This year marks John Roberts’ eighth year of coaching the Andover Boys Squash team.
From his humble beginnings playing squash in Northern Ireland to a critical role on Yale University’s squash team, Head Coach John Roberts has forged an impressive squash journey. First introduced to the sport in a casual hit with his father at his local club, Roberts’ passion for the sport has taken him on a journey leading him to his current role as the Andover Boys Squash head coach.
“I started playing when I was ten years old back home in Northern Ireland. My dad used to play, I’ll say very recreationally… It became very addictive early on and I played throughout my teenage years mostly in Ireland, but also around Europe. I played professionally for a year after high school and was fortunate enough to end up playing in college in the [United States of America],” said Roberts.
Roberts elaborated on his experience playing squash professionally after high school. He described his travels outside of Ireland and noted how he expanded his outlook on squash competing in tournaments around the world.
“The one year I did after high school was probably the best learning experience I’ve had. It allowed me to play and travel a bunch in Australia and Asia which was super cool. In lower-level pro squash tournaments, there’s very little money, so breaking even from a tournament after travel and food is a big win,” said Roberts.
Roberts emphasized the year’s impact in expanding his horizons beyond his hometown and preparing him for a world beyond squash and academics. He spoke on how it set the stage for his subsequent endeavors in coaching and college squash.
“The year after high school was very different. For me, it helped me prepare more for the real world than during high school or even during college… After college, I, fortunately, always had a coaching job so playing pro tournaments on the side was for fun and motivation versus a career,” said Roberts.
Now a coach at Andover, Roberts actively participates in squash sessions alongside his players. He strives to foster a collaborative and immersive learning environment and commented on his enjoyment working with upcoming players.
“I love still being involved in the game that gave me so much. It gets to a point where playing regularly becomes too hard on the body and recovery takes too long. Being able to coach young, motivated student-athletes, both on and off the court, is pretty awesome. They also keep you on your toes too,” Roberts said.
Will Weissman ’25 highlighted Roberts’ role as both a mentor and a companion, offering guidance and constructive feedback as needed, while also extending a supportive presence for the whole team.
“He is a really amazing coach and he has played at a really high level in college and then some pro-level matches, so he has a really good understanding of the game. I started playing with him before I even got to Andover and he taught me the fundamentals of technique and strategy and just playing squash in general. He is less of a coach and more of a friend,” said Weissman.
Throughout the offseason, Roberts maintains a close relationship with his players, providing his guidance and support whenever it is needed. Weissman highlighted Roberts’ interactive role and hands-on approach to coaching, which is appreciated by many on the team.
“This is more outside of the season, but for most of the people on the team, you call him up once or twice a week and get on court for thirty minutes and he will give you a free lesson. You will hit and work on something specific. Freshman year he would get on court and play actual matches against us,” said Weissman.
Reflecting on the essence of coaching, Roberts emphasized the significance of respect, empathy, and adaptability in both sports and life. He spoke on the importance of being flexible and adapting even when it is difficult.
“General level of respect, concern for others and discipline are pretty crucial. As for coaching, [the] biggest thing is probably to embrace change. Changing anything in life is uncomfortable, whether it be schools, jobs, cities, countries… so changing sporting techniques, tactics, and movements at first [is] difficult and it can be too easy to turn away from these changes,” said Roberts.
