OTTAWA (ON) – Squash Canada is pleased to announce the three apprentice coaches selected for the Women’s World Team Squash Championship Coach Mentorship Program. The apprentice coaches will be mentored by former Squash Canada National Team Coach Shauna Flath (British Columbia) for the duration of the Championship.
OTTAWA (ON) – Squash Canada is pleased to announce the three apprentice coaches selected for the Women’s World Team Squash Championship Coach Mentorship Program. The apprentice coaches will be mentored by former Squash Canada National Team Coach Shauna Flath (British Columbia) for the duration of the Championship.
This program, in alignment with Squash Canada’s women in sport initiative, provides the opportunity and support to increase the number of women in coaching and leadership positions in squash. The select individuals bring to the program a variety of exceptional skill and experience as both athletes and coaches, and will have the opportunity to work closely with a high-calibre coach at the highest level of international competition. The apprentice coaches will gain experience working with world-class athletes while receiving training and guidance from one of Canada’s premier squash coaches.
The individuals selected for the program are:
Jaycee Spagrud (Regina, Saskatchewan)
Jaycee Spagrud has been a long-time athlete-coach and has recently made the decision to step away from elite completion and transition to coaching, having goals to coach at the highest national level. Spagrud was a member of the National Squash training squad until August 2014, and her competitive resume boasts top finishes at national and international tournaments. As a coach, Spagrud co-founded the Bridge City Junior Squash Program, and is currently the Regina Junior Squash Head Coach. In the process of completing her NCCP Provincial Coach training, Spagrud will be coaching her squad to the Canada Winter Games in 2019.
Marci Sier (Toronto, Ontario)
Marci Sier is a bourgeoning new coach in the Canadian squash scene. Sier is currently a squash professional at the Badminton and Racquet Club of Toronto, and has coached many of the junior players at provincial, national and US tournaments. Sier is working to complete her NCCP Provincial Coach certification, and has demonstrated a passion and dedication for the sport that is invaluable in the growing community. Sier has been an outstanding teacher for her young players, and is a strong leader for female athletes coming into the sport.
Susie King (Calgary, Alberta)
Susie King has a wealth of experience with high performance squash as both an athlete and as a coach. King has been working in Canada as a squash professional for the past six years and is currently the Assistant Squash Professional at the Calgary Winter Club. As an elite squash player, King competed professionally on the WSA World Tour from 2005 to 2010. Having competed for Canada at the Women’s World Team Championships in 2012, she has an understanding of the game at the highest international level. King is a UK Level 3 certified coach and an NCCP certified Provinial Coach.
Squash Canada Executive Director and Championship Director Danny Da Costa said, “We are excited to have Jaycee, Marci and Susie involved in this initiative. These young ladies bring a wealth of experience and all have the potential to serve in leadership positions in the future”.
In addition to the three apprentice coaches, four additional national team athletes will be selected to attend the Championship to gain experience and to take part in the pre-event training camp and event preparations. “These initiatives are not possible without the ongoing support of the Federal and Provincial Governments who have stepped up to the plate to help improve Squash Canada and Squash Ontario”, said Da Costa.
The Women’s World Team Squash Championship takes place December 1 – 6, 2014 at White Oaks Resort & Spa in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON. This year’s Championship features 20 teams from 6 continents and is considered the pinnacle event on the Women’s international squash calendar. Tickets are on sale now at www.squash.ca.
For more information contact:
Danny Da Costa
Executive Director, Squash Canada
Tel: (613) 731 7385
Email: ddacosta@squash.ca
