Congratulations to Danielle Ray (Letourneau) on a fantastic career and best wishes in future endeavors!

2-Time Canadian Senior National Champion and 3-Time Canadian Junior National Champion, Danielle Ray has announced her retirement from professional squash, bringing an end to a remarkable career representing Canada at the highest international level.  

Danielle made her return to the PSA World Tour in October 2025, for the 2025 Canadian Women’s Open, just ten months after giving birth to her daughter Ava. After competing throughout the 2025 - 2026 season, a knee injury requiring surgery has led her to step away from the sport and turn her focus to new adventures beyond the squash court. 

“I tried to comeback multiple times, after 3 surgeries and a baby, and have slowly become more comfortable with the idea of retirement. I’m very excited for the next chapter,” said Danielle on her decision.  

Ray, formerly Letourneau, first represented the Maple Leaf in Chennai, India as the youngest member of the 2009 WSF Junior Women’s Team. “I’ve always felt excited and proud to represent Canada,” she shared. “It’s always felt special, and I’ve consistently pushed harder in those moments because there’s more on the line.” 

Over time, her excitement evolved into confidence and leadership, as she became a mainstay on international event teams, representing the Canada at multiple Women’s World Team Championships and Pan American events. Her international highlights include team and women’s doubles silver medals at the 2019 Pan American Games, and a team gold and individual silver at the 2024 Pan American Championships. 

Her career-high ranking of World No. 18, coupled with six PSA titles, reflects both her talent and determination on the professional tour but for Danielle, the journey was just as much about personal growth as it was about performance. 

“I learned a lot about myself,” she said. “I played my best when I was relaxed, but consistently finding that balance between staying calm, focused, and competitive was always a challenge.” 

Danielle’s career can ultimately be described as one of resilience. Through multiple injuries and surgeries, and the demands of returning to competition after starting a family, she continually found ways to push forward on her own terms.  

“I don’t question the choices I made with the information I had at the time,” she said. “I took risks and pushed myself as hard as I could.”  

As she steps away from the professional tour, Danielle does so with a clear understanding of both the rewards and realities of life in sport. 

“I’ll miss the thrill of competing, but not the emotional highs and lows. I’ll miss the friendships I built on tour, but not the loneliness,” she said. “I’ll miss the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures, while also really valuing the chance to spend more time at home.” 

And while she admits she would have welcomed one final opportunity to represent Canada at a major team event, she is proud of what she has accomplished as a Team Canada athlete at every stage of her career.  

“Danielle has been an incredible ambassador for Canadian squash,” says Jamie Nicholls, Squash Canada CEO. “Her dedication to the national team and her perseverance through challenges is truly inspiring. She’s had a meaningful impact on Squash Canada’s high-performance program and is a powerful example for the next generation of Canadian athletes.” 

Squash Canada extends its sincere gratitude to Danielle for her outstanding contributions to the sport and to the national program throughout her career and we wish all the best in her next chapter.  

Danielle Ray - Career Highlights  

• 2-Time Canadian Senior National Champion (2021, 2018) 

• 3-Time Canadian Junior National Champion (2011, 2008, 2006) 

• 6 Professional Squash Association (PSA) Titles  

• No. 18 - Highest World Rank 

• 2-Time Canadian Junior Open Champion (2010, 2007) 

• Cornell University Hall of Fame (Class of 2025) 

• 4-Time First Team All American & First Team All-Ivy 

• Cornell University Squash Team Captain 

• Women’s World Team Championships Member (2018, 2016, 2014) 

• Junior Women’s World Team Championships Member (2009, 2011) 

• Pan American Games Team Member 

• Women’s Team Silver (2019) 

• Women’s Doubles Silver (2019) 

• Pan American Championships Team Member 

• 2024 - Women’s Team Gold, Women’s Individual Silver 

• 2018 - Women’s Team Silver, Women’s Individual Bronze, & Mixed Doubles Bronze. 

• 2014 - Women’s Individual Bronze