Lahni Buller

Start in Racquetball – I’ve been around racquetball since I was very young. At first I was merely an audience member, cheering on my dad from outside the court. As I became older, racquetball became my family’s sport. We played for fun whenever we could, my father coaching my three siblings and I until we were confident enough to enter a local tournament. My interest and skill only grew from there, landing me at my first national tournament in 2021.

Reason for playing – Racquetball is a sport that, in my life, has brought people together. My family enjoys training and traveling to tournaments together; it gives us guaranteed, priceless quality time. It’s also the sport that I feel I can play with anyone, no matter the differing skill levels. I am able to invite friends to play and simply have a good time. Racquetball also gives me many opportunities I wouldn’t otherwise have. Because of the sport, I am able to travel around Canada and the world, meeting new people and seeing new places. I also love the fast-pace, intense aspects of racquetball. The snap of a good swing and the crack of the ball has always been satisfying to me. Racquetball gives me a great outlet for my more competitive side.

Training habits – I train on the court four to five times a week whenever possible: a few sessions mostly devoted to drills and others to a variety of play. I also make a point of getting to the gym at least twice a week for strength and conditioning training. I am very athletic during the rest of my time, as I enjoy casually playing a variety of other sports.

Best Racquetball memory – Though I have many, I would have to say playing my first match in Girls Doubles 18U at the 2025 World Junior Racquetball Championships with my doubles partner, Chloé. We were up two games to one against the USA but ended up being down 3-9 in the third. After a timeout, we came roaring back to 10-9 and with one last epic rally, won the match 11-9. Our dramatic first victory with the rest of team Canada watching filled me with confidence and pride, and I had a feeling that Chloé and I were going to make a good team. We went on to play four more epic matches and win bronze in our division.

Hidden talent – Other than racquetball, I am decently talented at writing and baking. I love writing anything fiction, as well as short stories and poetry. I also really enjoy baking a variety of goods, from cookies to cakes in hopes of making it a career one day.

Free time away from racquetball – When I’m not playing racquetball, I would probably be writing, baking, playing badminton/spike ball on our acreage, or hanging out with friends.

Something about Lahni that people would find surprising – I have been writing a novel for over five years now and hope to get it finished and published one day.

Advice for athletes with high performance goals – Don’t ever give up. Work hard towards your goal and don’t believe the lie that tells you that you’re not good enough. Keep pushing, but always remember to have fun.

Important people in Lahni’s development as a player – My parents and racquetball community have been a huge help to me over the years. My father and coach, Jeff Buller, has stuck with me, devoting his time and energy to training and making me a better player. My training partner, Scott Smith, has also helped me to look at my technique in a different way, and has always been there for me when I need help refining my skills. My mother has also always been there for me, encouraging me and setting me straight when I get down after a match. My small racquetball community in Grande Prairie has also always been tight-knit and supportive. Finally, the Alberta Racquetball Association has aided my development by giving me the opportunities to travel to tournaments.