Canada has been a breeding ground for great hockey players. Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Guy LaFleur to name a few.

But Canada doesn't grow just hockey players. Some good squash players are from across the border, and Harvard squash Co-Captain Diana Edge, hailing from Ottawa, Ontario, is one of them.

Edge was actively involved in both squash and tennis at a young age. Her father, a squash player, encouraged her to become involved in the sport. And from him, she learned the basics of squash.

"When I was growing up, there was a strong junior program which channeled young players into tournaments," says Edge. "I started off by playing in smaller tournaments. The older players offered guidance and encouragement."

Eventually, it was Edge who was taking home all the honors. She captured six Canadian National Junior Championships.

By 1983 she was good enough to play for the Canadian women's team in the World Championships, and she soon rose to the number-one spot in Canada.

Edge admits that she knew little about Harvard and its illustrious squash history. Accepted by a number of schools--including Harvard, Princeton and several Canadian universities--Edge had to make a very difficult decision.

"I had heard postive and negative things about all the schools that I had applied to, except Harvard," says Edge.

Edge advanced to the number-two spot during her freshman year despite having to switch from playing with the softball used in Canada to the hardball used in America.

"Canadian squash emphasizes endurance and long rallies," the economics major says. "I had to change my thinking and training to American squash."

Helping her make this adjustment was women's squash Coach Steve Piltch.

"He has really done a lot to develop my game," says Edge. "He is terrific. He helped me sort out my difficulties."

In her two years as captain, Edge rarely had to exert authority.

"I like to lead by example," says Edge. "Everyone was self-motivated on the team. As a captain, I pass on my experience to the other players and help them with their games."

"Diana came here as an outstanding player, and over the past four years, it has been exciting to watch her develop into an outstanding leader," says Piltch.