Coach’s Corner: Boys’ Varsity Squash

By ARYAN AGARWAL, LYDIA KUHNERT, CHLOE LIND, and SERENA YUE

It’s just you and your opponent. Both of you stand within the confines of these four walls, trapped not just physically but, more notably, imprisoned mentally. Squash is not just one of the most athletically demanding sports but also requires immense mental rigor, a discipline that can’t simply be acquired but must be taught. Though an “individual” sport, this kind of grit calls for a tight-knit community, a team of players close to one another, in training and out. Thus, coaching a squash team is no simple task but critical. This week, The Exonian spoke with the coaches and players of the boys’ varsity squash team to try and learn precisely how coach Bruce Shang and his colleagues do the job.

It is clear in every way that Shang has the perfect coaching philosophy for the sport; the way that he promotes discipline, hard work, and especially team camaraderie, even within an individual setting, is precisely what a squash player needs to stay tough when they are on the court. Coach Lovey Oliff of the girls’ varsity squash team works closely with Shang. Regarding Shang’s character, she commented, “Sometimes the word serious can be misinterpreted, but I think he’s a serious coach. The expectation is that, if you’re coming to practice, you’re coming to practice to work. That’s the case whether you’re the number one on varsity or number 20 on JV.” 

She continued, “One of his catchphrases is that ‘on time is late.’ If practice starts at 4 p.m., you should be warming up no later than 3:50 p.m.” It is clear that Shang gives his players direction — working hard is the bare minimum. 

Oliff expanded, “Since we are at an academic institution, one can think that sports is simply casual. To him, he expects the same level of respect as your studies.” 

Instructor in Classical Languages and assistant coach Paul Langford reflected on Shang’s attitude towards coaching, saying, “He has a great sense of when students need to be reminded of the basic expectations and guidelines he has set, but he is relentlessly positive in his approach and makes it clear that he believes in each player and their potential, as well as in their character. I cannot recall a single day when I have not enjoyed working with coach Shang.”

For his players, Shang isn’t just a coach but also an excellent role model. From preps to seniors, he offers supportive yet firm guidance, always leading by example.

Prep Emmanuel Zhang praised his character, saying, “Coach Shang is a great mix of capable, disciplined, but also relatable and encouraging. He sets a clear standard for the squash team, aiming for us to make every session worth perfection to the greatest of our ability, and emphasizes team spirit, making us not just a team within squash but a team outside of it.”

This sentiment is not uncommon, as every player interviewed expressed similar admiration. Prep Evan Chen added, “I like how he can transition between a tough coach and a genuine person, who’s always there to help us in the long run. When we’re down or when we aren’t in our best mood, he’s always there to cheer us up and make us want to be playing our best.”

Shang takes a particular interest in team chemistry, making sure to work so that they build a supportive culture. Though squash is an individual game, the success of each individual is highly dependent on their mesh as a team. Shang recognizes this and makes teamwork a top priority. “They’re not just seven individuals out there just doing their job. It’s more a question of whether we can build a team environment, even though it’s an individual sport. What we’re trying to do is just make sure that they’re bonding with each other.” 

A crucial part of building this atmosphere is making sure the players will be there for their peers. Shang went on to say, “I want them to support each other. Anytime you’re done with a game, you’re going to go to the next game, and you’re going to support your team as best as you can. Even though we’re competing against each other really hard on the court, we need to be able to support each other off the court.”

With nationals fast approaching in February, the team is preparing and training hard. Practices have been intense, and Shang has been pushing his players to be the best version of themselves. Reflecting on squash’s impact on the players, Shang said, “You’ve got to be mentally tough — you’ve got to be able to push yourself and know you’re capable of doing it. That builds character. They have to figure out how to play through feeling sick, tired, or feeling that they just have homework they need to do. They still have to perform every day. I think it’s great for toughness.”

Undoubtedly, the boys’ varsity squash team is a well-known community on campus. Whether it be sweeping a win on a Wednesday afternoon in the Fisher squash courts or participating in a hard-core conditioning session in the gym, the team will only continue to improve under the confident leadership of coach Shang. His final advice hits hardest: “You can control what you can control. Don’t worry about anything else. You’ve got to play to the best of your ability, practice to the best of your ability, and let the best happen. Just control what you can control.” When life gets overwhelming, giving up and throwing in the towel is easy. Shang’s coaching is a testament to the principle that hard work and focus apply not only in squash but all of life. He is the heart of the team he leads, loves, and lifts, and will lead them to further victory, even beyond the courts.