Linda Elriani, former world No. 3 and US Squash Senior Director of Professional Development and Programming, sat down with Katline recently to congratulate her on receiving the US Squash nomination for the USOPC National Coach of the Year award and talk about her career, and thoughts on coaching.
Linda – Huge congratulations on becoming the first female recipient of the ‘USOPC National Coach of the Year’ since 2011. What does this mean to you?
Katline – Receiving this award is a very proud and happy moment for me. While the fact that I am the first female coach since 2011 may add a unique dimension, it is the recognition itself that holds true value for me. Although the coaching landscape remains predominantly male, I prefer not to emphasize this aspect when celebrating my achievement. Instead, I take immense pride in this award because it reflects the dedication and commitment of our entire team. Each day, we commit ourselves wholeheartedly to the rhythm and lives of our athletes, striving to elevate their performance and well-being. This recognition is a testament to our collective effort and passion.
I consider this award an award for our entire team… There is not one athlete at MSquash that is only coached by 1 coach or me only. Each athlete has a team of 10+ coaches and sports science experts behind them.
Linda – What part(s) of your job do you enjoy the most?
Katline – For me, it’s not about which part of my job I love the most; it’s the outcome I’m striving for. That outcome is growth, and the precise moment a player realizes their potential. I believe we are the facilitators, opening doors to a future where players can envision themselves. Sometimes, it’s a high-pressure session that propels them to that realization. Other times, it’s a match where they reach a level of squash they’ve never played before, perhaps defeating an opponent they’ve never beaten. Other times, it’s a mindset session where they grasp the message that they can achieve whatever they aspire to, provided they possess the courage, determination, belief, and trust to pursue their dreams with us. Therefore, I can’t pinpoint a single aspect I enjoy the most; it varies for each player. You must engage in all these facets to achieve the desired outcome.
Linda – What are the challenges of running your own centers?
Katline – I see it as more of an opportunity rather than a challenge. It is of course demanding and exciting to see both centers building their communities each season. Shaun and I are still very active with on court coaching besides running the actual business and this gives us a unique feeling for the clients and we also understand the perspective from our coaching staff.The only challenge I see is for our sport to have more privately owned centers or businesses like ours so that as a sport we can build a sustainable future. When you look at pickle and padel, the investments being made into the private sector are major. There is no reason why this can’t happen in squash as well as we certainly offer as much, if not more than pickle and padel!
Our current two MSquash centers are just far enough apart to have their own identity but close enough together for the majority of our members to enjoy the benefits of both. We have ambitions to add more centers in the future so that is exciting!
Linda – You have a lot of girls in your program. Do you do anything special to recruit girls or women to play squash?
Katline – I take immense pride in the strong presence of girls within our Academy. From our first season in Port Chester, we initiated a dedicated girls’ clinic on Wednesdays at 4:30pm. This exclusive session for girls aged 9 to 14 has been a cornerstone of our program. These clinics are not just training sessions but vibrant, engaging environments where girls develop confidence, speed, and strength. Each year, we see graduates from these clinics who embody the hard work and camaraderie that are essential to succeed and continue growing. This approach has undoubtedly laid the groundwork for many of our girls’ futures. However, it is not the sole contributor to the girls’ success within our Academy.
Another critical factor is the special performances of several girls who have achieved number one rankings nationally. Alumni such as Brecon Welch and Mia Krishnamurthy, now thriving in college and beyond, led the way. We have remarkable role models among our current participants, including #1 players Savannah Moxham, Chelsea Chen, Grace Lodge, Keira Smith, and Kathryn Chung. It is a tradition to invite these players to our younger girls’ clinics as guest coaches. Their presence for a session is not just motivational but crucial in fostering a cross-generational, supportive environment brimming with robust girl power. Lastly, we love to think crazy and we love to dream big, and we want our girls to know that and think alike. No dream is too ambitious; I embrace and believe in every vision they have. I am passionate about promising our girls that we will pursue these dreams together. No dream too big, no dream too crazy!
Linda – How does it feel to have your own children play and compete at such a high level?
Katline – Shaun and I are immensely proud of Maddox and Savannah as individuals. They have their weaknesses, just as I do, naturally. Yet their hearts are in the right place, and they pursue their dreams with determination and hard work. I admire that. These dreams belong to them, and while we refrain from steering them in any particular direction, we will provide guidance, offer advice, and encourage them to listen and learn. Life inevitably presents ups and downs, and true resilience is demonstrated in how one navigates these challenges. The key is to have a purpose that drives them daily—academically, athletically, and personally. Seeing them lead healthy lives is perhaps what I am most grateful for.
Linda – How did you first become interested in squash when you were a junior in Belgium?
Katline – It’s thanks to my parents that I play Squash. When they were in their 30s, they took my sister and me to the squash club for their regular weekly workouts. I was five or six years old then. My sister and I started playing, and my parents appreciated that we were engaging in healthy, active pursuits beyond school. They consistently supported us as we grew older, and eventually, we started playing for the Belgian team and later also PSA. My mom, my sister, and I even played league together in Belgium. Squash became our family activity during times without school or work. This shared activity fostered a profound bond between us. Now, we extend that special connection to Maddox and Savannah, enjoying the highs and navigating the lows together, always with the understanding that we will support one another no matter what.
Linda – What was it about squash that made you love it, continue to play, and then move into coaching?
Katline – The pursuit of continuous improvement is a fundamental aspect of life that I deeply value. During our youth, squash was more than just a sport; it represented a close-knit community of friends, a second family. Reflecting on MSquash, Shaun and I take immense pride in the community we’ve cultivated. We’ve successfully fostered a network of athletes who embrace the athletic-academic lifestyle. These individuals are driven to pursue their dreams and are willing to make the necessary sacrifices. They form bonds of friendship that provide mutual support. From playing with friends at a young age to traveling on the tour and maintaining lifelong connections, the journey has been enriching. Transitioning to coaching and building a community has allowed us to forge new friendships daily. This aspect of squash—the ability to create both local and international communities—is what I find most rewarding. The sport serves as a conduit for building meaningful relationships while striving for excellence.
Linda – What about coaching is the most fulfilling or exciting for you?
Katline – I am passionate about fostering holistic growth in individuals, transforming them into champion people. My enthusiasm for coaching lies in pioneering innovative methods that captivate and engage. The integration of technology elevates this experience, making it even more fun. I adore coaching on interactiveSquash courts and utilizing video analysis during private lessons and clinics to instantly evoke the “I understand because I see it” moment.
Linda – Who is your squash idol(s) and why?
Katline – To truly admire someone, I need to understand them on a profound level. For me, idols are not just top performers in their fields but individuals I deeply respect for their exceptional skills and extraordinary character. My husband embodies these qualities, as do David Palmer, Eain Ng Yow, Joel Makin, and Marina and Lucie Stefanoni. Their achievements are remarkable, but it is their humanity, resilience, and integrity that truly set them apart, making them exemplary figures in my life.
Linda – How do you feel about squash finally getting into the Olympics and what do you think this will do for squash and its growth?
Katline – I am very excited about LA 2028. Our aim is and should be now to solidify squash’s place in the Olympics and ensure its continued presence.
