Fiona Geaves - Junior High Performance Coach
- Performance
- Transitional Programme
- Junior High Performance
- Selection Policy
- Meet The Team
- Player Code of Conduct
- UK Anti-Doping Information
NAME: Fiona Geaves
DOB: 6-12-67
JOB TITLE: Junior High Performance Coach
WHAT IS YOUR JOB AT ENGLAND SQUASH & RACKETBALL:
In charge of finding players with serious potential with the help of the regional coaches. Take National Squads for all age groups helping the juniors to see area’s in their play that they need to work on with their own coaches. Teach them how essential warming up and warming down is as well as strength and stability by introducing the EIS S&C coaches to come and instruct them at these squads. It is essential to me to get the juniors thinking more professionally if they are determined to become World Class Players.
WHAT’S YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE?
I retired from the Women’s Tour in 2006 after reaching a World Ranking of No.5. I then travelled to New York to begin a career in coaching at the Heights Casino, I did this for two years until I was offered the Director of Squash role at the same club which I did for a further two years coaching juniors to become US National Champions.
WHAT’S YOUR COACHING PHILOSOPHY?
• Respect for your coach and their teaching methods
• Respect for your peers (cheating is unacceptable, play hard but fair)
• I expect a player to fully commit to the sport, lazy practice is unacceptable
• A player must have a goal, even if that goal is years away
• Find a players strengths and make them even better
• Find a players weakness and REALLY concentrate on making it a strength
• Determination and Discipline
WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS FOR THE PROGRAMME?
To produce the best Junior players in the World!
WHERE DO YOU SEE SQUASH IN 10 YEARS TIME?
On the way to becoming an Olympic sport. I still see it as one of the most popular sports in the world for all age groups, it is still a great indoor sport played for fun as well as a way of staying very fit.
WHICH OTHER SPORTS DO YOU PLAY OR ENJOY WATCHING?
I love watching Football, Rugby Union and League, Athletics, the last 5 laps of a Formula 1 Grand Prix (as well as the very start), Tennis and of course Squash.
I like to play Golf and cycle up nasty hills!
AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOURSELF?
I ran with the Commonwealth Games baton, meeting legendary Geoff Hurst for the 2002 games. I finished with two bronze medals in the mixed and women’s doubles.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY AWAY FROM SQUASH?
Going to the cinema, watching live sport (being there). Gardening, I know that sounds lame, but it is very rewarding and therapeutic.
PROFESSIONALLY WHO DO YOU REALLY ADMIRE?
Roger Federer
Rafael Nadal
Ellen MacArthur
QUICK FIRE:
FAVOURITE EVER FILM? Love Actually & Billy Elliott
FAVOURITE MUSIC? Cold Play
WHICH 3 PEOPLE WOULD YOU INVITE TO A DINNER PARTY?
Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders and Dara O’briain
FAVOURITE TAKE-AWAY? Indian
WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? Champagne