Greece Set to Compete at 2025 Canada Cup Softball Tournament

By Sophia Karavantos-Schnur

The 29th edition of the Canada Cup International Softball Championship returns to Softball City in Surrey, BC from July 4th-13th, bringing together elite international and youth softball teams for one of the premier events in the sport. Known for its high level of competition, the Canada Cup features five divisions: Women’s International, Futures Gold (U19A), Futures Select (U19B), Showcase Gold (17U A), and Showcase Select (17U B).

Among the teams competing for the title in the Women’s International Division is Team Greece, who will be competing alongside global powerhouses such as Canada, New Zealand, Czechia, Netherlands, Ukraine, Israel, and top American club teams like SoCal Sting and TC Colorado. Greece faces a tough field, with matchups against perennial European contenders the Netherlands and Israel, and a very strong TC Colorado team that features some of the best collegiate and post-collegiate softball players in the US. However, with a solid core of experienced players and motivated leadership Greece is aiming to turn heads. 

The Women’s International Division begins on July 7, with each team guaranteed at least seven games. This division is sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) and is considered one of the most prestigious international softball events outside of the Olympics or World Cup.

Team Greece is set to make an impactful appearance in the Women’s International Division. With a growing presence on the international softball scene, the team has gained valuable experience in recent tournaments, including past editions of the Canada Cup.

The Greek national team is managed by Jay Nelson, the former Rutgers head coach, and supported by assistant coaches Misty Beaver and Laurie Markatos. Their leadership is expected to guide a roster that includes both domestic talent and international players of Greek descent.

Supported by the Hellenic Baseball and Softball Federation (HBSF), Team Greece continues to develop its program, building a foundation of competitive athletes and setting its sights on future European and world level success.

Over 1,500 athletes from around the world participate across all divisions in the Canada Cup, drawing fans, college scouts, and national selectors. While the youth divisions provide collegiate exposure, the Women’s International Division offers a stage for senior level athletes to demonstrate their skill, strategy, and team unity on an international platform.

For Team Greece, the Canada Cup represents more than a competition, it's a chance to make their mark on the international stage, strengthen team chemistry, and motivate the next generation of Greek athletes to embrace the sport of softball. As they enter the 2025 tournament, attention will turn to how Greece performs against top tier opponents and responds to the demands of high level play. With a steadily developing program and rising confidence, the team is well positioned to deliver a standout performance this summer.