Meet the Player: Olivia Besant – The Volley Drop Virtuoso
When it comes to UK squash, Olivia Besant is a name you’ll want to remember. Known for her lightning-quick reflexes, precise backhand volley drops, and fearless play on the court, Olivia has been making waves in junior tournaments across the country. From discovering squash thanks to her dad to carving out her own path with guidance from top coaches, Olivia’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and pure squash talent. In this Meet the Player feature, we dive into her inspirations, favorite shots, and the moments that make her a true rising star in UK squash.
1. How did you first discover squash?
“My dad introduced me to squash after finding a love for the sport himself. For years I played both tennis and squash, and eventually had to pick one due to conflicting techniques… obviously squash was the better choice!”
2. Who’s your biggest squash inspiration?
“Probably my coach from back home before I went to university, Stuart Summers. He coached me pretty much since I started playing squash and consistently got me into the top 10 in juniors, all while having a full-time job and other commitments – a true multitasker.”
3. Do you have a nickname? If yes, how did it come about?
“I don’t have a nickname just yet, although at a team tournament this year, we decided ‘VO2 Max’ would be fitting as a laugh. Although I have accurate shots that finish rallies, my fitness is something I’m aiming to improve!”
4. Describe your playing style in 3 words.
Short, early, quick.
5. Favourite shot and why?
“I love a volley drop, especially on the backhand. I like to go for it early to catch my opponent off-guard—it’s my favourite way to dictate the pace and surprise them!”
6. Most memorable moment on court?
“Winning the U17 French Junior Open (after being two games and match ball down) has definitely got to be the most memorable. Having all my friends watching, and my dad as my biggest supporter, made it super special.”
7. If you weren’t playing squash, what sport would you be doing?
“If I never got into squash, it would probably still be tennis since I loved playing when I was younger. I do enjoy a bit of padel in sunny weather as well—it’s another racket sport I took to quickly!”
8. What’s your go-to pre-match snack (be honest!)
“I love a pork pie pre-match.”
9. Best post-match meal?
“When I was younger it was a classic burger during tournaments—not the best fueling! Nowadays I usually stick to a nice pasta instead.”
10. What’s something in your squash bag that shouldn’t be there?
“Either a pack of jelly snakes, one of my favourite sweets, or my placement clothes, since I often have to go straight from the hospital to the courts to make time for training.”
11. One fun fact people might not know about you?
“I bake a banging banana bread.”
Olivia Besant continues to impress both on and off the court, from her memorable wins in junior tournaments to her dedication to mastering every aspect of her game. Whether it’s her signature backhand volley, lightning-fast rallies, or off-court fun like baking banana bread, Olivia shows that squash is as much about personality as it is about skill. Keep an eye on this rising UK squash talent as she continues to push limits and inspire the next generation of players.
Stay tuned for more exclusive insights from OLIVER Squash. Keep following our blog for player updates, interviews, and more, and discover how these athletes are shaping the future of squash. Visit OLIVER Squash Blog for all the latest updates!
