It’s the vibe: Squash Sisters hit the court- By Sasha Oelsner

It’s the vibe: Squash Sisters hit the court

Thursday 22 October was a scorcher. The thermometer hits an unseasonable 32.3 degrees. Things were already hotting up at Somerton Squash – and that was before you factored in the weather.

I'm at the inaugural Squash Sisters Women's Social Night and we've taken over five courts. There are women playing, others cheering from the sidelines, and we're about to make some noise.

Back where we belong

I returned to squash about four years ago after a 16-ish-year hiatus. I'd found myself talking longingly about a sport I used to love, but couldn't imagine myself playing again. Until one day I thought, "Gosh darn it*, I can just waddle around the court. I don't have to be any good."

*Censored. Those weren't quite the words I thought.

When I returned, I was surprised by the lack of women. Since then, I've been passionate about getting more women and girls through the squash court door. I absolutely had to be here tonight – even if I was nursing a new shoulder injury. For someone who'd spent the past few years wondering where all the women in squash had gone, seeing five courts full of them was quite something.

Dani, Squash SA's home-grown superwoman, greets everyone like old friends, even those she's never met. She knows and loves the game through and through, and now she’s helping create opportunities for other women to enjoy it.

We spend a little while chatting and swapping squash origin stories. There are some familiar faces in the room. I pass around a laminated team photo from the late 1900s (…), featuring a few women who, when I looked around the room, seemed to have barely aged a day. Some haven’t picked up a racquet since they were teenagers; others had kept a toe in the game in some way.

Then there were the newer players like Pip and Karen, who’ve turned away from the dark side (tennis) and towards the light (squash). I’d even managed to coax my former teammate Bec back onto the court – maybe I'll get her back on my team yet!

Dani’s daughter Indi played multiple roles. She was on name-badge duty (no need to worry about forgetting names here) before hitting the court herself and carry the torch for the next generation.

It's a real mix of women, ages, playing histories and abilities, but we're here for much the same reasons: to reconnect with the game, have fun and enjoy a welcoming environment without judgement or intense competitiveness.

A whole lot of court time

Introductions are over, shoelaces are tied and it's time to play. Rather than formal games, we've opted for casual 10-minute blocks, with Dani quickly organising us into pairs.

I'm matched with Mel, a former player who drifted away from squash as life began, well, life-ing – a relatable sentiment. We race down to court six. Mel compliments my lurid shoes; I tell her they'd go perfectly with her vibrant sports top.

"I don't think I've picked up a racquet in about a decade," Mel says, like a disclaimer, before serving perfectly.

For the next 10 minutes or so, we rally, lunge, hit winners (and plenty of outs and downs) and chat in between. Don't worry, ladies can multitask. We're working hard and having fun. My heart rate climbs well above 175.

We get to play as much or as little as we like. I manage a second round, this time paired with Pip, who's picking the game up remarkably quickly.

"That felt good," Pip laughs after hitting a winner that hugs the wall.

We spend a good proportion of our 10 minutes doubled over in fits of laughter. Again, don't worry – the heart rate still gets well above 175.

"What's the score?"

"Don't worry about the score."

I would happily have kept going, but my shoulder has other ideas. As much as I don't want to stop, I decide it's probably wise to call it a night on court. The atmosphere has been so good that I've been distracted from the injury.

Others, like Ali and Alicia, opt for racquetball – an impressive feat given the heat on the courts. And wherever players of differing abilities are paired up, there's encouragement rather than competition. More experienced players adjust their game to make sure everyone gets something out of it.

The vibe continues

As the final rallies wrap up, we gravitate towards the bar. Wine is poured, and platters of cheese, antipasto and colourful fruit appear. What follows is hours of chatting, laughing, nibbling and getting to know one another.

Time seems to disappear. The last of us eventually roll out the door close to 11pm, riding a wave of elation.

Dani later tells us her favourite part was the socialising afterwards – catching up, chatting and laughing with everyone. I think that says a lot about what these nights are all about. Yes, we're there to play squash, but it's just as much about the connections made off court.

A huge thank you to Dani, Squash Sisters and everyone who came along and made the first social night so much fun. It was a reminder of what squash can be: not just a sport, but a community of women encouraging, supporting and enjoying one another's company.

And guess what? You can experience it for yourself.

There are two more Squash Sisters Women's Social Nights before the end of the year. Whether you've been playing all along or haven't picked up a racquet in years, there's a place for you.

Squash Sisters Women's Social Nights

• 18th November - The ARC Campbelltown Squash 
• 10th December - South Adelaide Squash 

Both sessions are free, but registration is essential.

And if you're brand new to squash, or not quite ready to jump into a social night, there's another option.

Coffee & Courts is designed for women who are new to the game or still finding their feet. No experience, equipment or particular fitness level required. Try different activities, have a hit, miss the ball (it happens to us all!) and have another go. Then stay for a coffee, a chat and a chance to meet some lovely new people.

The sessions kick off on Saturday 7 November, 9.30am at The ARC, Campbelltown. They're free, but again registration is essential.

November 7th - ARC Campbelltown

November 15th - Next Generation Fitness

November 21st - South Adelaide Squash (Edwardstown)

November 29th - Somerton Squash (Somerton Park)

What can I say? I've painted a picture, but really, you need to be there. It was so much fun.

It was the vibe. That's it. It was the vibe. I rest my case.

Sasha Oelsner