Kurtis Cullen

Biography

Date of Birth

1992

Birthplace

Brandon, Manitoba

Residence

Brandon, Manitoba

Home Club

Brandon Community Sportsplex, Brandon Manitoba

Coach

Evan Pritchard

Equipment

Gearbox

Kurtis Cullen has shown a tremendous commitment to the sport both as a player and through his work developing the sport at the community and national level. He was named to his first international team in 2022 when he represented Canada at the World Championships and was a member of the team that won silver in the Men’s Team Event. Cullen had his first podium result on the International Racquetball Tour in February of 2024, winning silver with partner Rodrigo Montoya (MEX). In 2023, Cullen was a double medalist at the National Championships. With his best national results as an elite athlete, he was on top of the podium in Men’s Open Doubles, winning gold and also winning silver in Men’s Open Singles. Cullen was also a successful junior player and represented Canada at the 2011 Junior World Championships where he won bronze in Boy’s 18U Doubles with partner Sam Murray.

Q&A

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!

Highlights

Silver
2022 World Championships
Men's Team Event
Bronze
2023 National Championships
Men's Open Singles
Gold
2023 National Championships
Men's Open Doubles
Silver
2022 National Championships
Men's Open Doubles
4th
2021 National Championships
Men's Open Doubles
Bronze
2011 Junior World Championships
18 & U Boys Doubles
Gold
2011 Junior National Championships
18 & U Singles
Gold
2011 Junior National Championships
17 & U Doubles