The descent of winter upon Berkshire is always marked by a surge of students appearing in the squash courts. On weekends and weekdays, in the mornings and evenings, the light spills from the massive wall of windows, offering a glimpse into the Berkshire squash experience. Within the confines of the courts, inclusion and excellence are not competing priorities, but harmonious ones. How do we manage to support elite squash athletes alongside players who have never held a racquet? It boils down to the space, the staff, and the support.
Ten squash courts line the walls, providing ample space to host practice for our six different squash teams–varsity, JV, and thirds for both girls and boys–from afternoon to evening. With this much space, no one is an afterthought. But space alone is not enough; the coaches help strike this balance of accessibility and excellence. Talented player and experienced coach Shiraz Akbar can be found among the courts from the end of the school day until well after the sun has set. He engages with the varsity athletes through the third’s teams, tailoring practices to each team’s needs and striving to see everyone progress, whether that means teaching the rules of the game or match-play strategy. Additionally, visits from Nick “The Wolf” Matthew, who spends time with each team, further elevate the program. The former world number one squash player is highly qualified to teach the basics of a proper grip to a first-time player, as well as devise drills to challenge an elite varsity athlete’s stamina, adapting to whatever the player they are training requires.
We have the courts and the coaches, but squash practices wouldn’t feel special without the students who fill them. The program would not be a pride of Berkshire school without the determined athletes travelling far from home to pursue excellence, or without the curious first-timers who dare to try something new. The Berkshire community shows up for each other in this space, united not by skill but by the shared decision to step onto the court.
