News

The University Baseball Club at UBC is set to make history as it joins the Canadian College Baseball Conference (CCBC) for the 2026 season, marking a new era for collegiate baseball in Vancouver. With 44 student-athletes and nine dedicated coaches, the club is eager to compete at the highest level, embracing the challenge and privilege of playing in Canada’s only college baseball conference. 

The CCBC’s recent expansion to nine teams signals the league’s growing reputation for excellence, both academically and athletically. UBC’s inclusion was approved by the CCBC board of governors, and the team will be led by head coach Devery Van De Keere, a former Kansas City Royals draft pick and a fixture in the UBC Thunderbirds program since 2020. Van De Keere is joined by a talented staff, including Lichel Hirakawa-Kao, Shawn Schaefer, Lucciano Letteri, Eric Hegadoren, and Ty Penner.

“Our players are driven—both academically and athletically—and being part of their journey is rewarding,” said Van De Keere. “We’re excited to help athletes compete at a high level while pursuing an exceptional education. The athletic department’s support for a second baseball team at UBC is a testament to the university’s commitment to student development.” 

The team is young, with an average age of just 19.7 years, but the starting lineup is solid and ready to prove itself. As the season approaches, questions abound: How consistent will the team be? Which freshmen will rise to the occasion? Who will exceed expectations, and who will face challenges? With 12 pre-season games and practices six days a week, the answers will soon unfold on the diamond.

UBC’s outstanding facilities provide the perfect backdrop for this ambitious new program. The club is grateful for the opportunity to compete, develop, and build a lasting legacy in Canadian college baseball. As the regular season kicks off, fans and supporters can look forward to an exciting journey—one defined by hard work, growth, and the pursuit of excellence.

Below is the top players expected for the 2026 season. 

Top 3 Returning Pitchers:  

Alex Lee, Junior, RHP

Aiden Liebrecht, Senior, LHP

Lazlo Clements, Sophmore, RHP

• Top 3 Returning Position Players: 

Sajan Kooner, Sophmore, 1B

Julian Fast, Junior, OF

Logan Cassidy, Sophmore, Utility

• Top 3 New Pitchers:

Zephyr Cowan, Freshman, RHP

Jackson Torrance, Junior, RHP

Luke Popplewell, Freshman, RHP

• Top 3 New Position players:

Edward Wilde, Freshman, Utility

Ryu Utsunomiya, Freshman, Catcher

Yonny Marom, Junior, OF