My Story

Hi, I'm Iryna Shevchenko

I'm a professional table tennis player and certified coach with over 28 years in the sport and more than 16 years of coaching experience.

My journey began in Ukraine, where I competed at the national level and became the Ukrainian Champion in Women's Doubles. After moving to Canada, I continued competing while coaching athletes across the country, and in 2016, I became the Ontario Champion in Women's Singles.

I have had the privilege of coaching in Europe and throughout Canada, including at the National Girls Training Camps in Quebec City, QC (2024), Richmond, BC (2025), and Montreal, QC (2026). In 2026, I also served as Head Coach for the Outaouais region at the Quebec Games, guiding athletes in high-performance environments.

I am certified through the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP – Competition Development), a member of the Table Tennis Canada Women's Mentorship Program, and TRX certified.

My academic background includes a Master's Degree in Recreation & Physical Training (2009–2010) and a Bachelor's Degree in Olympic & Professional Sport (2005–2009), both from the National University of Physical Education and Sport of Ukraine (Kyiv), specializing in table tennis coaching and physical training.

I coach in English and Ukrainian. I create personalized training plans tailored to each athlete. My approach is simple: every player is unique, and improvement happens step by step — one rally at a time.

Iryna Shevchenko at Canadian Championships
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See the Coaching in Action

Philosophy

My Approach to Coaching

Patient, Positive & Personal

I believe the best coaching starts with understanding the person, not just the player. Every student walks through the door with different goals, strengths, and challenges. My first step is always a thorough assessment of your current fitness level and technique so we can build a plan that truly fits you.

From there, I set clear short-term and long-term goals together with each student. Whether you want to improve your serve, prepare for a tournament, or simply stay active and healthy, I map out a path and walk it with you — adjusting as you grow.

Fun, Health & Results

My coaching style is friendly, gentle, and encouraging. I create an environment where players feel safe to make mistakes and motivated to push beyond them. I especially love working with kids — helping young players discover the joy of the sport while building coordination, confidence, and discipline.

At the core of everything I do is a focus on health, positivity, and motivation. Table tennis is more than a competitive sport — it's a path to better physical fitness, sharper mental focus, and a more active lifestyle.

Credentials

Why Train with Iryna

A rare combination of elite competitive experience, advanced education, and a genuine passion for teaching.

Academic Excellence

Master's in Recreation & Physical Training (2010) and Bachelor's in Olympic & Professional Sport (2009) from the National University of Physical Education and Sport of Ukraine.

Champion Athlete

Ukrainian Champion (Women's Doubles) and Ontario Champion (Women's Singles, 2016). Former national league competitor in Europe.

16+ Years Coaching

28 years in the sport, 16+ years coaching players of every age and level across Europe and Canada.

NCCP & TTCAN

NCCP certified (Competition Development), TRX certified. Member of the Table Tennis Canada Women's Mentorship Program. National Girls Camp coach (2024, 2025, 2026). Head Coach, Outaouais region, Quebec Games 2026.

In the Media

Featured by National Media

Highlighting my journey as a coach, athlete, and advocate for women in sport.

CBC Radio

Table Tennis, Media & Women in Sport

A conversation exploring how table tennis is evolving in today's culture, inspired by media stories like Marty Supreme. Iryna shares insights on coaching, athlete development, and the growing role of women in shaping the future of the sport.

Listen to the Interview →

Featured by Table Tennis Canada

Table Tennis Canada

A Champion for Table Tennis and Women Coaches

A feature on Iryna's journey and her impact on supporting women in coaching.

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Table Tennis Canada

Learning, Leading, and Growing Together

Insights into coaching philosophy, mentorship, and athlete development.

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Table Tennis Canada

National Girls Training Camp

Highlighting national-level training environments and athlete development pathways.

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Table Tennis Canada

Building Community Through Table Tennis

A story about creating inclusive programs and strong community connections at the Meredith Centre.

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Table Tennis Canada

Women's National Training Camp (Quebec City)

Coverage of high-performance camps supporting women in table tennis.

Read Article →

Interested in training, collaboration, or media opportunities? Let's connect →

Ready to Train?

Whether you're looking for private one-on-one coaching or a fun group session, let's build your game together.

Book a Lesson → Call (647) 924-4552