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The Squash WA Newsletter (SWAN)

February 2026 - Issue 120

HUGE congratulations to our amazing 2025 nominees and winners of the Squash WA Awards, held at Nedlands Golf Club on Saturday 21 February.  We recently upgraded to Perpetual Honour Boards, so all categories, old and new, were represented in a uniform way.  

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More to come on our Awards later in this newsletter.

In the lead up to the Awards, I started to become a little philosophical…  thinking about all the different types of people in our squash community.  Why do people give back to our sport; why do some give nothing?  Most importantly, how can we as a sport keep growing and building on where we are today?

Then I had a thought… about a story of community and building, with continuous improvement also in mind…

A Tale of the “Lego” Squash Community

Once upon a time, there was a bustling squash community, each member as unique as a piece of Lego.  Just like building blocks, every piece had its part to play in creating something bigger — something lasting and strong.

The administration staff, board members, and committees were the foundation blocks, solid and dependable, giving stability and shape to the whole structure. Without them, the walls would wobble and the roof would crumble.  Players of all levels — juniors, seniors, and masters — were the colourful pieces clicking tightly together, their enthusiasm and drive adding to the growing structure, all completely different, yet all working together.

Supportive volunteers were the connectors and hinges, joining different elements of squash in WA together. They kept things running smoothly behind the scenes, making sure everyone felt welcome, and the community spirit stayed strong. The Referees and organisers were the clear, transparent bricks — often overlooked or unseen, but essential, keeping the game fair and the matches flowing.

But as with every Lego set, there are a few sharp-edged pieces that don’t quite fit.  These were the disruptive members who sometimes made things tricky for everyone else. Instead of building up, they could pull a structure down; halting and hindering the build.  Yet, even these pieces had a role, reminding the community to work together and find creative ways to overcome challenges.

There were also shining, unique pieces—the innovators and passionate fans, the givers and the squash die-hards — who brought new ideas, energy and positivity. They found clever ways to connect sections or pieces that seemed impossible to join, inspiring everyone to keep building higher and stronger together.

Together, the squash community grew — layer by layer, piece by piece — learning that it’s not just the good pieces or the bad ones that actually matter; it’s how they all come together.  Where there’s a will, there is a way. When each person finds their place in the build, the result is a squash community as sturdy and colourful as the tallest Lego structure, ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

The End.

Squash in WA punches above our weight in relation to the other Australian states, so I believe we have a pretty good set of Lego over here in the west, something we can all be proud of. 

Can we build bigger, better and stronger? Every piece of Lego plays a part.  What part do you play in our Lego set? 

Whilst not everyone can be nominated for or win awards, every piece of Lego has got a place, so long as you’re in the set, we have all the pieces we need to keep building.

Happy Squashing! 

Leigh-Anne Kaye
General Manager
Squash WA

Main Event

Thanks Leigh-Anne Kaye

The West Coast Open went off without a hitch.  Entries up to 115 from 88 last year, temperatures down from 36 to 31 degrees with the addition of a portable air-conditioner.  Erin Classen took out the Ladies Open, with Pascale as Runner Up, and Mike Corren did not disappoint with this seventh win!

What would a tournament be without a novice division?  12 keen young squashies took to the court under the guidance of Serena Richardson, over two divisions, and played their hearts out.  Squash was most certainly the winner and the future of squash is looking good with these little people coming through.

To the people behind the scenes that spent hours upon hours organising the various bits and pieces - creating then changing draws, refereeing matches, running the canteen, shopping, etc., many of whom were also trying to play in the event as well.  A HUGE thank you to our Tournament Referee Luke Jamieson, Tournament Director Kim Duffecy, and canteen manager Lee Ingham.  These events could not, and would not, happen without you!

Click HERE to see the presentation photos.

Novice Event

Thanks Serena Richardson

For the last few years, Squash WA have not only incorporated Masters (35+) divisions into their tournaments, but also Novice Junior divisions.  The 2026 West Coast Open was no different, with 12 eager young squashies taking the plunge and signing up.

When we were sitting on around 7 kids a couple of weeks out, I thought we had as many signed up as were going to, and was planning an 8-person Monrad.  It wasn’t an ideal situation as some of those signed up were very young and new to squash, where as others were on the fringe of playing in the older/stronger junior divisions.  At the eleventh hour, another few registrations rolled in and we ended up with 12.  Perfect!  An 8-person Monrad, and a 4-person Round Robin for the really little ones.

Click HERE to read more.

All draws and results available here: https://www.revolutionise.com.au/squashwa/games.

Squash WA hosted another Club Forum on Wednesday 4 February at the State Squash Centre.  We're very grateful for all those from the squash community who attended in person or dialled in. 

Click HERE to view the powerpoint presented on the night.  Please direct any queries about the content to engagement@squashwa.asn.au

The Votes Are In!  

Congratulations to all those who were nominated for an award for their contributions to our community throughout 2025.  It was a tough decision for each one, so we thank the selection panel who offered their services.

We also thank each and every volunteer, official, juniors, player and coach for everything they do for our sport, whether they were nominated or not.

Click HERE for a summary of the winners announced on the evening along with all the photos.

Managing Emotions

For the February instalment of No Appointment Necessary, our resident Clinical Psychologist Christian Hetebry, of HealthSense Psychology and Well-Being, once again delves into 'Managing Emotions', however this time with a focus on children and young people.

Click HERE to read another fantastic article from Christian. 

Protective Eyewear

Thanks Neil Butler

Players who are under the age of 19 (18 + 364 days in a normal year or 18 + 365 days in a leap year) are required to wear protective eyewear when competing or training in sanctioned WSF, Squash Australia, or State sanctioned events.

Recently I have had to warn a few players who have not complied with this requirement.  This brings me to the question of ‘who is responsible to ensure that a junior player is wearing glasses?’

Click HERE to read more.

This month, Level 2 Coach and Level 1 Assessor, Paul Kershaw dissects the importance of a junior mastering a backhand volley return, and how to learn it. 

"A good backhand volley return teaches a young player to play on the front foot. Most junior serves sit up nicely, so the player who steps in early immediately removes the server’s advantage. The key is not power — it’s shape, balance, and intention."

Click HERE to read more.

You read that right, the WORLD Masters Champs are coming to our humble little Perth!!

Spread across multiple squash centres as well as a glass court smack BANG in the middle of Karrinyup Shopping Centre, you do NOT want to miss THIS.

Registrations are open now and are swarming in with an impressive 220+ players signed up already!  Compete against squashies from around the world, including the UK, US, Canada, Portugal, Brazil, Mexico, India, Italy, Hong Kong, Namibia, South Africa and MORE.

Click HERE to visit the World Squash Federation to sign up today. 

WA Events

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Click HERE for more info and to enter.

Nationwide Events

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Contributions to the SWAN are welcome.  We LOVE to hear about events, awards, funny stories, and more!  Simply send an email to squashwanewsletter@gmail.com.

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