KINGSTON, Ont. (July 11, 2024) – Riley Sievers has been named the new head coach of Queen's Men's Squash after Eugene Zaremba left Queen's Men's Squash after 25 years with the program.

Sievers was a five-year member of the University of New Mexico's Racquetball team (2009-14) in the NCAA, helping the Lobos climb to No. 8 in the national rankings. Sievers also competed in many state and national tournaments throughout his racquetball career.

After his collegiate career, Sievers could go on to coach New Mexico for three seasons, helping them reach No. 8 and No. 9 in the national rankings.

Sievers switched his focus to squash in 2017 and after moving to Canada in 2020, joined Queen's Men's Squash as an assistant coach last year. Sievers helped the Gaels earn a silver medal at the OUA Men's Squash Championship last year.

Sievers manages and operates many youth squash programs throughout the year, is on the Kingston Squash Association Board of Directors, and helps stream and commentate on competitive events.

"I am excited for the opportunity to lead the Men's Varsity Squash team this year and to uphold the prestigious values and legacy of Queen's University," Sievers said. "I hope to elevate our exceptional student-athletes to become the best version of themselves both on and off the court." 

Zaremba had led Queen's Men's Squash since 1999, helping the Gaels capture 10 medals at the OUA Men's Squash Championship, an accomplished feat during Western's 40-year championship run. Under Zaremba, Queen's Men's Squash won five silver medals at the OUA level (2000, 2001, 2011, 2019, 2023) and five bronze medals (2002, 2004, 2013, 2014, 2018) over his 25 years as head coach.

Zaremba was also named the OUA Men's Squash Coach of the Year for the 2021 season.

"I'd like to thank Eugene for his incredible tenure as head coach of Queen's Men's Squash," said Gareth Cunningham, Director, Recreation & Active Living. "Over the past 25 years, Eugene led the program to tremendous success both on and off the court. His commitment to creating an environment that enabled student-athletes to reach their highest potential was extraordinary and set the groundwork for the program to continue succeeding into the future."

A Professor in the Physics Department at Queen's University since 1976 and current Professor Emeritus, Zaremba saw 105 student-athletes from the Queen's Men's Squash program be named OUA Academic All-Stars during his tenure.