1954 -
Mike was born in Kent, England, where he began playing squash. He reached a national ranking of #14 before moving to Canada in 1981, and subsequently reached #5 in Canada. He played for Team Canada at the in 1985 at the Pan – American tournament where Canada won gold.
Mike’s coaching career has spanned over 40 years. He spent 29 years working in Toronto-area squash clubs (Ontario Racquet Club, Valhalla Squash Club, Toronto Athletic Club, Toronto Racquet Club, and the Oakville Club) as a Head Squash Professional.
In 1992, Mike created the Canadian National Squash Training Centre at the Toronto Athletic Club and later the Toronto Racquet Club. From there he had success coaching World Champion and World #1 Jonathon Power, World #10 Graham Ryding, World #20 Shahier Razik, World #25 Melanie Jans, and World #30 Marnie Baizley. Later in 1983 Mike and the late Dennis Goodfellow created the Canadian Professional Squash Association, giving squash professionals the opportunity to compete across Canada and prepare for international competition.
Mike is responsible for improving the art of coaching through his clinics and videos with the constant goal of elevating the expertise and professionalism of coaching. Mike organized many world coaching conferences and produced highly acclaimed coaching videos, developing the coaching community in Canada and beyond.
In 2010, Mike was recruited for the Head Coach position at Harvard University where he amassed an impressive record: nine national team championships, 13 individual titles, undefeated Men’s and Women’s teams in both 2019 and 2020, nine-time Ivy League Coach of the Year, 2013 Ragatz Family Harvard Coach of Excellence award, 2019 James Herscot Coach of Excellence award, and the 2017 US Coach of the Year.
Lastly, Mike has coached the four-time world champion and World #1, Egyptian, Ali Farag, five-time world champion Sarah Fitzgerald, and is currently advisory coach to six professional players. Mike Way has inspired hundreds of players from around the world at all calibers reach their potential.
“My real strength in the sport of squash has clearly been from the coaching perspective. I have been a sponge for everything and anything to be more effective," Way said. "I pride myself on taking pains to really understand the needs and personality of the individual. My passion for squash is as strong as ever. I'm still learning and that makes the difference.”