Travel Suggestions for Entering the US for 2025 Season
Blair Setford • April 18, 2025
Travel Suggestions for Players Coming Into the US
Reminder for all out-of-region (OOR) players that they must send an email to iscfastpitch@gmail.com stating their name, their hometown, state/province and country that they currently live in along with the name of the team that they intend to play for and the ISC region of that team. The deadline for OOR player registration is June 15, 2025.
With the heightened emphasis on security at the U.S. border, the following are suggestions for teams and players to potentially smooth entry across borders.
- Flying vs driving - while potentially not as affordable, travellers may find flying from airports with U.S. pre-clearance is more convenient than crossing at a land-border.
- Using the CBP Mobile Passport Control (MPC) App to expedite clearance through U.S. customs. Available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Canadian B1/B2 citizen visitors and returning Visa Waiver Program travelers with approved ESTA. The app is free to use and is available for both Android and Apple devices.
- Enrol in the Global Entry Program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers from selected countries upon arrival in the United States.
- The SENTRI Program provides a streamlined arrival process for international travelers coming into the U.S. from Mexico and the NEXUS program provides similar, streamlined arrivals and is available for Canadians. The wait time to successfully enrol in any of the Trusted Traveler Programs may be 12 months or more, however your SENTRI or NEXUS card is good for five years from the date you are approved.
We urge all international players to arrange required travel documentation early to avoid disappointment.
At 25 years old, Megwan Muswaggon has already become a household name in fastpitch circles across Northern Manitoba. Pitching and playing first base for the Can-West Thunder , Megwan brings power, precision, and pride to the game every time he takes the field—carrying the hopes of his hometown, Cross Lake , wherever he goes. Carrying on a Family Legacy For Megwan, fastpitch isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. “I was about 7 or 8 when I started pitching,” he says. “My father, David, was a pitcher himself and introduced me to the game. I grew up watching him and always wanted to be like him.” That influence became even stronger over time, with Megwan also spending three summers training under Canadian fastpitch legend Darren Zack . Fastpitch has deep roots in his community. “It’s the top sport in Cross Lake. We have over 25 youth teams, eight women’s teams, and up to 18 men’s teams. Fastpitch is alive and well in Northern Manitoba.” From Local Diamonds to the World Stage Transitioning from community games to the global fastpitch scene hasn’t always been easy. “Early on, learning the mechanics of pitching was a challenge. But later, the biggest test became mental—adjusting from reserve ball to the world stage,” Megwan explains. Now entering the prime of his career, Megwan sees himself as a key piece of the Can-West Thunder roster. “Without pitchers, your team falls apart,” he says candidly. “So I know I’ve got a big job—keeping the score close and giving my team a chance to win.”
At 36 years old , Mathieu Roy stands as a seasoned presence in left field—sporting jersey #16 . Having played for the New York Gremlins in 2024 and playing for the newly named Bear Creek Gremlins next season, this St-Gervais, Québec native has crafted a storied career that’s still going strong. Off the field, he’s a strength and conditioning coach , as well as a baseball and softball coach, using his expertise to guide the next generation of athletes. Early Start and Family Ties Mathieu’s fastpitch journey began at an incredibly young age—he was swinging at a tee by 18 months old and playing organized softball by the time he was four. The main inspiration? His dad, Jean Roy , who played fastpitch and passed on his love for the game. Growing up in a hotbed of softball, Mathieu quickly discovered his passion for the sport’s high intensity and sense of community. Rising Through Challenges When Mathieu first started playing in ISC-level competition, he noticed a significant gap in pitching velocity during local practices—few pitchers could throw over 75 mph. Still, he found ways to adapt. “I worked on my arm strength in the offseason, and I gained two or three miles per hour,” he explains. “At my age, that’s a big win.” He also aimed to increase his hitting power, recognizing that consistent performance at the plate would help anchor the top of his team’s lineup.