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Ahhhhh....can one imagine the life of a Squash Pro? Playing for a living and not only that, getting PAID to play a game for a living. For many, savoring a life of adventure and dedication by belonging to this world of competition, as I did, would fulfill a dream.
However, after circling the block more than a few times, I can certainly say that being a pro has not been a story book endeavor and that there are quite a few intangibles to consider if you're going to take this leap of faith. It’s not a clear and easy decision. It’s not all fun and games.
An essential trait needed to carve out a life of being a respectable teaching pro is enjoying being with fellow players and by being a receptive leader among them at the same time. It's not a job. It's a lifestyle. (While being the Pro at the UClub, I made a point to imbue the mult-faceted nature of the game by presenting and sharing it in such a way that it was appealing to beginners and expert players alike. - JL)
It's not just about just teaching the game. You are a mixture of curator, mentor (blending wisdom with a timely rebuke), orchestrator, cultivator, impresario, designated driver, babysitter, and tour guide - a living cornerstone with a panoramic view who has offerings for both callow beginners as well as gritty, tough-minded players alike. Put this all together and a teaching pro is created. It’s all about connecting the dots with a personal human touch.
This skilled specialist has a vision and guiding principal which sets a tone for the members to enjoy - a vibe, an ethos - who serves as an example by imparting a sense of community: imbuing and preserving the culture of this great game. In a niche sport like Squash, Pros must be promoters and influencers.
The game is an etiquette training ground. Really? Yes, really. Think of the elements of decorum that are encouraged in squash: dress codes, respect for authority, graciousness in winning or in losing, penalties for breaking rules, sportsmanship.
A Pro is a roving ambassador. He’s the selfless one who provides direction and cohesion. The Pro makes everyone around him better.
The common parlance in the world of teaching pros is the phrase “customer squash”.
It’s about doing things together as a group and enjoying watching players pursue their athletic fancies. It’s lifting those around him as one is lifting himself.
As for me, I was once a schoolteacher as well as being a 3-time veteran singles and doubles national champion, I possessed the perspectives, intangibles, and sensibilities from these disparate worlds and did my best to provide the members selected pathways to succeed and enjoy the game. (Players are still just kids disguised as grown-ups. 😉 - JL) I wanted to make the sport come alive while at the UClub by making sure that the various pieces of the program fit together giving every member a chance to shine. It’s being someone who can be counted on - a valuable lesson instilled in me by my coach and mentor when I went to Cal, Dick Crawford.
I was afforded the necessary time to absorb the needed knowledge, understanding, and insights enabled by the patience of the members creating a slate of worthy activities - a process which required a certain number of trips around the sun - logging 30+ years worth of orbits.
In the final chapters of my life, there is still a path afforded to me - as a mentor.
Once a pro, always a pro.
And remember………it’s only a game.
John
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