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Ahhhhh....can you try to 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, having a life of adventure by pursuing this world of competition would fulfill a dream.
However, after circling the court more than a few times, I can certainly say that being a pro had not been a story book endeavor. Becoming a pro comes with a few intangibles It’s not a clear and easy decision.to make. It’s not all fun and games.
A few essential traits needs present to carve out a life of being a respectable teaching pro - the enjoyment of 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 of imbuing 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 out pops a teaching pro. It’s all about connecting the dots with a personal human touch.
This skilled specialist has a vision - is a spiritual guide with a guiding principal who sets the 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 by providing connection to all corners of the clubhouse.
The game is a training ground for etiquette. 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 leading and doing things together as a group - enjoying watching players pursue their athletic fancies. It’s lifting those around him as one is lifting himself.
As for me, I was a 3-time veteran singles and doubles national champion while being a schoolteacher. I possessed the perspectives, intangibles, and sensibilities from the two 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.
By being afforded the necessary time, I absorbed the needed knowledge, understanding, and insights thereby creating a slate of worthy activities for the membership - a process which required many trips around the sun - logging 30+ years worth of orbits.
In the final chapters of my life, there is still a path still afforded to me - sure, as a mentor.
Once a pro, always a pro.
And remember………it’s only a game……a game that for me has always been a game.
John
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