A dominating presence on the badminton court, Amanda Flasch's (nee Carruthers) induction into the Warriors Hall of Fame was inevitable, given how she is a trailblazing figure within shaping the success of modern-day Warriors badminton.
"Did I ever expect to be honoured with induction to the Hall of Fame? No," Flasch mentioned. "My focus had been to excel as a varsity athlete and being a strong Warrior; it was never about the recognition," she added.
It was not until she received the call from Warriors athletic director Roly Webster, that Flasch (BA '10, MA '13) was truly able to reflect on the expansive range of opportunities she was able to experience in her time as a Warrior.
"I always had a passion for athletics during my tenure at Waterloo, and enjoyed participating in any way possible."
It's safe to say she made the most of her opportunities.
An OUA all-star in four of her five seasons with the team, Flasch was a key component on Warriors teams that won four OUA bronze medals in five years; from 2007-2009, and again in 2011, the year she was included in the first class of Warriors Shield of Excellence recipients.
The consistency she displayed on the court with every opportunity finally saw her and Waterloo break through to win OUA gold in 2010.
Her exceptional IQ on the court brought Flasch to the Warriors coaching staff after completing her eligibility. On the sidelines, Flasch also coached the team in 2012 and 2013.
Having joined Warriors badminton in the fall of 2006, Flasch was a regular in the local, provincial, and national top 10 rankings for women in her respective age group – across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events – and even competed in two Canada Winter Games.
"I was a competitive athlete, looking to continue developing and strengthening myself within a team dynamic," Flasch says. "The achievements during my time as a Warrior are attributable to hard work, strong teamwork, and passion."
She discovered a passion for the game alongside her twin sister through mentorship from their father, Fred Carruthers, an alumnus of Waterloo. Volunteering as a coach and taking over a board position with their local association, their father always strived to provide them with opportunities to attend training camps and competitions to enhance their athletic development.
Having made many memories on the court in Waterloo, Flasch recollects moments from her final seasons as both a player and a coach.
"I had one or two senior players assist with coaching during the OUA Championship, to ensure we could effectively coach all Warrior athletes during their matches (matches ran simultaneously so a coach's attention was often spread out over multiple matches at once)."
"At the conclusion of these Championship, one of the assistant coaches expressed their gratitude and awe at my ability to not only compete strongly within my events (doubles and mixed), but to be able to balance that alongside my coaching responsibilities."
"I had never thought twice about the demands and strain of competing and coaching, and it was a comment/observation that sticks with me today about the balance we can all achieve, but rarely realize the importance of being able to do that well."
Nowadays, Flasch still considers herself a coach "of sorts."
Taking on the position of city manager of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, she oversees a team responsible for the efficient delivery of services and infrastructure for over 5,000 residents.
"Alas, I did 'retire' from competing a few years after finishing my Master's and moving to Saskatchewan, but I have been fortunate to have been granted the opportunity to be involved in three Saskatchewan Winter Games since, as a team coach/manager. My focus is presently on my family, and supporting the interests of my two daughters as they grow up."
A true personality who has contributed to paving the successful platform Warriors badminton has cultivated. A true Flasch of greatness.
