#TeamWarwick athlete profiles: Warwick Squash
With Varsity now less than a month away, #TeamWarwick aren’t the only ones stepping their preparation up a notch. Warwick Squash kick off a week where we’ll bring you athlete profiles from four clubs, so stay tuned.
Warwick Squash’s Elise Walker Image: Warwick Sport
How long have you been playing Squash?
Declan O’Callaghan (President): I was a very late starter, starting when I was only 16 years old!
Elise Walker: I tried squash a couple of times before starting at Warwick and instantly loved it. I’ve played throughout my first and second years.
What drew you to the Sport?
DO’C: The intensity and the demanding nature of the sport. Once I started playing, I couldn’t stop!
EW: I like the fast pace of the sport and its tactical nature – a lot of the game is trying to catch your opponent off-guard, so you have to think while you play.
What does #TeamWarwick mean to you?
DO’C: Sport at Warwick adds a dimension to student life that cannot be replicated by any other student activity. I honestly can’t imagine university life without it. #TeamWarwick adds a sense of pride to representing our university and brings our sports clubs together in a way which encapsulates everything that sport should be about.
EW: It means the whole of campus coming together to celebrate sport and excellence at Warwick University.
What do you appreciate most about being part of a Warwick Sport Performance Club?
DO’C: As a part of the performance programme the level of additional support we receive, including our strength and conditioning sessions, is incredibly useful. This is clearly reflected in our results!
EW: I feel very lucky to represent #TeamWarwick because it means I’m part of a huge environment that encourages students to develop and progress in their chosen sport.
You’ve competed in Varsity before – what was the highlight of your Varsity games last year?
DO’C: I’m not embarrassed to say that I took great pleasure in beating my opponent 11-0 in the first game last year, known in the squash world as a ‘bagel’.
Do you have any pre-game/ competition rituals?
DO’C: Plenty of team stretching and rolling, followed by an intense banger playlist featuring Pirates of the Caribbean and the Transformers soundtrack!
EW: I find that a quick walk in the fresh air while listening to energetic music helps me pump myself up.
Thanks to Warwick Sport for their help with this feature Image: Warwick Sport
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