Squash
Tennis
tennis lookback
Geoffrey Yee
Natalia Kokan
Geoffrey is a great example that if you work hard, you can become very good in a short amount of time. Geoffrey has only been playing squash for 2.5 years and is already competing at the highest provincial level. He is a great part of our junior squash at The Arbutus Club, giving back by volunteering with younger players in camps and clinics.
Natalia picked up squash this summer and has been such a pleasure to coach. She always has a great attitude and is keen to improve. It's great to have some new female squash players on the scene!
When did you first start playing squash and how did you get into the sport? I started to play 2.5 years ago after the previous Pro, Ian Woodhead, arrived. My parents encouraged me to give it a try and I've loved the game since then. Which Arbutus Club member do you enjoy winning a match against most? I enjoy beating my dad and my older brother simultaneously in a match. What do you love about squash? I love how squash is a physical chess game that keeps you on your toes. What is most challenging? Being patient. You need to be patient in a match, in practice, and with yourself.
20
The Bark n o v
& d e c 2020
When did you first start playing squash and how did you get into the sport? I first started playing squash this summer, after I went to a few Arbutus squash camps. What is your favourite shot to play? My favourite shot is the forehand drive. Which Arbutus Club member do you enjoy winning a match against most? My older brother Ethan Kokan.
Thinking back to early June and the first couple weeks following the phased reopening of the Club, it was encouraging to see our members return to the courts. As it turned out, The Arbutus Club was one of the first clubs in the city to restart tennis programs and offer private lessons. We believe this early phased approach allowed us to build members confidence in our Covid-19 protocols and this in turn set us up for success in running our summer camps. We’d like to thank our members for trusting us to provide a safe and fun learning environment to further their tennis journey!
Tennis by the Numbers:
11 44
tennis coaches
tennis camps
440
camp hours
352
camp participants
745
private lessons
What do you love about squash? I love playing a game called “4 squares” in camps and junior groups. What is a difficult aspect of playing? The backhand. Also, when you play someone good and they make you run around.
