Providing enjoyable experiences is key for long-term involvement in the sport, according to squash legend Vicki Cardwell

As we wrap up our coverage of Women's Squash Week, we caught up with Australian legend and former world no.1 Vicki Cardwell. Cardwell was a dominant force on the domestic and international squash scene for almost 20 years between the late seventies and the mid-nineties and is both a Sport Australia and Squash Australia Hall of Fame inductee.

After an outstanding playing career, Cardwell turned to coaching and is currently the State Regional Development Officer for Squash South Australia, nurturing the next generation of Australian squash champions.

Cardwell, who happily defines herself as a ‘squash tragic’, said the transition from competing to coaching wasn’t easy, but worthwhile.

“Nothing worthwhile is easy. If it’s easy, everybody can do it,” she explained.

“Being exceptional requires exceptional effort and commitment.”

Having claimed the 1983 World Open Women’s Champion title and four consecutive British Open crowns between 1980-83, Cardwell knows a thing or two about being exceptional, bringing the same drive and dedication into her coaching.

“I coach because I enjoy the reward of seeing players embracing the challenge of being the best they can be.

“The best preparation produces the best performance. You have to endure the training to then enjoy the contest,” she said.

Cardwell said that through coaching she continues to enjoy the same aspects of the game she cherished in her playing years - engaging with people who played and supported the sport on and off the court.

“Squash attracts good, smart and energetic people who can enjoy both the simplicity of hitting a ball against the wall as well as the complexity and the challenges of competing.

“I enjoy most conversations, questions and opinions. I enjoy the on-court experience of encouraging players when training, as well as the opportunity to support them off-court when they are competing,” she said.

Cardwell also agreed that the role of women coaches can be important to foster a sense of community and keep young women within the sport in the long term.

“But the challenge is providing an environment which can sustain an enjoyable experience, on and off the court,” Cardwell explained.

“The current fashion of ‘participation’, while vital for sustained good health, must be a foundation to build a strong, resilient community.

“I believe we must encourage competition, celebrate competition, promote competition and sustain it to enable us to be our best,” she said.

Cardwell added that supporting our female athletes, giving them opportunities to compete, must be a priority of club, state and national strategic planning.

“A tight competition at the top level promotes improved performance and builds character. It can reward perseverance and determined effort, while developing individual resilience to the disappointment of defeat,” she said.

Vicki Cardwell is an inspiring figure who holds an important place in the history of Australian squash, alongside many athletes, coaches and administrators who have paved the way for the new generation of Aussie players.

“Our contribution to Australian sport as world best is extensive,” she said.

“I am proud to have contributed significantly to that history, but mostly proud of my contribution to squash as a ‘squash mother’ who encouraged and supported her two wonderful children to embrace and engage with squash.”