The game of squash thrives when there is growth at the local and regional levels. Squash Ontario’s Community Awards program was created by the Board of Directors to recognize the contributions made by volunteers, corporations, officials, coaches and players at all levels of the game.
Please join us in celebrating and thanking the following recipients of 2025-2026 Outstanding Achievement Award:
Lisa Bogdan
Lisa has always been an instigator and organizer at Goodlife squash. She is always at the club it seems! She knows each person that comes to play personally. She gets to know the new players coming in, gets them playing on the box ladder, ensures they meet other players to play, and keeps the community thriving. She has her coaching certificate, gives lessons, organizes the Tuesday night Box ladder, coaches, and is totally invested in the community. And one of the most noteworthy of her many attributes is her communication skills - she is the most supportive and encouraging teacher and coach on the courts, and behind the scenes, is constantly replying to texts and emails and WhatsApp groups to get everybody organized. It is her unfailing positivity that is especially remarkable. And this shows in the number of women who have started to play at Goodlife. She has introduced a few of us to WOW squash, and reaches out to new female players to learn the game.
Lisa, as you know, has been a stalwart and patient defender and advocate for squash at Goodlife throughout a rather tumultuous time when management at Goodlife, for some unfathomable reason, took away the squash pro position, took away the booking system last July, and they wouldn’t allow the City League to run, or any other organized events. Lisa, with Chris Campbell, ( and you guys at Squash Ontario) volunteered to advocate on our behalf to get the booking system back, which they finally did - nine months later. Lisa, with Chris, got the Tuesday Box Ladder up and running, and the squash community is alive and kicking again. (Although we are still waiting for Goodlife to accept the City League games again.)
Lisa should be recognized somehow for the massive effort she puts in to grow the squash community in London, and for sharing her absolute love of the sport with all of us.
-Nominated by Theresa Mathers
Frank Pyka
Frank is passionate about squash. He wants it to grow. He wants others to love it. He has a vision for creating a huge community of squash players in London Ontario - and beyond.
I often see him getting to know new squash players at the Y, and before you know it, he’s coaching/playing with them once a week, bringing them along from newbies to squash to very interested players who are rapidly improving and loving it.
He has started a junior squash program that he runs Monday evenings: 5:30 - 6:15 for ages 6,7,8; and 6:15-7:00 for ages 9-12. He does a phenomenal job of programming and teaching these kids and they in turn are so dedicated in showing up. They love it. He provides the equipment for them, buys the beginner balls and rackets they need, brings in cones and markers for the games, and even buys treats for the kids! Just like all teachers - from his own pocket!! He runs it fall and winter, and is even going to keep it going through the spring this year on Sunday mornings.
Frank sees the bigger picture for squash as well, and would love to see the squash community grow in London. He reached out to London Squash on a couple of occasions. London Squash is the elite squash club in London - it costs a lot, it hosts the Nash Cup, and the squash pro there coaches the men’s team at Western and runs a junior squash program at London Squash. However, it is busting at the seams at about 400 people, and it frankly costs too much for a lot of people who love squash but can’t pay that kind of price of admission. Frank approached them to see about structuring the junior program so that the Y could take some junior kids just starting out which might provide a continuum of growth between the two clubs. This would allow opportunity for families without the ability to pay London Squash fees to be introduced to squash, take some of the load off of London squash, and grow the world of squash here in London. And London Squash agreed!
When he heard the YMCA has plans to revamp the downtown Y, he immediately spread the word to all of us who play squash to gather ideas for ensuring squash stays at the Y. He is creating a video of testimonials from a variety of squash players from the Y and also from London Squash to present to the management team. He wants the management at the Y to understand that squash players are part of a huge community. The downtown Y is the only Y in London that has squash courts and he wants to make sure the courts remain. Frank went to the initial meeting to make sure squash stays included in a revamped Y, but not only that, he researched and provided ideas of costs of refurbishing the courts (because they are actually racquetball courts - not regulation squash courts), and even adding in a new one. He’d suggested to the City League that we have the Semi Final night hosted at the Y to show how many people across the city are actually involved in squash.
So. Frank’s passion for this support seems to know no bounds. He has a vision to see it grow in London and works tirelessly to promote it.
-Nominated by Theresa Mathers
Simon Hall
Player: After starting with handball, he became a recreational university player, then active annually in Niagara leagues 1980 - Present. Simon has played in many, many tournaments over the years, and he has the t-shirts to prove it!
Official: ongoing Provincial Level referee for 20+ years’
Builder: On the Niagara Squash Racquets Association board, which later became Squash Niagara, for 30 years. This included three times as President, plus various other positions.
Coach: Ridley College 1980 - 2010 (Ridley teaching career spanned 1978 - 2011). Simon coached all high school levels from beginner to top teams, boys and girls, and wrapped up his years as Head Coach. Simon also introduced Sport for Life squash (when the Federal Government began this program) which he dubbed 'Squash for Life'.
Brock University: Assistant Coach 2014 - 2025. Head Coach 2025 to Present.
While Simon will never claim to be a star player, he worked his way up and I did all his certifications in coaching and officiating. He was particularly active in the administration and promotion of squash in Niagara.
Simon’s involvement is multi-faceted and continuous for 46 years and counting. He loves our sport and he is committed to giving as much to Squash as it has given to him.
A quote from Destiny Paquin, a Brock Women’s Player
I just wanted to make sure you understood how grateful I am for your presence and support during the season. In my eyes, you are the best coach I’ve ever had. I only wish you could’ve coached basketball for me too! Not many coaches know what it is to take the time to know their players as individuals and provide such genuine support throughout. You truly extended real encouragement and belief to Addie and I, and it significantly impacted our squash journeys. And thank you for showing me all of the ways this sport is so cool! You are a large reason I developed the passion I now have for squash!
-Nominated by Matt Easingwood
The Barbara Cooper Award
The Barbara Cooper Award will be awarded each year to an individual in Ontario who has over the years built, promoted and enhanced the game of women’s squash. This person exhibits fair play. The individual should demonstrate leadership and achievement in both their competitive and social life. This person is an inspirational role model for others to follow.
Tania Kumar
I am honoured to nominate Tania Kumar for the Barb Cooper award for her extraordinary dedication to supporting and empowering women in squash.
Tania gives tirelessly of her time, energy, and expertise to help women become more involved in squash and to create opportunities for them to thrive. Her commitment goes far beyond simply promoting the sport—she works endlessly to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more supportive squash community for women of all ages.
Through her leadership, encouragement, and unwavering enthusiasm, Tania has helped women feel welcomed, valued, and confident on and off the court. She champions participation, mentorship, development, and connection, always looking for ways to create opportunities for women to succeed.
What makes Tania particularly deserving of this recognition is through her work with TDWSA and Squash Ontario she has genuine passion behind everything she does. She consistently celebrates the achievements of women in squash and inspires those around her to become more involved. Her impact can be seen not only in the number of women she supports, but in the confidence, friendships, and sense of community she helps create.
Tania is a true advocate for women in squash and an outstanding ambassador for the sport. Her endless commitment, generosity, and belief in the potential of women deserve to be recognized and celebrated.
-Nominated by Niki Aron