Team USA is Going Global: Upcoming US Team Travel
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by Cheryl Kirk
DEAR RACQUETBALL FAMILY,
WHICH IS THE BETTER HEADLINE:
WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING ON WITH OUR
US ADULT AND JUNIOR TEAMS??
--OR--
WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE OUR US ADULT AND JUNIOR TEAMS GOING??
LET’S KEEP BOTH!
STARTING WITH OUR U.S. ADULT TEAM:
XXIII IRF WORLD RACQUETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
TEMUCO, CHILE
OCTOBER 16-24, 2026
International Racquetball Federation
Seven athletes are attending: Michelle Andersen, Jake Bredenbeck, Daniel De La Rosa*, Adam Manilla, Erika Manilla, DJ Mendoza, Lexi York
*As of 8/26/26, Sam Bredenbeck will be joining the Temuco delegation to replace Daniel De La Rosa on the Men's Team roster.
Staff: Head Coach Pablo Fajre, Assistant Coach Jen Meyer, Physical Therapist Dr. BettyLou DeYoung
This delegation represents 5 states: Minnesota, Texas, California, Arizona, Colorado
Divisions: Men’s and Women’s Singles and Doubles; Mixed Doubles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temuco
...AND THE U.S. JUNIOR TEAM?
XXXVII IRF WORLD JUNIOR RACQUETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
COCHABAMBA, BOLIVIA
DECEMBER 4-12, 2026
International Racquetball Federation
34 athletes (17 boys/17 girls)
Representing 7 states: Missouri, Texas, California, Illinois, Arizona, Tennessee, Minnesota
Staff: Coach Director Jen Meyer, High Performance Director Pablo Fajre, Team Leader Cheryl Kirk
Process underway to announce the rest of the official coaching staff
Physical therapist/athletic trainer TBA
Divisions: Boys and Girls Singles and Doubles; Mixed Doubles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cochabamba
FUN FACTS
Adult and Junior Event Commonalities:
Gearbox Sleek Black Ball
Rally scoring, best 3 of 5 games to 11, win by 2
Both events will be livestreamed
Both trips are FAR!
Both trips are expensive: Donations through Give Direct, please...and designate specifically which event(s) you wish to support...for recognition in the blogs!
LINK https://donate.givedirect.org/?cid=16393
Adult and Junior Event Differences:
The ages of the athletes (duh)
Elevations (Cochabamba 8,432 feet; Temuco 1,181 feet)
Delegation sizes: Adults 10; Juniors approximately 86!
Distances (as a point of interest...)
Chicago to Cochabamba 4,300 mi
Cochabamba to Antarctica 4,854 mi
San Francisco to Temuco 6,169 mi
Temuco to Antarctica 3,529 mi
Status Update: What’s happening right now?
Adults – booking flights and making hotel reservations; ordering uniforms
Juniors – families are booking flights; team leader is booking host hotel accommodations for the delegation
Did we mention that donations would be deeply appreciated?
Donations through Give Direct, please...and designate specifically which event(s) you wish to support...for mention in the blogs!) https://donate.givedirect.org/?cid=16393
Thank you, Racquetball Family, for your best wishes and support as the delegations prepare to represent their country, their families and friends, and YOU in October and December!
GO TEAMS USA!!
