Kurtis Cullen

Start in Racquetball:  I started playing racquetball when I was 4 years old after my oldest sister got inolved through elementary school.

Reason for playing:  I love the intensity that racquetball brings. There is no better feeling than being on a court with a ball traveling upwards of 250km/h while still being in complete control.

Training habits:  I do a lot of my on court training by myself working on footwork, serves, and shooting set-ups. I aim to be on the court at least 4 times a week, accompanied with about 5 days of off-court training.

Best Racquetball moment: Representing Canada for the first time at the 2022 World Championships and winning my pool to make it to the top 16.

Non Racquetball talents: I think I have the knack for teaching and educating. I am a personal trainer, and so treating each person’s movement during exercise as a puzzle to improve, is something I feel I excel at. This also applies to racquetball coaching.

When you are not playing racquetball, you are probably? I am a big fan of reading. Why reinvent the wheel when you can learn from someone who has experienced it. I also spend a large amount of timing dissecting the game of racquetball to help myself, and my juniors improve.

What is something people might not know about you or find surprising?  I am a licensed paramedic and firefighter, though I have not pursed the career.

What advice to you have for athletes who want to play at your level?  Practice, practice, practice! Watch videos of how the pros play and try to learn what they are doing in their game that is different than yours.

Who has been important in your development as an athlete?  I think my earliest influence was my junior coach Mike Volek followed by Jen Saunders, Mike Green and Evan Pritchard. I also have to thank my parents for their never ending support!