Departing CEO Maggie Still reflects on nine year Scottish Squash tenure

Nine years ago, when I was appointed to the role of CEO at Scottish Squash, I was delighted to be getting involved in a sport which was new to me, and had high hopes for my time in the role.

As I look back on that moment, I could not have imagined the extent to which my expectations would be exceeded.

Over this period, I have learned that squash in Scotland is made great by the many individuals that dedicate their time and effort, go above and beyond and do so much to drive the growth of an amazing sport.

A shared set of values, and a modernised culture, were shaped by Scotland’s squash community – and while there is always room for growth, I am confident that the community is more valued and play a bigger role in shaping the future of the sport than ever before.

When I reflect on the coaches, volunteers, referees and parents that have supported with the delivery of opportunities for players of all abilities – from total beginners to world champions – I am in awe of the talent, dedication and sheer brilliance of those individuals – without whom very little of Scotland’s squash success would be possible.

These efforts, along with our partnership with Springfield, and the support of Sandy and Anne Adam in particular, have been transformational for squash.

Sandy and Anne’s dedication to supporting athletes, competition delivery and doing everything they can to support squash in Scotland is invaluable – thank you for everything you do.

Looking back on my first days in the role, it was three weeks before I saw a female squash player at Oriam.

Nine years later, we support female athletes in the same way that we support male athletes, and have incredible individuals like Lisa Aitken and Georgia Adderley who have led the way – and continue to lead the way – in flying the flag for female athletes.

There have been many highs during my time as CEO, perhaps none greater than Greg and Rory’s incredible performances at Birmingham securing Scotland’s first Commonwealth Games squash medals in a quarter of a century.

That achievement, along with success at European and World level events, formed part of a fantastic period on court for Scotland’s squash players, and I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with so many great athletes over the years.

After nine years in the sport, there are so many individuals that I would like to thank – too many to name individually – but if you are one of the individuals that has supported me in my time as CEO – you will recognise that I am talking to you – and rest assured I am eternally grateful for your support, guidance and wisdom.

Above all I would like to thank all of the Chairs and Board members over the past nine years, whose time and expertise served as a great source of support.

I owe a tremendous gratitude to sportscotland for their support over the years, as well as our partners at the Scottish Sport Association, European Squash and World Squash Federation.

Finally, to my colleagues at Scottish Squash – past and present – it has been brilliant to work with so many exceptional individuals, and to support the growth of a group of people so dedicated to growing squash, and using the sport to improve outcomes and provide opportunities for all.

I am delighted that Garry McKay will take on the role of Interim CEO for the next six months – the governing body could not be in safer hands for that period.

Squash has a bright future, with interest and opportunities linked to Olympic inclusion, and I would encourage the squash community to maximise every opportunity to continue to grow an amazing sport.