Women’s Squash Week: why role models are crucial for the next generation of squash talents

Young Australian squash talents need sporting heroes they can relate to and State Performance Pathway Coordinator in Western Australia, Sue Hillier, thinks the squash community could do more to celebrate the achievements of its most inspirational players, including many female world champions.

“These champions are still out there, helping and coaching in our community and they are fantastic ambassadors for our sport,” Hillier said.

“We need these role models for the next generation to come through. 

“Many females especially pull out of the sport too early,” she added.

According to Hillier, further developing domestic competition could be another way to tackle the issue of teenagers abandoning the sport. Young athletes would be regularly exposed to better players and would have an opportunity to learn from them, getting better and in turn being encouraged to stay in the sport longer.

“It would be great to see more women playing the game as this in turn would see more competition. 

“I also think it is good to encourage young females to pursue the love of their sport and see how far they can go as it promotes a healthy lifestyle and it makes them challenge themselves,” she said. 

Hillier is a former WA State Open squash champion and has also excelled in Masters Squash. From her position within the squash pathway, she now enjoys the privilege of being able to accompany young athletes through their development process and tries to teach them values like fairness, respect and inclusivity.

“I enjoy liaising with the athletes. Some of them I have known since under-13, so I have seen them mature and their game progress. I love to watch them have fun at training whilst working hard and I have enjoyed their camaraderie.”

Hillier also thinks it’s important to foster a sense of community within the sport - which is something squash has had success with.

“Our community is unique as we welcome all ages to play the game. You could be 14 years old and play in a team with a much older person, allowing for personal growth as well as learning more about our game.

“We can play mixed, ability-based, female- and male-only competitions. There is such a variety and people come from all walks of life. 

“You always have this community to fall back on and no matter where you go in the world, squash communities are always friendly and welcoming. People know that when they join the local squash club, they immediately have access to a community of like minded people,” she said.