Devin Halko

Start in racquetball: I probably made my way into a racquetball club being 3 months old in my Dad’s arms. My Dad has always been involved in the community with everything from coaching, governance and reffing so it was a no brainer for myself to at least try the sport and see if there was some interest. I would have first picked up a racquet when I was 3 or 4 and played my first tournament when I was 6.

Reason for playing: I grew up playing many sports, Soccer, Basketball, Golf, Volleyball, Badminton, but nothing ever came close to the excitement of hitting a ball as hard as you can against the wall. I had the opportunity to travel all over Canada and a few parts of the world, and I remember as a junior being so excited to travel and play in so many different places with a close knit community. And as I grew older I gained an appreciation for the hand eye coordination, speed, and intelligence required of the sport.

Training Habits: I train on court 3 to 4 days per week a mix of drills and playing singles and doubles with local Edmonton players. Off court I like to do a mix of mobility, and strength training with stretching woven in. As well I started playing Squash consistently a few years ago which has some cross training benefits. 

Best racquetball moment or memory: Almost every moment travelling with my Dad and some close friends made over the years, but one that stands out is being able to represent Canada at the Junior worlds in San Luis Potosi in 2016. 

Hidden talents: I enjoy playing guitar and can solve a rubik’s cube.

If I’m not playing racquetball, you’ll probably find me . . . I am probably at a concert, trying out a new restaurant, playing golf or squash, or working on a renovation project at our house with my partner Macy and dog Lucy.  

What’s something that people might not know about you or would find surprising? I have become a pretty good cook over the past couple of years and try to cook dishes from all over the world. 

Advice for other athletes: I made the decision to actually take a few years off of racquetball and focus on starting up my career and building relationships around me, it took a good amount of time to learn how to balance life while pursuing becoming a better athlete. Once you can learn how to balance putting the effort and dedication needed with the other things in life, I have found I have gotten more out of the sport and have motivated myself internally to be the best I can be. 

Who has been important in your development as an athlete? My Dad, there would be no racquetball in my life and potentially in Edmonton if my Dad was not as involved in the community as he is. He has been there for every tournament I have ever competed in and is always in my corner supporting me. Moving forward I am excited to work with Tim Landeryou as my National coach, as well as having the loving support I get from my partner Macy.