In this episode of No Strings Attached, host Bogdan Grygorenko interviews Katy Shulaeva, a former professional tennis player and coach. They discuss Katie's early influences in tennis, her journey from junior to professional levels, the importance of coaching, and the lessons learned from her long-time coach Pierre Lamarche. Katie shares insights on resilience, the challenges of transitioning to professional tennis, and the impact of injuries and overtraining on her career. In this conversation, Katy Shulaeva and Bogdan Grygorenko discuss the critical aspects of training, injury prevention, and the mental health of athletes. They emphasize the importance of rest and recovery, the role of coaches and parents in player development, and the challenges athletes face when transitioning out of competitive sports. Katy shares her personal experiences with overtraining and the identity crisis that followed her tennis career, while Bogdan highlights the need for a more balanced approach to training. They also reflect on the evolution of coaching and the continuous learning process that comes with it.'

Katy Shulaeva is a Senior Tennis Professional at the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club, one of Canada’s premier tennis institutions. She holds a Coach 3 certification from the Tennis Professionals Association (TPA) and serves as a facilitator for TPA’s Coach 2 and Coach 3 courses, playing a pivotal role in advancing coaching education in Canadian tennis. Katy has also had a successful career as a professional tennis player, representing Canada on the international stage. Her playing experience brings valuable insights to her coaching, as she has competed at a high level and understands the demands of professional tennis.

In addition to her coaching and professional playing background, Katy has been recognized for her leadership in the sport. She participated in the “Women Leaders in Tennis” panel discussion, where her contributions to the game and her advocacy for women in sports were celebrated.

Her expertise, leadership, and dedication to tennis make her a respected figure in the Canadian tennis community.