The number-one ranked squash player in the world, Paul Coll of New Zealand, trained with Greenwich Country Club’s Rodney Eyles last week to prepare for the U.S. Open. Known as the “Superman” of squash, Mr. Coll (30) took time out of his training on Wednesday to speak with squash enthusiasts at GCC and play with the club’s top nationally ranked junior players Oliver Velasco (Brunswick sophomore) and Charli Tompkins (Greenwich Academy freshman).
“Paul is known as Superman because of his amazing skill level and speed, and he is feared by his opponents because of that, but more importantly, Paul is known for his incredible sportsmanship,” said Mr. Eyles, former world and U.S. Open champion and head pro at GCC. “He plays and behaves on the court the way we teach our youngest athletes and it’s an honor to train with him this week.”
Mr. Coll said he has admired Mr. Eyles since coming to the sport as a child and still models Mr. Eyles’ unparalleled technique and control.
In between practice sets and drills, Mr. Coll answered questions from junior players and their parents, discussing the importance of young athletes mixing up their activities to avoid burn-out, healthy eating habits and incorporating weight training and stretching.
His best advice for juniors?
“Don’t be too hard on yourself when you lose. I let some of my early losses get me down and now they’re way in the rearview mirror,” said Coll. “Listen to Rodney and your mum and dad, and you’ll do well.”
The U.S. Open is held October 8 to 15, in Philadelphia.
