In a bid to revitalize its program, Squash Yukon announced a coaching shakeup today.

Khoon Chua is out and Marie Desmarais is back in as the local association attempts to take the program in a fresh direction.

Desmarais spent two decades coaching in the Yukon before Chua was hired out of Vancouver to lead the program prior to the 2010 season.

She will mentor Cameron Webber, Julien Revel, Adam Sippel and Jane Bell as the foursome takes control of the junior program. The group will also provide opportunities for adult lessons and drills.

Each of the four new coaches participated in the Yukon program as standout junior players and are now ranked nationally.

Desmarais has vast knowledge and experience surrounding squash in the territory, having served as the squash pro for more than 20 years.

She will facilitate the local league and tournaments.

One other change will see Pixie Ingram sign on as a communications co-ordinator.

Choosing not to renew Chua’s contract was a “very difficult decision” for the board to make, said Squash Yukon president Chris Toleman.

“We are looking forward to starting off the season with renewed energy and a hard-working team,” he noted in a press release. “The goals of our program are to increase overall participation and to provide opportunities to develop and strengthen Squash Yukon as a sport governing body.

“We are confident we will reach these with the improvements we are implementing this year.”

Toleman said Webber will take on the lead coaching position while the other three will work in supplementary roles as Squash Yukon moves ahead without a pro.

“Basically, we broke the position down into three areas: the on-court role, the squash event role, and the communications/administration role,” Toleman explained this morning.

He believes the moves will reduce costs as well.

“Having a permanent full-time employee was a financial burden on a non-profit society,” Toleman admitted. “It was a challenge.”

Chua will continue to be available for squash lessons at Better Bodies in Whitehorse.

Reached by the Star today, the 54-year-old said he’ll remain a familiar face at the local gym.

“They wanted to do a different thing,” he said of the board’s decision. “I’m still a squash pro and I’ll continue my coaching ... I’m looking into other aspects of my life as well.”

Squash Yukon’s board of directors includes Toleman, Terri Cairns, Jim Gilpin, Dylan Letang and Stephen Buckler.

The group’s annual general meeting will take place Sept. 24 at 7 p.m. in the Sport Yukon boardroom.

Meanwhile, junior programming is slated to begin Sept. 14. Information can be found online at www.squashyukon.yk.ca/.