The following is one of several spotlights being published by Tennis Canada this month as part of its Victory will be HERS fundraising campaign. They tell the stories of five inspirational women for whom tennis has played a major role and contributed towards victories in their personal and professional lives. Be part of the movement and take action.

Natasha Irani, 25, channels the discipline, radiance, and zest from her tennis career into every aspect of her life. From competing in the National Bank Open presented by Rogers qualifiers to captaining Boston College’s team, tennis instilled in her a sense of purpose, hard work, and structure—lessons she applies as a Senior Consultant at Deloitte, a part-time coach at 10XTO, and a passionate runner.

At five, Natasha was introduced to tennis by her father, who coached her on public courts, despite having no formal background. “It was his dream that I would become a professional player,” she recalls. By the time she was seven, Natasha began training at Ontario Racquet Club and later at Cedar Springs, committing to five hours of practice daily, before and after school, with tournaments on weekends. “It was a big commitment for my family—my parents and older sister, who immigrated from India — from driving me to practice every day, managing my tennis career, and supporting me in every way.”

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Natasha highlights the transformative impact of her coaches and the tennis community for supporting her to compete at a high level. “I was incredibly lucky,” she says. Her coaches’ belief in her and mentorship extended far beyond the court, profoundly shaping her life. This support led to a very successful junior career, winning eight provincial titles, one national title, competing in ITF tournaments, and reaching the National Bank Open qualifiers before earning a full scholarship to Boston College.

When Natasha headed to Massachusetts to play NCAA Division I tennis, she recognized how much others, like Billie Jean King, had paved the way for her success. “Title IX gave women like me the chance to compete on equal footing, without financial barriers,” she reflects. Signed in 1972, Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in federally funded education programs. Without it, the opportunities she had might not have been possible.

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At Boston College, Natasha balanced four to five hours of practice each day with a full academic load. During the season, the team traveled every weekend, leaving Thursdays and returning late Sunday nights, making managing studies on the road and missing classes demanding. As a two-time team captain, Natasha learned to lead with purpose to support her teammates through the pressures of collegiate athletics. One of her proudest moments was helping the team qualify for the NCAA tournament for the first time in over 22 years. However, the greatest reward was the sense of community. “We were a group of women who supported and mentored each other, creating a strong bond beyond the court.” While she earned a Bachelor’s in Economics and a Master’s in Accounting, Natasha considers the life lessons tennis taught her—how to manage pressure, lead a team, and adapt—to be her most valuable education.

After graduation, Natasha decided to pursue a career in management consulting at Deloitte to put-to-use the education and skills she had acquired both on and off the court. Since joining, Natasha has had the chance to work in Mergers and Acquisitions and Strategy consulting across industries, including sports. “I feel very fortunate to be part of an outcome-driven community at Deloitte that imitates my tennis environment, surrounded by mentors, coaches, and peers. It’s a place where I’m constantly challenged to grow.” Each project at Deloitte is an opportunity to make an impact on organizations, much like each tournament was a chance to perform.

Today, Natasha stays connected to tennis through coaching at 10XTO, where she works with players of all ages. “My life now mimics the rhythm of my competitive tennis days,” she says. Her structured morning routine, which includes running and strength training, sets the tone for her day. Running, like tennis, helps her clear her mind and visualize, much like her pre-match routine. Last year, she completed two marathons, including a 3:27 finish at the Toronto Marathon.

Tennis shaped Natasha’s outlook on life. “Growing up, I saw two very different worlds. My dad was a truck driver, often on the road for long hours, while I spent my afternoons and weekends at a tennis club. My mom dedicated all her time to driving me to practices before and after school. This contrast gave me a deep understanding of the privilege I had to pursue my passion. I know how lucky I am and I carry that awareness and gratitude with me every day.”

Natasha reinforces her gratitude for the people who helped her along the way—her parents, coaches, mentors, and the tennis community—highlighting the power of the sport to break down barriers and manifest victories, big and small, in a person’s life. 

“It is important to acknowledge that everyone faces obstacles, but sports have the power to help us overcome them,” she says. “I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supported my tennis career – it’s a reminder of how much can be achieved when people believe in you.”

– Natasha Irani

Tennis provided her with a foundation for life, instilling discipline, confidence, and a sense of community that continue to shape her today. Her story serves as a testament to the power of the sport to inspire, challenge, and transform a person’s life.

Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, Tennis Canada is able to create opportunities for girls like Natasha to chase their dreams without barriers holding them back. Your support ensures that the next generation of girls can find their victories, on and off the court.

And, by supporting Tennis Canada’s Game. Set. Equity. initiative, you’re not just giving a girl the chance to play—you’re opening doors to mentorship, training, and life-changing opportunities.

TAKE ACTION FOR CHANGE

Donate now and help us break down barriers! 

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