Abbotsford International Student Alumni Selected in Japanese Professional Baseball Draft
Congratulations to two former Abbotsford School District international students, Kansai Sugimoto and Fudai Nerei, who have been selected in the 2026 Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) Draft in Japan!
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Kansai Sugimoto was selected in the third round by the Yokohama DeNA BayStars. He continued his education and baseball career at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
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Fudai Nerei was selected by the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks in the developmental draft. He went on to play baseball at Fresno City College.
Both students attended Yale Secondary through the District's International Student Program, where they had the opportunity to pursue their passion for baseball through the school's baseball academy.
“At the Abbotsford School District, we are proud to provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and develop their talents, both inside and outside the classroom,” says Elizabeth Cho-Frede, Senior Manager, International Program at Abbotsford School District. “Whether their aspirations are in sports, the arts, academics, skilled trades or other career pathways, we celebrate the unique journeys our students take and the success they achieve beyond graduation.”
Their achievements are an exciting example of where a student's passion and dedication can lead.
“International students at the Yale Baseball Academy have always been a big part of our program over the years and our coaching staff couldn't be more proud of both Kansai and Fudai for being selected in the 2026 Nippon Professional Baseball League,” said Corey Eckstein, Instructor at Yale Baseball Academy.
“Both players exemplify what hard work and dedication can do for one's career. It has been a privilege being a small part of their baseball journey both on and off the field and our staff is confident that both players will match or succeed expectations as they embark on a new journey within professional baseball.
We look forward to them visiting our Abbotsford community over the coming years and being role models for future international students who choose Yale as a potential destination site for both baseball and academics.”
Congratulations, Kansai and Fudai! We are proud to have been part of your journey and wish you continued success in the next chapter of your baseball careers.
Learn more about the Abbotsford School District’s International Program and Yale Baseball Academy today.
