Halo Leisure’s Manager – Sally Davis Wins Squash Coach of the Year!
🏆 National Coach of the Year!
“When I found out I’d been named Coach of the Year by Squash Wales, I was genuinely stunned. Shocked, even. I’ve never coached for recognition—I coach because I love it. Helping players grow, improve, and fall in love with the game is all the reward I need.”
A journey of passion and play: Read how our very own Sally Davis earned the prestigious title of Squash Wales’ Coach of the Year.
Where It All Began
My squash journey began when I was 16 and working at Maesteg Sports Centre. At first, I played friendly games with the staff, but soon I joined the local ladies’ team at Maesteg Squash Club. My passion for coaching actually started in another sport—gymnastics. At Bridgend Life Centre, I set up a gymnastics programme so I could give other young people the chance to enjoy the sport I loved. While I was there, I also completed my swim teaching qualifications. Those early experiences became the foundation for everything I do as a coach today.
The People Who Inspired Me
Two people in particular have shaped my approach to coaching. My school PE teacher, Linda Hesp, was a role model in every sense—she even came to watch me compete in gymnastics. I admired how she led her PE sessions and inspired her students. In squash, Roy Gingell has had a huge influence on my journey, both as a player and as a coach. His support and guidance have been invaluable, and I’m truly grateful for everything he’s done to help me grow.
Two Decades of Coaching
I earned my first squash coaching qualification in April 2003 through Maesteg Squash Club, and I began working with juniors at the club and during local playschemes. Since then, I’ve coached players from as young as four years old—my “mini tots”—all the way to adults. My main focus is on juniors aged 4–17, and I’m proud to say that Maesteg now has one of the top three junior squash sections in Wales. Out of our juniors, eight have gone on to represent Wales, which is an incredible achievement for them and something I’m so proud of.
Alongside my work at the club, I coach with Squash Wales, running academy sessions and working with national age group players. For the past three years, I’ve also been selected to coach at European and Home Nations events, which has given me the chance to learn from National Coach Greg Tippings and develop my own skills.
Why I Coach
My coaching philosophy is simple: keep it fun, keep it positive, and keep it personal. I believe that to keep players motivated, you need to know them, understand their goals, and set both short-term and long-term targets. I always give feedback in a positive way—focusing on how they can improve, rather than what they’ve done wrong.
I also encourage older juniors to work with younger ones. The little ones see them as role models, and it helps build a sense of community within the club. Many of our older players had that same support when they were younger, and it’s helped them become the athletes—and people—they are today.
Building the Future of Squash
Two projects are particularly close to my heart. The first is the Squash Wales beginner camps, which introduce children aged 5–13 to the game in a fun and friendly way. The second is the Mini Tots programme in Maesteg, for ages 4–6, which I secured funding for so that every child has the chance to play, regardless of cost.
Access is so important to me. Financial challenges can stop people from getting involved in sport, so I’ve worked hard to secure funding for equipment and to help volunteers gain coaching qualifications. That way, families can simply turn up—we provide everything they need.
Looking Ahead
With squash set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, I’m hopeful the sport will get a well-deserved boost in participation, especially here in Wales. In the coming year, I aim to help even more players achieve their goals and, hopefully, continue working alongside the National Coach at international events.
The Moments That Mean the Most
Some of my proudest coaching memories are personal ones—seeing my three children, Ioan, Anwen, and Bronwen, represent South Wales, and watching Thomas Fenlon, a player I coach, represent Wales for the first time. When I travel with national squads, I always give the players a keepsake for their achievements, something they can keep alongside their Welsh cap as a reminder of their hard work.
And as for unwinding? Well, I’m an eight-hours-a-night sleeper! Anything less, and I turn into the Grinch. Coaching and working full-time keeps me busy, so rest is my secret weapon.
A Career Built on Passion
Coaching has given me so much more than a career—it’s given me a community, countless memories, and the chance to help young athletes grow not just as players, but as people. Being named Coach of the Year is an incredible honour, but for me, the true reward will always be seeing my players achieve their goals, enjoy the game, and carry the values they’ve learned with them long after they’ve left the court.
