The UKC Blue Devils badminton team has been a dominant force in both the ACAA and CCAA, recently securing their seventh consecutive conference championship—a streak dating back to the 2017-18 season. While every championship is a testament to collective effort, one family has been at the heart of this dynasty: the Gillies siblings.
Over the past six years, Jack, Anna, and Rachel Gillies have not only worn the Blue Devils uniform but also left a profound mark on both UKC, ACAA and CCAA. Hailing from Saint John, New Brunswick, the Gillies trio grew up immersed in the Atlantic badminton scene, competing at both regional and national levels for much of the past decade.
Jack Gillies: The Trailblazer
The eldest of the three, Jack Gillies, was the first to join the Blue Devils in the 2019-20 season, immediately making an impact. He helped lead UKC to its first ACAA three-peat, securing both the conference title and a spot at CCAA Nationals as the men’s singles representative.
Jack’s talent and determination saw him improve each year. After finishing 6th in his first nationals, he climbed the rankings, placing 5th in 2022 and 4th in 2023, narrowly missing out on a medal after falling to the OCAA in the bronze medal match
Jack’s success wasn’t just limited to the court either. Three times over, Jack earned himself CCAA Academic All-Canadian honours.
After deciding to focus on his studies, Jack wrapped up his collegiate career in 2024, but his legacy at UKC remains. “Some of my favorite memories from King’s came from representing the school at CCAA Championships and supporting my teammates—including Anna when we played together,” he reflected.
Anna Gillies: A Historic Career
Joining her brother in 2021-22, Anna Gillies wasted no time making a name for herself. Her rookie season was nothing short of spectacular: she went undefeated, helped UKC claim its fourth straight ACAA title, and earned ACAA Female Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year honours. To cap it off, she and her mixed doubles partner, Jack Ronahan, won CCAA silver at nationals.
The following season, Anna added even more hardware. After helping lead UKC to its fifth consecutive title, she qualified for nationals again—this time, she and Bryce Mason delivered a historic performance, securing the first CCAA gold medal in UKC athletics history.
In 2023-24, Anna kept building her legacy. Teaming up with Anna Dugandzic in women’s doubles, she earned a CCAA bronze medal, completing the trifecta of gold, silver, and bronze across two different events, in just three seasons.
Now, in her final season, she’s set to compete at nationals again—this time, alongside her sister Rachel.
Rachel Gillies: The Next Generation
The youngest of the three, Rachel Gillies, became a Blue Devil in 2024-25, drawn by the opportunity to play alongside her sister. “My siblings went to King’s, so knowing I’d have their support really impacted my decision,” she shared.
Rachel wasted no time making an impact. She was the team’s top points earner during the regular season, earning ACAA Female Rookie of the Year honours—just like Anna. She also delivered under pressure, securing the winning point in extra time against UNBSJ to clinch UKC’s seventh straight ACAA title.
“Rachel has been a fantastic addition to the team,” says UKC head coach Aidan Badcock-Parks “On the practice court, I can always count on her to bring everything she has and to give everything her best effort. On the competition court I can be sure she will approach every match with intensity and the intention to win.
Now, she and Anna will compete together at CCAA Nationals, as Rachel looks to capture her first national medal and continue the Gillies family legacy. “I’m excited to compete on the national stage with my sister,” she said.
“I look forward to seeing what Rachel is capable of on the national scene as she progresses through her post-secondary career,” said Badcock-Parks
A Family Legacy
For the past six years, the Gillies siblings have helped shape the identity of UKC badminton. From Jack’s leadership and national success to Anna’s historic achievements and Rachel’s promising start, their contributions extend far beyond the court.
“It has been an absolute privilege to have been a part of the legacy that the Gillies family has created within the UKC Badminton program,” said Badcock-Parks “From growing up competing alongside Anna, Rachel, and Jack in junior badminton and then to continue competing alongside Anna and Jack in the collegiate athletics space, to now having a hands-on developmental role with Anna and Rachel as coach has been unbelievably special. I consider myself lucky to have been able to play a small part in the accomplishments of the Gillies family within the collegiate badminton space.”
As the Blue Devils chase another CCAA championship, one thing is certain: the Gillies name will be etched into UKC badminton history for years to come.