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 Manager, Athlete Development Samantha Cornett at samantha.cornett@squash.ca 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.
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Birthday: 7 May 2006
Current club(s): Glencoe Club
Current coach(es): David Duncalf
Current sponsor(s): Harrow
Racquet make and model: Harrow Vibe
Shoe make and model: Asics FF blade
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 5
What is your favourite shot? Volley forehand drop
Social media: @sam_boulanger (Instagram)
Quote: “I am super excited to be picked to represent Squash Canada’s National Squad. I hope to represent them well at numerous international events this year.”
Fun fact: “I like skiing and hiking.”
Accomplishments
- Team Canada, 2023 World Junior Championships
- Team Canada, 2023 Pan Am Junior Squash Championship
- Bronze medalist, 2023 Canada Winter Games Team Event
Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
Birthday: 12 January 2006
Current club(s): Jericho Tennis Club
Current coach(es): Richard Yendell
Current sponsor(s): Harrow
Racquet make and model: Harrow Spark
Shoe make and model: Asics Gel-Tactic
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 11
What is your favourite shot? Cross-court lob
Social media: @herms.chy(Instagram)
Quote: “I am excited to be part of the 2023-24 National Squad and continue to represent my country in major international competitions. With this honour, I strive to serve as a role model for younger athletes and bring more passion to this sport.”
Fun fact: “I always say ‘sorry’ to my opponent when I hit a lucky shot.”
Accomplishments
- Team Canada, 2023 World Junior Squash Championship
- Gold medalist, 2023 Canada Winter Games Team Event
- Team Canada, 2022 Battle of the Border
- U17 Bronze medalist, 2022 Canadian Junior Closed Championship
- U17 Champion, 2021 Canadian Junior Open
Hometown: Cambridge, Ontario
Birthday: 20 August 2002
Current club(s): Kitchener-Waterloo Racquet Club
Current coach(es): Chris Hanebury
Current sponsor(s): NA
Racquet make and model: Dunlop Precision Pro 130
Shoe make and model: Asics Crazyflight
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 3
What is your favourite shot? Reverse Boast
Social media: NA
Quote: “I’m honoured to be named to the 2024-25 Squash Canada National Squad. This recognition motivates me to continue working hard and representing Canada at the highest level. I’m excited for the opportunities ahead and grateful for the support that has helped me get here.”
Fun fact: “I am a senior at the University of Western Ontario, specializing in Finance.”
Accomplishments
- Bronze medalist, Pan American Squash Championships Individual Event (Companion)
- Gold medalist, 2019 Canada Winter Games
Hometown: Montreal, Quebec
Birthday: 20 September 1999
Current club(s): Atwater Club, MAA
Current coach(es): Yvon Provencal, Louis Godbout
Current sponsor(s): Harrow
Racquet make and model: Harrow Vapor 115
Shoe make and model: Asics Gel-Blade 8
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 8
What is your favourite shot? Backhand drop
Social media: @maximilien_godbout (Instagram)
Quote: “Being a part of the National Squad is a recognition I am proud and grateful of because it motivates me to achieve my full potential in the sport I am passionate about.”
Fun fact: “Aside from squash, I love playing golf, tennis, and all other racquet sports.”
Accomplishments
- Team Canada, 2022 Pan American Squash Championship
- Finalist, 2022 Classique de Gatineau PSA Satellite
- Champion, 2022 Quebec University Championship
Hometown: Tecumseh, Ontario
Birthday: 27 March 2001
Current club(s): St. Lawrence University Squash Facility
Current coach(es): Graeme Williams
Current sponsor(s): NA
Racquet make and model: Head
Shoe make and model: Asics Gel-Blade 8
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 11
What is your favourite shot? Backhand drop
Social media: @hannahguthrie27 (Instagram)
Quote: “It’s a great feeling to be acknowledged and be able to represent Canada while playing the sport I love.”
Fun fact: “Outside of squash, I love to explore the outdoors!”
Accomplishments
- U23 Champion, 2023 Canadian Squash Championship
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Birthday: 23 September 2005
Current club(s): Toronto Lawn Tennis Club, Kinetic Indoor Racquet Club
Current coach(es): Wael El Hindi, Andrew Thompson, Mark Porter
Current sponsor(s): N/A
Racquet make and model: Kinetic Club Racquet
Shoe make and model: Asics
Left- or right-handed: Left
What age were you when you started playing squash? 6
What is your favourite shot? Backhand cross baby kill
Social media: @ewan.harris_ (Instagram)
Quote: “I appreciate Squash Canada’s support to Canadian players.”
Fun fact: “I am a nervous wreck before matches.”
Accomplishments
- Team Canada, 2023 Pan Am Junior Squash Championship
- Bronze medalist, 2023 Pan Am Junior Squash Championship Doubles Event
- U19 Champion, 2022 Canadian Junior Open
- U17 Champion, 2022 Canadian Junior Nationals
Hometown: Oakville, Ontario
Birthday: 11 December 2004
Current club(s): Columbia University, Ontario Racquet Club
Current coach(es): Chris Sachvie, Nadeem Izhar
Current sponsor(s): NA
Racquet make and model: Oliver Apex 320
Shoe make and model: Asics Upcourt 5
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 12
What is your favourite shot? Volley drop
Social media: @amal_izhar (Instagram)
Quote: “I am so grateful to have the opportunity to represent Canada through something I love, and also to be part of such an amazing community.”
Fun fact: “I played tennis before squash.”
Accomplishments
- Team Canada, 2023 Pan Am Junior Squash Championship
- Bronze medalist, 2023 Pan Am Junior Squash Championship Team Event
- Bronze medalist, 2023 European Junior Open
- Champion, 2022 PSA Quebec Open
- U19 Bronze medalist, 2022 Canadian Junior Open
- Bronze Medalist, 2022 German Junior Open
- GU17 Gold medalist, 2019 Ontario Junior Open
- GU17 Silver medalist, 2019 Scottish Junior Open
- GU15 Silver medalist, 2019 European Junior Open
- GU15 Silver medalist, 2019 Canadian Junior Open
- GU15 Silver medalist, 2019 Canadian Junior Nationals
Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
Birthday: 17 September 2001
Current club(s): Jericho Tennis Club, Edgbaston Priory Club
Current coach(es): Jon Tate
Current sponsor(s): N/A
Racquet make and model: Tecnifibre Carboflex 125
Shoe make and model: Asics gel Blade
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 7
What is your favourite shot? Forehand kill
Social media: N/A
Quote: “I am very honoured to be named to the Next Gen Squad for the 2023-2024 squash season. I look forward to representing Canada on the international stage alongside teammates from this squad.”
Fun fact: “I am a recent graduate from Western University with a degree in Economics.”
Accomplishments
- Team Canada, 2020 World Junior Squash Championship
- OUA Champion, 2023 Western Mustangs Varsity Squash Team
Hometown: Windsor, Ontario
Birthday: 3 February 2003
Current club(s): London Squash and Fitness, Windsor Squash and Fitness
Current coach(es): Chris Hanebury, Graeme Williams
Current sponsor(s): NA
Racquet make and model: Dunlop Sonic Core Revelation
Shoe make and model: Asics Blast
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 9
What is your favourite shot? Backhand cross court nick
Social media: @amin.__k66 (Instagram)
Quote: “Being named to the 2023-24 Squash Canada NextGen Squad further motivates me to continue playing and representing Canada at the international level with the ultimate goal of being a contender for the LA28 Olympics.”
Fun fact: “I used to play squash with a two-handed forehand and backhand up until U15 and won two junior provincial titles with the two-handed swing.”
Accomplishments
- U23 Champion, 2022 Canadian Squash Championship
- Recipient of the William Bannerman Spirit of the Game Award
Hometown: Oakville, Ontario
Birthday: 16 June 2006
Current club(s): Kent School
Current coach(es): Nikhil Seth, Javed Khan
Current sponsor(s): NA
Racquet make and model: Harrow
Shoe make and model: Adidas
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 8
What is your favourite shot? Backhand volley kill
Social media: NA
Quote: “It is an honour to represent your country on the World stage. Being part of the 2023-24 Squash Canada National squad, it gives me immense pleasure and motivation to work even harder.”
Fun fact: NA
Accomplishments
- Team Canada, 2023 World Junior Squash Championship
- Bronze medalist, 2023 Pan Am Junior Squash Championship Doubles Event
- U17 Champion, 2023 Canadian Junior Closed Championship
- U17 Champion, 2023 Ontario Provincial Junior Open
- U17 Champion, 2022 Canadian Junior Open
- U17 Champion, 2022 Ontario Provincial Junior Closed
- U13 Champion, 2018 Canadian Junior Closed Championship
- Achieved top 1 in ranking in Canada for every category (U11, U13, U15, U17)
Hometown: Windsor, Ontario
Birthday: 27 May 2001
Current club(s): Racquet Up Detroit Caboto Club
Current coach(es): N/A
Current sponsor(s): N/A
Racquet make and model: Technifibre Carbroflex
Shoe make and model: Salming Viper
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 10
What is your favourite shot? Forehand kill
Social media: @_sarakhannn_ (Instagram)
Quote: “It’s an honour to be named on the Next Gen Squad for Squash Canada. Squash Canada has brought us endless opportunities to grow the game through this squad and we have been able to utilize them to the fullest.”
Fun fact: “I am a tax accountant during the day and a squash player by night :)”
Accomplishments
- U23 Bronze medalist, 2023 Canadian Squash Championship
Hometown: Milton, Ontario
Birthday: 26 January 2006
Current club(s): Cedar Springs Health Racquet and Sportsclub
Current coach(es): Reiko Peter
Current sponsor(s): Dunlop
Racquet make and model: Revelation Pro ( Ali Farag)
Shoe make and model: Adidas Stabil
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 8.5
What is your favourite shot? Backhand straight drive
Social media: @wasey_m2q (Instagram)
Quote: “I am very honored to be included in Squash Canada National Squad with all my fellow elite players. I am also very determined to represent Canada to the best of my ability and beyond so that we can achieve the ultimate goal and bring glory to squash in Canada.”
Fun fact: “My favorite meal is ribeye steak.”
Accomplishments
- Team Canada, 2023 World Junior Squash Championship
- Silver medalist, 2023 Canada Winter Games Team Event
- U17 Silver medalist, 2022 Canadian Junior Open
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Birthday: 13 June 2000
Current club(s): Toronto Cricket Club, Nicol Squash
Current coach(es): NA
Current sponsor(s): NA
Racquet make and model: Head Radical
Shoe make and model: Asics
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 8
What is your favourite shot? Volley drop
Social media: @syd_maxwell (Instagram)
Quote: “It’s always been a huge honour for me to represent my country.”
Fun fact: “I can solve a Rubik’s cube.”
Accomplishments
- Gold medalist, 2023 Pan American Squash Championship Mixed Doubles Event
- Champion, 2022 CSA Doubles Champion
- Champion, 2018 Canadian University Championships
Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia
Birthday: 15 May 2006
Current club(s): Jericho Tennis Club, Boars Head Sports Club
Current coach(es): Mark Allen, Rodrigo Porras, Grant White
Current sponsor(s): Harrow
Racquet make and model: Vibe
Shoe make and model: Asics Gel Renma
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 10
What is your favourite shot? Backhand cross court volley fade
Social media: @maria.f.min (Instagram)
Quote: “I am so excited and grateful to be joining the NextGen Squad! I am looking forward to the season and competing at the highest level while representing my country.”
Fun fact: “I know how to string racquets and I love photography.”
Accomplishments
- Bronze medalist, 2024 World Junior Squash Championship Team Event
- Team Canada, 2023 World Junior Squash Championship
- U19 Silver medalist, 2023 Canadian Junior Closed Championship
- Gold medalist, 2023 Canada Winter Games Team Event
- Team Canada, 2022 World Junior Squash Championship
- Silver medalist, 2022 Pan American Squash Championships Team Event
- 4x Canadian Junior National Champion
- 4x BC Provincial Champion
Hometown: Montreal, Quebec
Birthday: 4 May 2004
Current club(s): Club Atwater
Current coach(es): Yvon Provencal
Current sponsor(s): Oliver
Racquet make and model: Oliver APEX 5.0 PRO
Shoe make and model: ASICS tactics 12
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 8
What is your favourite shot? Side wall nick
Social media: @_abbasnawaz_ (Instagram)
Quote: “Hey everyone! I’m Abbas Nawaz, a passionate squash player from Montreal, Canada. I’m beyond thrilled to share that I’ve been named to the prestigious Squash Canada National Squad for the 2023-24 season! 🇨🇦🎉 It’s an incredible honor and a dream come true for me.
Squash has been a part of my life ever since my dad introduced me to the sport at a young age. From that moment, I fell in love with the game and have been hooked ever since. I’ve dedicated countless hours to training, working on my technique, and pushing myself physically to become the best player I can be.
Participating in various tournaments has not only helped me gain valuable experience but has also fueled my determination to constantly improve. Being selected for the National Squad is a testament to all the hard work and sacrifices I’ve made along the way.
My ultimate goal is to reach new heights in my squash journey and inspire others to pursue their dreams. I’m excited for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as I train alongside some of the top players in the country. With the support of my coaches, teammates, and loved ones, I’m confident that I can make a significant impact in the squash world.
Thank you all for your unwavering support and encouragement. I can’t wait to embark on this incredible journey and make my country proud. Stay tuned for more updates as I continue to chase my squash dreams!”
Fun fact: “One thing that people should know about me is that I have a never-give-up attitude on the squash court. No matter how tough the match gets, I always give it my all and fight until the very end. I believe that determination and perseverance are key to achieving success in squash and in life.”
Accomplishments
- Gold medalist, 2023 Canadian Men’s Team Championship
- U23 Silver medalist, 2023 Canadian Squash Championship
- U19 Silver medalist, 2022 Canadian Junior Nationals
- U19 Bronze medalist, 2022 Canadian Junior Open
- U23 Bronze medalist, 2022 Championnat Quebecois
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta
Birthday: 8 June 1992
Current club(s): Mayfair Parkway, Toronto Racquet Club
Current coach(es): Scott Arnold
Current sponsor(s): NA
Racquet make and model: Tecnifibre Carboflex 130S
Shoe make and model: Asics Blast FF
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 7
What is your favourite shot? Volley drop
Social media: @breinson (Instagram)
Quote: “Like so many others, I love the game of squash! I am grateful for the opportunities to practice and compete, to the best of my ability. The incredible groups of people involved in Canadian squash have always made it possible to share the joy of competition and improvement, at every playing level.”
Fun fact: “I grew up playing badminton and hockey, and also enjoy chess and engineering.”
Accomplishments
- Team Canada, Pan Am Squash Championship
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
Birthday: 18 March 2005
Current club(s): Greystone Racquet Club
Current coach(es): Jamie Hickox
Current sponsor(s): Dunlop, Control the T
Racquet make and model: Dunlop Hyperfiber XT
Shoe make and model: Salming
Left- or right-handed: Left
What age were you when you started playing squash? 9
What is your favourite shot? Backhand volley drop
Social media: @iman_shaheen_squash (Instagram)
Quote: “I’m really excited to be on the National Squad, especially as a lot of players that I look up to are a part of the team.”
Fun fact: “Even though it was initially to correct bad serving technique, I slap my elbow before I serve every time even though now I shouldn’t need to. It feels weird if I serve without doing it!”
Accomplishments
- Team Canada, 2023 World Junior Squash Championship
- Silver medalist, 2023 Canada Winter Games Team Event
- Bronze medalist, 2023 Canada Winter Games Individual Event
- U19 Bronze medalist, 2023 Canadian Junior Closed Championship
- 2023 Alex Ducas Award recipient
- Team Canada, 2022 World Junior Squash Championship
- U19 Champion, 2022 Canadian Junior Open
Hometown: Tehran, Iran
Birthday: 20 June 2003
Current club(s): Mayfair Clubs – Parkway
Current coach(es): NA
Current sponsor(s): Dunlop
Racquet make and model: Sonic core Revelation 125
Shoe make and model: Asics Blast FF3
Left- or right-handed: Right
What age were you when you started playing squash? 7
What is your favourite shot? Forehand volley drop nick
Social media: @niki_shemirani (Instagram)
Quote: “I am deeply honored and thrilled to be named to the 2024-25 Squash Canada National Squad. I can’t wait to represent Team Canada on the NextGen stage and work towards joining the Senior squad in the future!”
Fun fact: “I study Systems Design Engineering in University of Waterloo who’s always looking for internships haha!”
Accomplishments
- NextGen Silver medalist, 2022 Canadian Junior Open
- U19 Champion, 2021 Canadian Junior Open