On March 7, 2026, Squash BC welcomed athletes, coaches, leaders, and community members to the Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club for our annual Women in Sport Conference. Held in celebration of International Women’s Day, this year’s event centred around the theme “Give to Gain”—highlighting the power of investing in one another to strengthen women in sport.
Set alongside the Richardson Wealth Women’s PSA Open and accompanying amateur tournament, the conference created a unique opportunity to connect learning with high-performance sport in action.
A Day of Insight, Connection, and Action
The day began with keynote speaker Kristen Anderson, who set the tone with a powerful exploration of Body Intelligence. Her message encouraged attendees to better understand, listen to, and respond to their bodies in a way that supports sustainable performance and overall well-being.
Throughout the day, an incredible lineup of speakers delivered sessions that blended research, lived experience, and practical application. Attendees left with actionable tools and new perspectives to support both performance and long-term health.
Key Takeaways from Our Speakers
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Julie Smulders (SHE’S GOT NEXT)
Highlighted the importance of investing in women’s sport and shared that 94% of women in senior leadership roles have a background in sport, reinforcing the connection between athletics and leadership. -
Dr. Seema Kanwal
Explored how hormones, nutrition, and recovery are deeply interconnected, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to performance. -
Nicole Bunyan (Squashletic)
Reinforced that effective training is about working smarter, not longer, with a focus on strength, movement efficiency, and performance longevity. -
Robin Stamm
Shared the importance of daily movement and mobility, highlighting how foundational patterns in the spine, hands, and feet support overall function. -
Ikue Ueno
Introduced fascia-focused techniques to help regulate the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and support recovery and sleep. -
Dasha Maslennikova (Symmetrix Exercise & Rehab)
Demonstrated how breathing efficiency and CO₂ tolerance impact recovery and performance, including hands-on tools to assess capacity. -
Angela Hong
Led a panel discussion on the mental side of performance, including preparation, in-game strategies, and post-match reflection. -
Kate Perry (Athletes Xcel)
Discussed how integrating data, awareness, and decision-making supports smarter training and more resilient performance environments. -
Tasha Doucas (Radical Resilience Consulting)
Introduced the 5Cs pathway to confidence, emphasizing clarity and commitment as the foundation for growth.
Building Community Through Sport
Beyond the sessions, the conference created space for meaningful connection. Attendees engaged in thoughtful conversations, shared experiences, and built relationships that extend beyond the court.
The day concluded with an optional add-on experience at the PSA semi-finals, where participants came together to watch world-class athletes compete—bringing the conference themes to life in a powerful and inspiring way.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 Women in Sport Conference was a true celebration of women across all levels of sport. Together, we explored new ideas, gained practical tools, and strengthened a community committed to growth, equity, and support.
Thank you to our speakers, attendees, partners, and volunteers for making this event such a success. We look forward to continuing to build momentum and creating more opportunities to support women and girls in sport across British Columbia.