to developing DC into a squash powerhouse.
Ronny moved to DC from Belgium in November 2018 and has been a fixture in the International Squash community for over 30 years. After training as a coach professionally in England, Vlassaks became the National Junior Coach for both the Netherlands and Belgium where he grew his passion for developing players. Vlassaks has traveled the world developing and expanding squash programs, training fellow coaches, and many of the current top Junior players, before landing in the United States as Squash On Fire’s Director of Squash. In addition to his role at Squash On Fire, Vlassaks continues to serve as the individual coach to some of the world’s top squash talent, including Simon Rösner (World #5) and the Gilis sisters (Nele ranked World #12 and Tinne #18), as well as to promote the game of squash as a member of the World Squash Federation Ambassadors Program.
Pascal Lienard has been a part of the DC squash community for more than 20 years. He has trained with a wide range of players – from beginners to some of the world's top-ranked professionals. Pascal's natural athleticism and experience as a runner and swimmer shapes the way he approaches the game. Pascal plays, trains and coaches players to be disciplined and stick to the fundamentals.
He is recognized for his allegiance to the "T," volleys, beautiful lobs and endless stamina. His genuine love for squash gives him the excitement and energy to work with squash students of all abilities. If you have the chance, ask him about French food.
Will is from London, England and racquet sports have played a huge part in his life. After graduating from the University of Bristol he spent four years coaching rackets and squash based at the Racquet Club of Chicago. During that time he had a number of successes competing professionally in rackets. Will was the World Doubles champion from 2013-2015 and won more than 40 tournaments on the pro tour including the US and British Opens while attaining a career high ranking of #2 in the world. Most recently, Will spent three and half years directing marketing and serving on the executive team at the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) in College Park, MD. He served as tournament director for top-tier USTA and ITF events in addition to being at the helm for many of JTCC’s fundraising initiatives. He brings with him extensive marketing, sales and events experience and is very excited to be overseeing the continued development and growth of Squash On Fire.
Zahab heralds from Pakistan and was involved in multiple sports growing up before discovering squash at the age of 16. She was attracted by the individual nature of the game and being a trailblazer as a woman participating in the sport. Her level improved quickly, and she went on to win eight state championships in addition to being ranked #6 nationally. One of her biggest achievements was winning a national Olympics gold medal. Zahab also reached #114 in the PSA world rankings. Alongside her playing Zahab took up a role coaching at Sportsflex in Stamford, CT in 2019 before moving to Play Squash Academy in Mclean, VA. She has a real passion for working with junior players and passing on her own experiences to developing players. In addition, she enjoys working with female adult players and continuing to grow the number of women playing squash. Zahab is excited to join the Squash On Fire team and in particular to work with our school and collegiate programs. Finally, as an additional fun fact Zahab is the Guinness World Record Holder for the most hair donated by an individual….a staggering 5’ 1”and she is also the world record holder for the most hair clips on the head with 1,100!!
Tim started playing at the age of 3 in New York City and quickly fell in love with the game. He attended Poly Prep in Brooklyn and captained the team for two years while playing #1 on the roster. Tim subsequently earned a place at St. Lawrence where he majored in art/art history and represented the Saints all four years leading the team in his senior year. In his junior year the squad was ranked #1 in the country and reached the national finals narrowly losing out to Trinity. After graduating he played on the PSA tour alongside coaching at Round Hill Club in Greenwich, CT. In 2017 he started a new role as assistant coach at Yale. The highlight of his four-year tenure was both teams securing top five season ending national rankings. In fall 2021 Tim was appointed as the first head coach of the new Georgetown Women’s Varsity program. Squash On Fire is lucky to also have him available on a part time basis. He’s a big believer in encouraging his students to be curious and ask questions to help with their development.
Ineta heralds from Latvia is currently ranked #43 in the world (January 2022) and has been climbing the PSA rankings progressively in recent seasons. She is also a nine-time Latvian national champion and won her biggest professional tournament to date in Hamburg in spring 2021. Additionally she has secured top 10 finishes in each of the last three European Individual Championships.
Ineta will be continuing to compete on the PSA World Tour representing Squash On Fire and will also be a key part of our coaching team when she isn't traveling for events. She is excited to share her knowledge and skills with the Squash On Fire community!
