Jackson and Smith Win 3.0–3.99 Women's Doubles Gold for Bermuda

Leslie Jackson and Maclean Smith capped an undefeated 5-0 run to win the Women’s Doubles Skill 3.000-3.999 division at the Marco Island Police Foundation Pickleball Slammer, beating Sandra Marshall and Jennifer Dayton 11-7 in the final at the Marco Island YMCA in Florida. Bernews reported the Bermudian pair opened with decisive wins and carried momentum through a rematch in the championship match.

Jackson and Smith’s path was efficient and authoritative. Bernews lists an 11-3 opening victory over Cheryl Van Klingeren and Samantha Bagdasarian, an 11-3 second-round win over Sandra Marshall and Jennifer Dayton, an 11-4 third-round result against Lynlee and Laiklyn Dunigan, and an 11-3 semi-final triumph over Jacqueline and Julianne Rudemiller before the 11-7 title-clinching match. Bernews noted Marshall and Dayton had advanced through the elimination bracket to meet the Bermudians again in the final.

The Royal Gazette placed the result in context, calling the three-day event a competitive field with over 300 competitors and highlighting that the win continues a fruitful partnership for Jackson and Smith. Jackson and Smith previously won gold together at the 2025 National Championships and took silver at the Summer Challenge Series. The Royal Gazette also reported that Leslie Jackson, partnering with Emma Simmons, “also won the senior women’s (50 years and above) doubles 3.5 at the Total Health Cayman Islands Open, last month,” underscoring Jackson’s recent form.

Maclean Smith reflected on the experience and the pride of representing a small island. The Royal Gazette quoted Smith: “Marco Island was my first international tournament, and it was an incredible experience competing against a completely new group of players I had never faced before.” Smith added, “Winning felt especially meaningful as a Bermudian coming from such a small island, compared to competitors with much larger pools of talent to train with.” Smith also thanked her partner: “I’m extremely grateful to have played with Leslie by my side. She’s a fantastic player who brings energy and intention to every match.” Smith concluded her comments with a look ahead: “I am already looking forward to the next tournament at home in Bermuda.”

Leslie Jackson praised the event and the preparation behind the win. The Royal Gazette quoted Jackson: “The Marco Island tournament proved to be very well organised and impressive with over 300 competitors and everything ran on time.” Jackson added, “Winning gold is really about the work and preparation that happens way before stepping out to play.” She celebrated the partnership: “For me, it’s extremely rewarding to celebrate these victories with Maclean. We have a very special bond and I feel very fortunate to have her beside me on court.” On future plans Jackson said, “Maclean and I have our eye on some upcoming tournaments together. The goal is to play smarter, stronger and more competitive, we win some and we learn in some.”

The BBC described the pair’s performance as a masterclass in consistency, noting the team set an authoritative tone through the winners bracket and maintained composure in the tighter final. For Bermuda’s club players and tournament regulars, Jackson and Smith’s run is a clear demonstration that disciplined preparation and strong partnership can translate into consistent results on the international stage. With both players naming upcoming tournaments on their radar, local fans can expect to see Jackson and Smith bring that same focus back to Bermuda and to future international stops.