Serving Up… Olivia Besant: The Mind, the Game, and the Journey
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When you step onto a squash court, you see the fast-paced rallies, the flicks, the dives—but there’s a world behind the lines that only the pros experience. Olivia Besant, rising star and top British junior-turned-professional, lifts the curtain in this exclusive interview. We dive deep into her journey, mental game, tactical brilliance, and the often-overlooked grind that shapes champions. Welcome to “Serving Up…” where squash meets stories, heart meets hustle, and insight meets pure entertainment.
Interview with Olivia Besant
Shaun Sullivan: Hi Olivia, you okay?
Olivia Besant: Hi. I’m good, thanks. How are you?
Shaun Sullivan: Too bad. Thanks for taking the time out of university before you get back to it. Can you tell us what you’re doing at uni?
Olivia Besant: Yeah, I’m still on placement over the summer, finishing my third year of physiotherapy, and I’ll be doing my final year next year. It’s a full-on course but very interesting.
Shaun Sullivan: Did you get into physio to help yourself with squash?
Olivia Besant: I was interested in it anyway, but it will definitely help if I ever have an issue down the line.
Shaun Sullivan: How did you first discover squash, and why did it win over tennis?
Olivia Besant: My dad introduced me to both sports. Tennis was fun, but squash became more prevalent in my life. Coaching was more regular, and I made so many friends through squash. It felt like a community—you’re close, and everyone knows each other.
Shaun Sullivan: Stuart Summers has been a key influence in your career. How did he shape your game and mindset?
Olivia Besant: Stuart wasn’t just my coach—he was family. He focused on tactical awareness, ball placement, and varying paces. He’d sometimes motivate me with a chat, sometimes push me with tough love. He drilled routines like turning my shoulders perfectly before going on court—it’s ingrained in me to this day.
Shaun Sullivan: How did you handle pressure as a top junior?
Olivia Besant: There was a lot of self-pressure. You want to perform for coaches, friends, and family. But it was balanced by having fun and building friendships. That experience taught me resilience, which carries over into the professional tour.
Shaun Sullivan: Moving into professional squash, what changed?
Olivia Besant: Matches became more unpredictable. You face older, stronger, and more experienced players. You can’t assume a win or a loss. The mental reset after a loss is tougher—you have time to reflect, unlike in juniors where you have another match soon. Chatting with friends and family helps me decompress.
Shaun Sullivan: How do you stay focused during a match?
Olivia Besant: Focus is key. I concentrate on the point and strategy, not on spectators or referees. Mental cues, repetition, and self-awareness keep me in the zone. Observing peers with strong mental resilience helps me improve mine.
Shaun Sullivan: Let’s talk fitness. How important is it for your performance?
Olivia Besant: Hugely important. Squash is demanding, and improving endurance directly impacts performance. Training with a partner boosts motivation, accountability, and consistency. I need to get my fitness in line to complement my short, aggressive playing style.
Shaun Sullivan: Do you use specific mental triggers or routines?
Olivia Besant: I try to focus manually: “Keep concentrated, keep concentrated.” I experimented with mental camps and triggers, but I prefer staying in the match and adapting naturally. Too much pre-match mental prep stresses me out.
Shaun Sullivan: Any left-handed advantages?
Olivia Besant: Sometimes it surprises opponents. I naturally use my left hand for racket sports, though for some activities like throwing or scissors, I’m right-handed. My dad is left-handed too, so I guess I inherited it.
Shaun Sullivan: How do you approach top-level matches now?
Olivia Besant: Every match is a learning experience. Whether I’m an underdog or a favorite, I focus on adapting, staying mentally flexible, and recovering quickly from errors. Fitness, strategy, and composure all work together.
Shaun Sullivan: Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in 10–15 years?
Olivia Besant: Ideally, top 50 in the world, aiming higher as fitness and experience improve. Physiotherapy will also remain part of my life, helping me balance sport and career.
Takeaways from Olivia
- Mental resilience: Junior pressure prepares you, but professional squash is a new level.
- Focus: Concentration on the point outweighs external distractions.
- Fitness: Physical conditioning is integral to executing an aggressive short game.
- Support system: Family, coaches, and peers play a vital role in emotional recovery.
- Adaptability: Every match is unique; approach with flexibility and tactical awareness.
Olivia Besant shows us that professional squash isn’t just about the fastest swing or the perfect drop shot—it’s about balance, mindset, and incremental growth. From university placements to tournament courts, her journey is a blueprint for aspiring athletes navigating multiple pressures with grace, humor, and relentless determination.