SquashTalk > Letters to the Editor > Bob Hanscomb on USA Women's National Team in Cairo 2008
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December 15, 2008. On
the US Women's Team in Cairo (see Rob Dinerman's article)
Dear Editor,
GREAT Analysis of US Women's Team 14th Place Worlds Finish. Everything you say is true, but there certainly exists another MAJOR contributing factor for the women - and the men!
Without doubt, the United States Intercollegiate squash program is arguably the finest and largest organized squash program in the world - at least in my opinion. However, because of the academic attraction it has to our nation's best squash players (and of course, their parents) the result is that after possibly four years of prep or high school squash - and four years of collegiate squash, (which is undoubtedly a great and enjoyable experience) the players, now armed with an excellent education - and a need to earn a living - it's expected that they will want to "move on" with their life.
I thoroughly believe that barring extraordinary talents such as Julian Illingworth, etc., IF (a BIG if) an American squash player (male or female) wants to move into the "big leagues" and pursue a career in professional squash, they would need to dedicate themselves to that profession VERY early on - foregoing a college career until such time they decided the pro tour was too tough - or retired from it. Then perhaps, (if so desired), they could go back to school to get that education they chose not to pursue.
Perhaps our strongest hope in becoming successful on the world squash scene, lies with our growing inner-city programs. Although the program presents academic opportunities not otherwise available to many, there would be those from that program who may choose to pursue a professional squash career.
Let's not be too hard on our squash-playing collegians...as they are certainly to be congratulated for both their successful squash, academic and professional corporate, law or medical careers.
All the best,
Bob Hanscomb, Los Angeles
