Gray-Withers Doubles Up at U-25 NextGen Classic

Though Serena Gray-Withers no longer represents the University of Alberta, the Saville Community Sports Centre in Edmonton still feels like home.  

Gray-Withers, who skipped the U of A Pandas to two national U SPORTS titles, took home two more championships this week, winning both the women’s and mixed doubles events at Curling Canada’s U-25 NextGen Classic.  

Team Gray-Withers (with Catherine Clifford, Lindsey Burgess, and Zoe Cinnamon) ran the table in the women’s event, going 5-0 in the round robin stage, before knocking off Ontario’s Team Emma Artichuk in the semi, and New Brunswick’s Team Melodie Forsythe in the final.  

“We’re really proud of how we played,” said Gray-Withers following the win. “It’s not only a huge confidence boost, but helps us gain some momentum going into upcoming events like the Saville Shootout and the Grand Prix where we’ll be competing against some of the best teams in the world.” 

Team Gray-Withers had previously won the U-25 event twice and were already a part of the NextGen program, so runner up Team Forsythe will be invited to the national development program. Gray-Withers, however, keeps the top prize of $6,000 in funding. 

“We really value the U-25 event,” said Gray-Withers. “It’s such a great opportunity to compete against the best young teams in the country, and getting to do it at our home club makes it even more special.” 

That was just the opening act, though. Gray-Withers then teamed up with another two-time U-25 winner in Victor Pietrangelo for the mixed doubles event. Pietrangelo won the mixed doubles title in 2022 and 2024 with partner Jessica Zheng. Once again, Gray-Withers and Pietrangelo went through the competition with a perfect record, taking down Ontario’s Grace Cave and Jayden King in the final.  

“Victor is such an awesome partner,” said Gray-Withers. “We’re really hoping to make this a long-term partnership and have our sights set on the 2030 Olympics.” 

The men’s event saw another repeat winner, as Ontario’s Team Sam Mooibroek won the championship belt for a second time. Team Mooibroek (with Ryan Wiebe, Scott Mitchell, and Nathan Steele) was also already in the national NextGen program, so the highest finisher not in the program was awarded the spot. That ended up going to semi-finalist Team Jayden King. 

“It was a great way to kick off the year,” said Mooibroek. “With some big goals for the season – like winning the Pre-Trials and getting back to the Brier – it’s a huge to start the season with some momentum. Hopefully this can lead to more success for the rest of the season.” 

Teams in the NextGen program have the opportunity to work with national coaches and have access to other national team resources. There is also a U-27 NextGen training camp associated with the U-25 event which brings together the best young teams in the country. 

“Being a part of the training camp leading into this event played a big role in our success,” said Gray-Withers. “Having that extra ice time and the chance to experiment really gave us confidence and helped us find our stride.”