Championship Cup, blending open competition with a team-oriented format designed to prepare national teams for international contests. Fisher transitioned to pickleball after a successful tennis career, where she represented Bermuda and partnered with Manders in doubles during their formative years. “Gavin and I were doubles partners in tennis as kids, so it was a natural fit for us to team up in pickleball,” she remarked.

With seven years of experience in pickleball, Fisher is now heavily invested in player development. “Much of my focus is on coaching and nurturing players,” she explained. She finds teaching pickleball more enjoyable than tennis because it allows clients to quickly grasp the game and have fun. “Tennis is a fantastic sport, but it often takes a long time to become proficient. In pickleball, individuals of all ages and skill levels can come together and play, which is why its popularity has surged,” she added. Hosting the tournament in Bermuda has highlighted the importance of team culture for Fisher. “We have such a fantastic group of people. It’s incredibly enjoyable,” she concluded.