Squash spotlight: Daniel Sealy

Squash is a racquet sport played by two players (or four players for doubles) in a four-walled court with a small, hollow rubber ball.

Once the ball is served, players take turns hitting the ball against the front wall, above the tin and below the out line. The ball may strike the side or back walls at any time, as long as it hits below the out line and above the tin. The ball may only bounce once on the floor, and players may move anywhere around the court.

Squash is a challenging contest of agility, strategy, talent and mental and physical strength.

Name: Daniel Sealy

Age: 10 years old

Q: What school do you attend?

A: St. Winifred’s School.

Q: At what age did you start to play squash?

A: 8 years old.

Q: How many years have you been playing squash?

A: 2 years.

Q: What or who inspired you to play squash?

A: My Dad introduced me to squash. In 2018 when I accompanied him to the World Championships in Charlottesville, Virginia, I saw a young boy hitting the ball beautifully up and down the wall and I said, “I want to be able to play like that” and then I really started practising.

Q: How many days a week do you normally spend training?

A: About 5 times per week. I drill with my coach, play competitive games and do solo sessions which I particularly enjoy.

Q: Who is your coach? Where do you often train?

A: My coach is Lilianna White. Barbados Squash Club for squash, but I also train with Salt Water Swimmers, which really helps with my fitness for squash.

Q: Have you had the privilege of representing Barbados at any regional or international tournaments?

A: No, I was invited to the Barbados trials for U11 and really enjoyed the training, but unfortunately, training and the tournament were cancelled due to COVID.

Q: Are you right or left-handed?

A: Right-handed.

Q: What is your favourite shot?

A: The drive and the boast.

Q: Who is your favourite squash player?

A: I like to watch Ali Farag from Egypt World #2 and Barbados #1 Shawn Simpson.

Q: Are there any goals you have in mind that you would like to accomplish in the sport?

A: My goal is to become a top player and represent Barbados.

Q: Besides squash, are there any other sports that you play? If not, do you have any hobbies which you care to share?

A: I play cricket, tennis and swimming, with cricket being my second major sport.

Q: What do you see as your greatest accomplishment?

A: To be chosen to train to represent Barbados with a view for selection for Junior CASA.

Q: What are your plans for your game of squash in the future?

A: I plan to train more often, and practise using height more as well as improve my return of service.

Q: What would you say to a child or adult to encourage them to choose squash as a sport?

A: Squash is an amazing sport because it gets you fit, you meet lots of people, and it’s a lot of fun.