Beyond the Court: Lessons from Elite Squash Players on Health and Resilience

Healthy View

Written by: Dr. Madison Sangster-Newbery, ND, Naturopathic Doctor, Adelaide Health Clinic & Sport Medicine Clinic 

Standing beside the glass squash court in Brookfield Place’s beautiful atrium, I found myself in an entirely different setting than the typical clinic spaces where I practice naturopathic medicine. It didn’t feel all that unfamiliar, though - having grown up around the squash community, it felt natural to bring these two parts of my life together. Working alongside the Adelaide Club’s talented physiotherapist, Greg Moneta, I felt right at home supporting the health and safety of the some of the world’s top athletes competing in the finals of the Canadian Women’s Squash Open and the Cambridge Group of Clubs Classic. As a naturopath, I look at health in a holistic way, considering the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects that all play a part in wellbeing. 

The first thing that struck me was the sheer intensity of the players’ focus. Squash is as much a mental game as it is physical. It’s not uncommon to see a seemingly weaker player come out on top by maintaining mental clarity and resilience. The tournament highlighted for me the psychological strength required to excel at this sport. On finals day, handling the unexpected was part of the challenge; at one point, the court door opened mid-rally, yet players Masotti and Cardenas stayed focused and played through it. I was impressed by their concentration, which serves as a reminder of the importance of mental strength, not only a great asset in sport, but in life. 

The physical skill of the athletes was phenomenal; every movement on the court was executed flawlessly, as if it were premeditated. Amanda Sobhy’s presence was especially powerful - her return to the court after two Achilles tendon ruptures is a remarkable achievement in resilience and recovery. Her movements showed no hesitation, a testament to her grueling rehabilitation and inner strength. Before each match, players dedicated significant time to warming up, not only with cardio but also with targeted mobility exercises to protect their joints and muscles. Their nutrition was similarly precise, with carefully balanced electrolytes and simple carbohydrates to sustain performance. Observing them reinforced the incredible physical commitment required to reach - and stay at - the top level of any sport. 

SquashTV, US Sobhy v Gilis BE | Canadian Women’s Open 2024 | Final Highlights 

Emotional control was also vital to the players’ success. Emotions can easily derail a match, and I saw this firsthand with a few calls from the ref that Baptiste Masotti found difficult to accept. In those moments, his shock and anger were visible, potentially affecting his game. Elite athletes, like everyone, must learn to manage disappointment and turn setbacks into motivation. This emotional resilience enables them to stay grounded, control nerves, and maintain composure, even when it feels like the odds are against them. 

During the award ceremony and speeches, I reflected on the extensive support systems these athletes rely on. Just as my patients benefit from a network of integrated care, these players depend on coaches, trainers, physiotherapists, and a team of natural health professionals to keep them in peak condition. The interconnectedness of all these roles is striking - any small misstep in nutrition, mental preparation, or physical conditioning can influence a match’s or even a season’s outcome. It made me reflect on the healthcare providers each of us need on our journey, whether it’s to improve athletic performance, recover from an injury, or simply optimize quality of life. At the Adelaide Health Clinic & Sport Medicine Clinic, we’re here to support you with a dedicated team, ready to help you reach your goals. 

Reflecting on my time at the Canadian Women’s Squash Open and the Cambridge Group of Clubs Classic, I’m reminded of the intricate connection between body, mind, and performance. Observing these elite athletes stressed the importance of a holistic approach - not only for achieving peak physical condition but for excelling in every aspect of the game. Naturopathic medicine plays a vital role in this process, helping athletes optimize their performance by addressing physical recovery, enhancing nutrition, and strengthening mental resilience. When integrated with physiotherapy, athletic therapy, mental health support, and coaching, this holistic approach provides a comprehensive foundation for success. It’s a privilege to contribute to a support system that empowers squash players to thrive - both on and off the court. 
 

About the Author

Dr. Madison Sangster-Newbery, ND is driven to help you achieve optimal health. Having personally navigated the challenges of anxiety, Dr. Madison, ND understands the profound impact it can have on daily life. This experience ignited a deep commitment to finding natural and sustainable approaches to manage anxiety. She integrates a variety of naturopathic modalities, including herbal medicine, nutrition, lifestyle counseling, and mind-body techniques, into personalized treatment plans with the aim to empower individuals to regain control of their mental health by addressing the root causes of anxiety, offering support that goes beyond symptom management. Dr. Madison Sangster-Newbery ND is currently licensed and registered to practice in Ontario under the College of Naturopaths of Ontario. She is a member of both the Ontario Association of Naturopathic Doctors and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
 

Want to know more about how naturopathic medicine can support and enhance your squash performance?

Book a 15-minute complimentary consultation with Dr. Madison Sangster-Newbery, ND. Let's get you mentally and physically healthy.