Squash boss picks up her racquet … again

WHEN PLAY begins today at the 37th Senior Caribbean Squash Championships in Kingston, a familiar name will pop up in the draw for the veterans’ singles. That’s because Karen Anderson, president of the Jamaica Squash Association, has picked up her racquet to lead from the front.

Her return will continue a lifelong fascination with the game.

Anderson was the Caribbean singles champion in 2007 and experienced players in every sport will be in her corner.

“You know, I haven’t played for a long time. In fact, the last Caribbean Championships I’ve been to was held here in 2007. So this is an important step for me but I think it was important that I play and to lead from the front and so that’s what I’m planning to do,” said Anderson.

She is cautious about her prospects.

“Let’s just say that I am playing and I probably am in the best shape I am going to be in for a number of years,” said the former Caribbean champion.

Hamstring problem

Asked if she had a case of veterans knees, she revealed, “The knees are not the problem for me. My hamstring is my problem, so I’m nursing it and I’m managing it and it will be fine as long as I keep within myself and don’t think that I can play like when I played in 2007.”

Anderson started to play the game as a child.

“It’s funny. I’d only been hitting for like three months. You know, my parents hit and then I would hit after them and just run up and down, kind of willy-nilly and then when I was 11 which is the same time, they needed an under-12 girl to play the Caribbean Junior Championships here in Jamaica, and that’s how I got into it and I did okay and it’s been there every since,” she recalled.

Since, then she has served her country in almost every capacity the sport has to offer. Winner of 13 national singles titles, Anderson has served as national coach with assignments including the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and the Pan American Games in 2019. She is also an internationally recognised referee who officiated at the Women’s World Team Championship in 2006 and 2016, the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and the PanAm Games in 2011.

Remembering her start in the sport, she said, “I did alright for never having had formal lessons,” before explaining what kept her hooked.

“You’re always trying to master it. You’re always trying to better your level,” she said.

“… and that’s what it is and that’s all it took.”