Wearing dual hats… meet Nathan Turnbull

Like many volunteers and professionals in the Squash community, Nathan Turnbull wears many hats from officiating to coaching. 

His coaching journey started as a way to make money as he pursued his dream of being a professional squash athlete, but what started out as a means to an end has grown into a love all on its own.

Turnbull coaches Australia’s number two ranked male athlete Rhys Dowling, the number one female junior athlete Madison Lyon as well as his sister Jess Turnbull who is currently ranked fourth in Australia. 

Coaching Jess takes their brother-sister relationship to the next level. 

“It’s quite interesting sometimes, obviously we have some differences of opinion but she trusts that I know what I am talking about which is quite good,” he said. 

“Usually we can get through any sort of issue we have and get on with the work.  While  it can be difficult sometimes, I know her quite well and I know exactly what to say to her in particular situations.” 

For Turnbull there is nothing more enjoyable than being able to go to an event and watch the athletes continue to better themselves and improve. 

It is also why he prefers coaching the next generation because he is able to see the progression over the years. 

“That is the thing that keeps me coaching, it is the thing that makes it most exciting,” Turnbull said.

Turnbull is also an international squash official, while it has taken him to many events, his career highlight was the 2016 World Championships Men’s final in Cairo.

“They didn’t have ticketed seats over there and I remember sitting down in my position and I felt like I had a kid on my shoulders for the whole match,” Turnbull said. 

“The atmosphere was crazy and being an all Egyptian final as well it was quite awesome to be involved in that.”

For Turnbull officiating isn’t just about making decisions for the match but making decisions for exciting squash as well. 

“People don’t want to watch and players don’t want to play in matches where there is lots of interference,” he said. 

His biggest piece of advice for young officials is to seek out an official and get involved through them. 

“How you learn and who you learn off is really important particularly with squash refereeing.”

Photos: Craig Stewart - Seize the Light Photography.