By Mariana Echeverri Alvarez, Communications Coordinator

 

As the 2025 Canada Summer Games draw near, Manitoba’s baseball teams are eager to take on the challenge. Leading the way are two Team Toba coaches, Jeremy Culleton and Cody Benson, whose expertise and leadership are instrumental in preparing the athletes for success on the national stage. 

 

Navigating the Path to Coaching

Jeremy’s passion for baseball was ignited during countless summers spent outside as a kid, where he developed a deep love for the sport. Reflecting on his journey, he shares, 

“I probably started when I was 8 or 9 years old, then played all the way to senior ball with the Carillon Sultans, and then into my late thirties.” 

His love for baseball naturally evolved into a passion for coaching. 

“I’ve always had a passion for coaching, but a special passion for baseball,” he adds.

Inspired by the influence of his own coaches growing up, Jeremy has devoted years to coaching at various levels, from youth baseball to provincial U16 girls’ and women’s teams.

Similarly, for Cody, his passion for baseball stemmed from a strong support system. 

“I had some great teachers and coaches who passed on their love and knowledge of the game, and I wanted to do the same for others,” Cody says.

Before stepping into his role as head coach of the male team, Cody sought to work alongside individuals who shared his commitment and values. Now, after several years of coaching together, Jeremy and Cody have fostered a unified coaching staff, built on shared vision and purpose.

 

Redefining the Future of Women’s Baseball

This will be the first time women’s baseball will take the field at the Canada Summer Games, marking a groundbreaking moment for the sport. This historic debut highlights the growth and recognition of women’s baseball, paving the way for greater opportunities and inspiring the next generation of athletes to pursue their passion for the game.

This milestone is also significant for Jeremy because this will be his first time attending. 

“I’m excited about the atmosphere, and I’m always excited about promoting girls and women’s athletics,” he says.

“Being able to put those 16-year-old girls on a stage like the Canada Summer Games is a great opportunity, and I’m excited to see how that plays out.” 

The team is currently utilizing Sport Manitoba Performance, where they are collaborating closely with Performance Manager Jeff Wood to include focused efforts on nutrition and mental and physical training, ensuring they are properly equipped to perform at their best.

 

 

The Power of Instilling Confidence

Creating an environment of alignment and shared goals is a top priority for Cody and his team. 

“Baseball is one of the few sports where failure is inevitable, even the best in the world still fail so much,” he says. 

Cody emphasizes the importance of openly discussing failure with his team, framing it as a valuable learning opportunity. 

“Be aware that mistakes happen – so accept it, learn from it, and be better because of it,” he says. 

“Make sure to enjoy it every step of the way.” 

He uses these conversations as a foundation to strengthen his team by promoting awareness while maintaining a sense of calm. He ensures they are prepared with a solid backup plan and ready to adapt if things don’t go as expected.

 

On the Road to the Games

Jeremy and Cody share a vision of preparing their teams for success, blending strategic preparation with a deep passion for the sport. As they look ahead to the Canada Summer Games, both coaches are focused on fostering resilience, confidence, and a unified team culture.

“It’s an exciting time for women’s baseball in general,” Jeremy says. 

“I think we’re going to position ourselves in a place where we’re gonna be down in that mix at the end, hopefully for the medal round.”

Cody echoes this drive, emphasizing the importance of preparation under pressure. 

“It’s hard to expect players and coaches to perform well in pressure situations if we don’t train under pressure,” he explains.

With a shared commitment to their athletes and the historic opportunity ahead, both teams are ready to make their mark, embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with passion and determination.