Squash Canada is pleased to announce the launch of the Next Gen and Junior National Squad programs; two critical pathways for top young athletes designed to lead Canada back to the forefront of global squash.
In collaboration with P/T’s and our high performance/junior coaching communities, the Next Gen and Junior squads will address the current gap in development for top junior, US College student athletes and aspiring young PSA players. The program will identify up to 24 female and 24 males and support them in all aspects of their journey to represent Canada at an international level. As always, all Canadian athletes interested in wearing the Maple Leaf are encouraged to reach out to Director of Athlete Development Jamie Nicholls at anytime.
Squash Canada and our partners are excited to usher in the next era of Canadian squash and look forward to building on the success of our national program both historically and in the present.
Residence: Calgary 
Date of Birth: March 31, 1998
PSA Player Profile: – View Player – PSA World Tour-
Current Club: Calgary Winter Club / Solihull Arden Club
Coaches: Chris Ryder
Sponsors: N/A
Racquet: Unsquashable Y-Tec Pro
Shoes: Asics Gel-Tactic
Based in: Birmingham, England
Right or Left Handed: Right
Hobbies: Hanging out with friends/family, watching movies/shows, reading a good book, playing other sports
Favourite Game Day Food: Pasta
Favourite Tournament to Play: Tough one. Probably nationals, or any event where I can represent Canada or Alberta
Favourite Player: Ramy Ashour
Age When You Started Playing: 9
When Did You Start Playing Professionally on the PSA World Tour: January 2022
Favourite Shot: Dying length
Schooling: Undergrad degree from Western University
Why I Love Playing Professional Squash for Canada: I get to represent my country doing something that I love to do
Accomplishments:
-2022 Berkhamsted Gameplan Open PSA satellite champion
-Runner-up/ semi-finalist at multiple PSA satellite tournaments
-Was ranked #1 in Canada at a point in juniors
-Member of Western Mustangs varsity squash team (2017-2021)
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: brett_schille
Facebook: Brett Schille
Residence: Ottawa, Ontario 
Date of Birth: May 2, 2000
Current Club: GoodLife Fitness Downtown London
Coach: Jay Francis
Sponsors: Karakal, Nuun Hydration
Racquet: Karakal BX-130
Clothing: Karakal
Based in: London, Ontario
Right or Left Handed: Right handed
Hobbies: Yoga, travelling, cooking, being outdoors
Favourite Game Day Food: Pasta
Favourite Tournament to Play: Nash Cup
Favourite Player: Nele Gillis
Role Model Growing Up: Samantha Cornett
Favourite Match You’ve Played: PSA Seattle Open 2020 against Lee Ka Yi as it was my first time competing outside of Canada and it was the first game I ever got off of someone on the PSA.
Age When You Started Playing: Around 6 years old
When Did You Start Playing Professionally on the PSA World Tour: 2019
Favourite Shot: Backhand volley kill
Favourite Quote: “To be in the 1%, you have got to be willing to do what the 99% won’t” – Allistair McCaw
Schooling: I am currently in my fourth year of nursing at Western University.
Why I Love Playing Professional Squash for Canada: I love competing and being a part of a team while having the opportunity to travel the world and represent Canada internationally.
Accomplishments:
- Finalist: Western University Squash Team at the OUA Championships 2018
- Bronze medal: Canadian University & College Individual Squash Championships 2019
Social Media:
- Instagram: @catherine_giachino
Residence: Winnipeg, Manitoba 
Date of Birth: January 12, 1994
Current Club: Winnipeg Squash Racquet Club
Coaches/Trainers: Gene Turk
Sponsors: Unsquashable, 1T Squash
Racquet: Unsquashable
Shoes: Yonex
Clothing: 1T Squash
Based in: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Right or Left Handed: Right handed
Hobbies: Hockey, Golf, Tennis, Biking and Graphic Design
Favourite Game Day Food: Peanut Butter & Banana Toast
Favourite Tournament to Play: Canadian Men’s Teams Championship
Favourite Player: Paul Coll, Diego Elais
Role Model Growing Up: Jonathon Power
Favourite Match You’ve Played: Match vs Ryan Picken at Canadian Men’s Teams 2020 because it was at my home club on the Friday and there was a big crowd watching and getting rowdy. I went down 2-0 in games and fought back to win 11-9 in the fifth.
Age When You Started Playing: 5
When Did You Start Playing Professionally on the PSA World Tour: February 2019
Favourite Shot: Forehand Drop
Favourite Quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” – Wayne Gretzky
Schooling: Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree in Accounting and Entrepreneurship at the Asper School of Business
Why I Love Playing Professional Squash for Canada: I love playing squash and I love Canada. A bonus to get to travel coast to coast for tournaments and see all parts of our beautiful country.
Accomplishments:
- Champion: Bankers Hall Open 2020
- Champion: Manitoba Open 2020
- Champion: Manitoba Closed 2019
- Champion: Alberta Open 2019
Social Media:
- Facebook: @Connorturk
Residence: Unionville, Ontario
Date of Birth: November 11, 2000
Current Club: London Squash Club
Coaches/Trainers: Chris Hanebury
Racquet: Tecnifibre
Shoes: Asics
Based in: London, Ontario
Right or Left Handed: Left handed
Hobbies: Reading, Tennis, Hockey, Camping
Favourite Game Day Food: Pasta with turkey and tomato sauce
Favourite Tournament to Play: Canadian Nationals
Favourite Player: Joel Makin
Favourite Match You’ve Played: ¾ Playoff of U19 Nationals. It was my last junior nationals and I played George Crowne. We had played in our very first silver tournament in U11 and I lost in five. I ended up winning in five and securing my best finish at a national championships.
Age When You Started Playing: 10
When Did You Start Playing Professionally on the PSA World Tour: 2019
Favourite Shot: Forehand Volley Kill
Favourite Quote: “No one owes you anything. You are the leader of your own life. Work for what you want. That makes you the most powerful person you can be.” – Najwa Zebian
Schooling: Data Science Major at UWO, Captain of the Varsity Squash Team
Why I Love Playing Professional Squash for Canada: To be able to represent Canada is such an incredible feeling. Being able to wear red and white and do the thing I love is truly a dream come true.
Accomplishments:
- Champion: Pan Am Junior Championships Team Event 2018
- Quarter-Finalist: Pan Am Junior Championships Individual Event 2018
- Semi-Finalist: Dutch Junior Open 2017
- Semi-Finalist: Cologne Junior Cup 2017
- Finalist: Canadian Junior Open 2016
- Semi-Finalist: Canadian Junior Nationals in U17 and U19
Residence: Toronto, Ontario
Date of Birth: December 27, 2001
Current Club: Granite Club
Coaches/Trainers: Jacques Swanepoel, Jessica Dimauro
Racquet: Tecnifibre Carboflex 130 X-Speed
Shoes: Asics
Clothing: Nike
Based in: Toronto, Ontario
Right or Left Handed: Left handed
Hobbies: Spikeball, baking, card games
Favourite Game Day Food: Eggs
Favourite Tournament to Play: Canadian Junior Open
Favourite Player: Amanda Sobhy
Role Model Growing Up: Sam Cornett
Favourite Match You’ve Played: US Junior Open Semifinal 2018 (vs Meagan Best)
Age When You Started Playing: 8
Favourite Shot: Crosscourt flick
Favourite Quote: There’s a silver lining to everything, you just have to be in the right mindset to see it.
Schooling: Columbia University
Why I Love Playing Professional Squash for Canada: The coaches and other players are all so supportive and encouraging, and it’s amazing to be a part of a team in an individual sport where that is so rare.
Accomplishments:
- Champion: Ontario Junior Open 2019
- Champion: Junior Pan Ams Team Event 2019
- Finalist: US Junior Open 2018
- Finalist: Canadian Open 2018
Residence: Winnipeg, Manitoba 
Date of Birth: January 27, 1999
Current Clubs: Philadelphia Cricket Club, Winnipeg Winter Club
Coaches/Trainers: Graeme Williams, Trevor Borland
Sponsors: Dunlop
Shoes: Eye
Based in: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Right or Left Handed: Right handed
Hobbies: Cooking, Working Out, Travel, Adventure, Wake-surfing, Socializing
Favourite Game Day Food: Bagel
Favourite Tournament to Play: Canadian Nationals
Favourite Player: Nele Gilles
Role Model Growing Up: Hollie Naughton
Favourite Match You’ve Played: Drexel Match against Stanford – Chloe Chemtob, Drexel beat Stanford for the first time in History
Age When You Started Playing: 12
When Did You Start Playing Professionally on the PSA World Tour: June 2021
Favourite Shot: Trickle Boast
Favourite Quote: “Why do I succeed? I succeed because I am willing to do the things you are not. I will fight against the odds. I will sacrifice. I am not shackled by fear, insecurity or doubt. I feel those emotions but I drink them in and then swallow them away to the blackness of hell. I am motivated by accomplishment, not pride. Pride consumes the weak and kills their heart from within. If I fall… I will get up. If I am beaten… I will return. I will never stop getting better. I will never give up… EVER. That is why I succeed.”
Schooling: 4 Year Scholarship Drexel University
Why I Love Playing Professional Squash for Canada: I love to compete, train, eat healthy and push my body and mind to reach its full potential. I enjoy the journey and motivating and encouraging others along the way.
Accomplishments:
- Third Place: Canadian Junior Open U17, 2015
- Fourth Place: U.S. Junior Open U17, 2015
Social Media:
- Instagram: @hannahblatt
- Facebook: @hannahblatt
Residence: Windsor, Ontario 
Date of Birth: March 27, 2001
PSA Player Profile: Click here
Current Club: Windsor Squash and Fitness Club
Racquet: Head
Shoes: Asics
Based in: Windsor
Right or Left Handed: Right handed
Hobbies: Camping, hiking, anything outdoors
Favourite Game Day Food:
Favourite Tournament to Play: Windsor Cup
Favourite Player: Raneem El Welily
Age When You Started Playing: 12 years old
When Did You Start Playing Professionally on the PSA World Tour: August 2022
Favourite Shot: Straight backhand drop
Schooling: 3rd year Human Kinetics at the University of Windsor
Why I Love Playing Professional Squash for Canada:
I love meeting new people from all over and enjoy being able to represent Canada at a high level
Accomplishments:
– Played in the 2019 & 2020 British Junior Open
– Played in the 2019 Dutch Junior Open
Social Media Handles: Instagram – hannahguthrie27
Residence: Toronto, Ontario
Date of Birth: September 8, 2000
Current Clubs: University of Pennsylvania & Granite Club
Coaches/Trainers: Gilly Lane, Stuart Crawford, Greg Hutner & Jess DiMauro
Racquet: Dunlop Revelation 125
Shoes: Salming
Based in: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Right or Left Handed: Right handed
Hobbies: Basketball, podcasts, and cards
Favourite Game Day Food: Pasta with bolognese
Favourite Tournament to Play: Dutch Junior Open
Favourite Player: Karim Abdel Gawad
Favourite Match You’ve Played: Team match at Worlds in 2018 against Pakistan on glass show court in a mall in India.
Age When You Started Playing: 8
When Did You Start Playing Professionally on the PSA World Tour: I’ve played one PSA tournament so far, which was in 2018
Favourite Shot: Backhand straight drop
Favourite Quote: “Live as if you were living a second time, and as though you had acted wrongly the first time.” Viktor E. Frankl
Schooling: The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania
Why I Love Playing Professional Squash for Canada: To help show kids playing squash in Canada that there is a path to play professional squash successfully, while also setting yourself up for a fulfilling life after squash.
Accomplishments:
- Champion: Men’s Teams Junior Pan American Squash Championships 2018
- Finalist: Mixed Doubles Junior Pan American Squash Championships 2018
- Bronze Medal: Men’s Singles Junior Pan American Squash Championships 2018
Social Media:
- Instagram: @james_flynn03
- Facebook: @jamesflynn
- LinkedIn: James Flynn
Residence: Toronto, Ontario 
Date of Birth: August 21, 1997
PSA Player Profile: Click here
Current Club: Badminton and Racquet Club of Toronto
Sponsors: Dunlop
Racquet: Sonic Core Revolutions Pro Lite
Shoes: Asics
Based in: Toronto
Right or Left Handed: Right
Hobbies: Exploring the outdoors
Favourite Game Day Food: Pasta
Favourite Tournament to Play: Nash Cup
Favourite Player: Amr Shabana
Age When You Started Playing: 10
When Did You Start Playing Professionally on the PSA World Tour: 2020
Favourite Shot: cross court drop
Schooling: University of Western Ontario
Why I Love Playing Professional Squash for Canada: I want to help Squash Canada
grow the sport both nationally and internationally.
Accomplishments:
– Team Captain of the Western Men’s Varsity Team
Social Media Handles: @matt_hendo
Residence: Montréal, Qc 
Date of Birth: September 20th, 1999
PSA Player Profile: Click here
Current Club: Atwater Club
Coaches: Yvon Provençal, Louis Godbout
Based in: Montréal
Right or Left Handed: Right
Hobbies: Music, Sports (especially racquet sports), Philosophizing ;), Travelling, all of the above in the company of friends
Favourite Game Day Food: Fruits and cereals in the morning, light chicken sandwich for lunch, burger or pasta after my game.
Favourite Tournament to Play: Montreal Open obviously! But I would love to play in front of the pyramids or inside Grand Central station one day.
Favourite Player: Grégory Gaultier
Age When You Started Playing: 10 years old
When Did You Start Playing Professionally on the PSA World Tour: 2021
Favourite Shot: Backhand drop
Schooling: Undergraduate degree at McGill in Cognitive Science, currently in a master’s program at UQAM in philosophy
Why I Love Playing Professional Squash for Canada: Playing squash for Canada is definitely changing who I am, through the lifelong bonds that I am building with my fellow squash brothers and sisters and by contributing to a new sense of identity. Squash Canada is offering financial support and a circuit of national PSA events that are motivating athletes like myself to improve and push to the next level.
Accomplishments:
– Representing Canada at the Pan-American senior squash championships in Guatemala 2022
– U23 Québec and University champion
– Finalist at the Classique de Gatineau PSA Satellite event
Social Media Handles:
FB: Maximilien Godbout
Insta: maximilien_godbout
Residence: London, Ontario 
Date of Birth: September 17, 2001
PSA Player Profile: Click here
Current Club: London Squash Club, Jericho Tennis Club
Racquet: Tecnifibre Carboflex 125
Shoes: Asics Blade 8
Based in: London, Ontario
Right or Left Handed: Right
Hobbies: Basketball, Baseball
Favourite Game Day Food: Chicken and Rice
Favourite Tournament to Play: CJO
Favourite Player: Diego Elias
Age When You Started Playing: 7
When Did You Start Playing Professionally on the PSA World Tour: 2022
Favourite Shot: Forehand kill
Schooling: Western University
Why I Love Playing Professional Squash for Canada: I enjoy competing against some of the best players in the world and pushing myself to get the most out of my game. It also means a lot to me to be able to represent my country and play for something bigger than myself.
Accomplishments:
– Selected to the National Junior Team for the 2020 World Junior Squash Championships.
Residence: Toronto, Ontario 
Date of Birth: July 8, 2003
Current Clubs: Granite Club
Coaches/Trainers: Jessica Dimauro, Gail Ramsay
Sponsors: Harrow
Racquet: Harrow Vapor Ultralight
Clothing: Harrow
Based in: Toronto, Ontario
Right or Left Handed: Right handed
Hobbies: Cooking, sports, travelling
Favourite Game Day Food: Banana and Peanut Butter
Favourite Tournament to Play: Canadian Junior Open
Favourite Player: Camille Serme
Role Model Growing Up: Sam Cornett
Favourite Match You’ve Played: Canadian Gu17 Nationals Finals 2019 – I was able to win a tough 5 gamer against an opponent I had never beaten.
Age When You Started Playing: 7
Favourite Shot: Forehand kill
Favourite Quote: I didn’t come this far to only come this far
Schooling: Rising freshman at Princeton University
Why I Love Playing Professional Squash for Canada: I love being able to represent my country and playing for something bigger than myself. It is so fun to play while you know you have the support of a nation behind you.
Accomplishments:
- Champion: Gu17 Canadian Nationals 2019
- Champion: Gu17 Canadian Junior Open 2019
- Represented Canada on the Women’s World Junior Team 2019
- Champion: Gu15 Canadian Nationals 2017
Residence: Toronto, ON 
Date of Birth: June 20, 2003
Sponsors: Dunlop
Racquet: Dunlop SR Sonic Core Revelation 125
Shoes: ASics
Right or Left Handed: Right
Hobbies: Squash, squash, squash
Favourite Game Day Food: Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Favourite Tournament to Play: CIB Black Ball Open
Favourite Player:Tarek Momen
Age When You Started Playing: 7
When Did You Start Playing Professionally on the PSA World Tour: May 2022
Favourite Shot: Volley drop
Schooling: University of Waterloo
Why I Love Playing Professional Squash for Canada: Because playing Squash for Canada gives me the freedom I never had in my country and the fact Squash Canada actually supports its players.
Accomplishments:
– Ranked 13th in the WSF GU17
– Ranked 5th in the ESF GU17
– Canadian Junior Open Champion GU19
– Player of the year award (2022) Squash Ontario GU19
Social Media Handles:
Instagram: @niki_shemirani
Facebook: Niki Shemirani
Residence: Vancouver, British Columbia
Date of Birth: August 19, 1999
Current Club: Jericho Tennis Club
Coach: Viktor Berg
Racquet: Harrow Vibe
Shoes: Asics
Based in: Vancouver, British Columbia
Right or Left Handed: Right handed
Hobbies: Tennis, golf, real estate
Favourite Game Day Food: Pasta
Favourite Tournament to Play: World Juniors
Favourite Player: Diego Elias
Role Model Growing Up: My dad, Mike Johnson
Favourite Match You’ve Played: World Juniors team event deciding match against Pakistan.
Age When You Started Playing: 9
When Did You Start Playing Professionally on the PSA World Tour: At the age of 17
Favourite Shot: Backhand Volley drop
Favourite Quote: “Just Do It”
Schooling: Attending University of British Columbia in the Fall
Why I Love Playing Professional Squash for Canada: You are playing for more than yourself.
Accomplishments:
- Represented Team Canada at the World Junior Championships 2018
- Finalist: Canadian Junior Championships 2017
- Seventh Place: US Open 2017
Residence: Windsor ON 
Date of Birth: May 27th 2001
PSA Player Profile: Click here
Current Club: Windsor Squash and Fitness Club
Coaches: Dave Morrish
Racquet: Technifibre Carboflex Airshaft
Shoes: Salming Vipers
Based in: Windsor / Ann Arbor
Right or Left Handed: Right Handed
Hobbies: Travelling and Yoga
Favourite Game Day Food: Pasta
Favourite Tournament to Play: Windsor Cup
Favourite Player: Nour El Tayeb
Age When You Started Playing: 10
When Did You Start Playing Professionally on the PSA World Tour: 2021
Favourite Shot: Straight Forehand Kill
Schooling: Wayne State University 2019-2022 University of Michigan 2022-2023
Why I Love Playing Professional Squash for Canada:
Squash in Canada has always been very supportive of its players and it’s always encouraging to play for a team that helps you achieve your goals.
Accomplishments: Participated in the British Junior Open, European junior Open and Dutch Junior Open
Social Media Handles: Instagram: _sarakhannn_
Residence: Toronto, Ontario 
Date of Birth: June 13, 2000
Current Club: Toronto Cricket Skating and Curling Club
Coaches/Trainers: Mark Allen, Robin Clarke
Sponsor: Head
Racquet: Head Graphene Touch Radical 135 Slimbody
Shoes: Asics Gel Rocket 9
Based in: Charlottesville, Virginia
Right or Left Handed: Right handed
Hobbies: Reading, running, watching sports
Favourite Game Day Food: Eggs, bagel and fruit
Favourite Tournament to Play: Canadian Junior Open
Favourite Player: Raneem El Welily
Age When You Started Playing: 8
Favourite Shot: Volley drop
Schooling: Queens University 2018-2019, University of Virginia 2019- present
Accomplishments:
- Champion: Canadian University and the College Individual Championships 2019
- Fourth Place: Canadian U23 Squash Championships
- Fourth Place: Canadian Junior Closed Championships 2019
