SQUASH PROFESSIONAL BIO

HEATHER WALLACE

Heather’s induction into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame, into the Ontario Squash Hall of Fame & into the Squash Canada Wall of Fame, is a testimonial to her dedication and achievements in the Canadian squash scene. Born in Zambia and educated in Zambia, Zimbabwe, England and Scotland and blessed with a natural athletic ability, Heather could have chosen many athletic directions for her career, it was fortunate for her adopted country Canada that she chose Squash.

Heather entered the competitive ranks directly after completing university in England, emigrated to Canada in 1986 and dominated the Women's professional ranks holding a number 1 ranking in Canada & National title for 11 successive years and reaching 3^rd in the world during her time on the World Tour.

Heather retired from competitive squash in 1998 and then has used her considerable ability in the training of others and in the enhancement of the Canadian National squash scene. Heather is a NCCP National Level 4 Coach. She was involved in Canada's National team program for 17 years both as a player and a coach at World Championships, Pan American & Commonwealth Games before retiring.

Highlights of her career includes the winning of the 1995 Pan Am Games gold medals in the individual and team events, the bronze medal in the World Mixed Doubles in 1997 as well as her national titles in both Scotland and Canada. She was also voted in the top 100 athletes in Ottawa for the 20^th century.

Members Comments

Heather has been a huge role model & guiding voice in my squash career. She has inspired what I do & so many others. Heather has a passion for squash & for helping people, she will help them over & over.

“Samantha Cornett Tells All” Winter 2016/17, World Ranking No.24

I have been taking lessons from Heather close on 30 years now & it has been an absolute pleasure. She runs excellent programs. She has coached at least 4 GoodLife members to National Junior & Open Squash Champions & other players to National Masters titles. Through her various clinics & leagues she has improved the play of a good many members. In my case she has brought me from being a newbie to being an age category Champion in a number of countries. With Heather at the helm, I have never considered joining another squash & fitness facility in Ottawa. She has made GoodLife Queensview the best place to play. Thank you Heather!

Vincent Taylor – member since 1987

Heather is the primary reason I joined GoodLIfe Queensview. She runs the best squash program in town. Everyone is treated equally & with respect, whether you are a beginner or a competitive squash player. Her knowledge & experience of the game are truly remarkable. As a coach she has guided me & helped me elevate my game to the point that I can successfully compete at the Masters level, Provincially, Nationally & Internationally. Squash players are very blessed to have Heather here at GoodLife.

Lorraine Tetreault – member since 2003

I have been a member of Goodlife since its start in Ottawa (and in the same facility for a number of years prior) so have known Heather since her start at the Goodlife Queensview Club. A chance meeting in Japan and my subsequent lessons with her have allowed me to appreciate Heather skills. Her coaching prowess is well recognized within the squash community both in Canada and Internationally. Her success in this field can be measured by the number of her students who have progressed to become elite players and in a few cases professionals in the sport. She has organized and run many tournaments at the club, provincial, national and international levels and has been instrumental in attracting a high percentage of the current club membership through her organization. Heather recognizes that the future of the sport lies with it being attractive to juniors and to that end her junior programs have attracted approximately 35 students to each session (in three 12 week sessions per year). These combined with her lessons plus her numerous clinics throughout the year make her one of the busiest and most respected coaches in Canada.

Keith Fagan – member since 1985