The Team
Meet the Jamaican National Racquetball Team
Don Bryan
Height / Play
5' 8" / right-handed
Occupation
Information Technology consultant
Residence
Lincoln Nebraska, USA
Birthplace
Mandeville Manchester
Titles/Honors
Certified Instructor
Career Highlights
Played in the World championships in Mexico for Jamaica. 2003 Nebraska State
doubles 40+ open Champion. 3rd place in 2003 Nebraska State mixed open Division. Medal winner in the
2002 World Championships.
Favorite Thing About Jamaica
"Favorite ting bout Jam Down - De Food, de music, de land mon!!"
Advice to New Players
Cross train and do practice drills by yourself. ALWAYS play at your best level
even when playing less skilled opponents. Respect your opponent on and off the court. Drink lots of
water.
Ken Teape
Play
right-handed
Occupation
Psychologist for New York State
Residence
Kings Park, New York, USA
Birthplace
Kingston
Career Highlights
Past New York State Champion
Titles/Honors
1996 World Championships player
Favorite Thing About Jamaica
"My favorite thing about Jamaica is the beauty of the Island and the
flavours of the food."
Advice to New Players
Take lessons from a certified teacher on an individual or group basis in order
to learn correct techniques and strategies. Attend a camp... because there is so much more to learn
about playing the game correctly than you realize. Stick with it because you will always come out the
other side a better player.
Jackie Gopie
Height / Play
5' 5" / right-handed
Occupation
Retired: U.S. Army - Medical Policy
Residence
Florida, USA
Birthplace
Kingston, Jamaica W.I.
Career Highlights
At one point, number one woman in the U.S. Army. Medal winner in the 2002 World
Championships.
Titles/Honors
Second place Women's A regionals, quarter final finisher 2001 National Singles,
women's open 40+. 2002 NYS Mixed Doubles Champion.
Favorite Thing About Jamaica
"Just knowing that no matter what - I am a Jamaican - and no matter
where I roam... there are other Jamaicans out there too... who will gladly sit down over a Guiness
stout and talk about yard."
Advice to New Players
Take a lesson (from an AMPRO instructor), learn the basics of the game, develop
your own style, play hard, have fun... it's just a game.
John F. Edwards
Height / Play
6' 2" / right-handed
Occupation
Learning & Development, Motivational Speaker, Consultant.
Residence
Virginia, USA
Birthplace
Born and raised in Kingston
Career Highlights
Founder and Captain of the Jamaica National Racquetball Team. Competed in every
World Championship from 1996-2004. Medal winner in the 2000 Mexico games.
Titles/Honors
President of the Jamaica Racquetball Federation. AmPro certified instructor. 2
time New York State Doubles Champion. 2002 NYS Mixed Doubles Champion.
Favorite Thing About Jamaica
"How bout di pace of life, di smell of curried goat and di feel of a
carribean breeze."
Advice to New Players
The challenge is with you rather than against your opponent. The game will last
for an hour - the friendships will last for a lifetime. Conduct yourself in the same way that you want
to be remembered. Enjoy being underestimated! Teach the kids.
Lurine Barnes
Height / Play
4' 11" / right-handed
Occupation
Xerox Corporation, Demand/Supply Planner
Residence
Rochester, New York, USA
Birthplace
Clarendon (May Pen area)
Career Highlights
Medal winner in the 2002 World Championships; First Jamaican Woman to join team;
Participated in Bolivia World's Championship in 1998; Junior Racquetball Instructor for 3 years.
Personal Notes
Petite/fun loving individual who enjoys acting, singing and performing. Local
singer/jazz performer in Rochester, NY.
Favorite Thing About Jamaica
"My favorite thing about JA = 'Free To Be.' As a kid I remember the
vastness of the land and being so happy I felt free to be me along with ackee salt fish and sour sop."
Advice to New Players
When the going gets tough, pull deep and remember you are part of a team so you
can't just quit. Dig deep and pull from your inner strength and the strength of the team. Remember to
have fun!
Christopher Johnson
Height / Play
6' 2.5" / right-handed
Occupation
Deputy Sheriff
Residence
Plantation, Fl
Birthplace
Kingston
Career Highlights
10 years Gold Medalist Florida Police & Fire Games incl International Games in
Vegas & Florida.
Titles/Honors
University of Miami Shootout A Division 2000
Marie Birmingham Past Member
Height / Play
5' 5" / right-handed
Occupation
Past Vice President of Jamaica Racquetball Federation
Residence
Houston, Texas, USA
Birthplace
Kingston
Career Highlights
2000 Women's "A" Regional Champion, '99 & '00 US Open - 3rd Place in Mixed 30+
Doubles.
Favorite Thing About Jamaica
"The wonderfully gracious people, the awesome food and the deep
history and culture of the island."
Advice to New Players
Drill, play hard, and have fun!