Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1462648
24 WAC Magazine | wac.net living fit squash Great athletes oen make their sport look easy. Such is the case with WAC Squash Coach Latasha Khan. But making the sport look easy isn't what makes Latasha a great teacher. It's the way she interacts with students, breaking down their swing and the game. Latasha's coaching and the WAC's regular open-play nights are two of the reasons squash continues to gain new players at the Club. "She has the ability to teach the game fundamentally as well as competitively," Athletic Programs Manager Darin Barr says of Latasha. "She coaches up-and- coming junior squash players to reach the next level, but she also has the ability to patiently teach fundamentals to people who just want to pick up the sport for the first time." Latasha has been coaching for more than 20 years. Her résumé includes multiple national championships and Professional Squash Association titles. "Squash is one of the more physically challenging sports to be good at," she says, describing it as a combination of tennis and racquetball. Opposing players take turns hitting the ball against the wall, allowing only one bounce off the floor between turns. "It's never boring, and it'll keep you in great physical shape," Latasha says, noting her youngest client is 4 and her oldest is 75. e WAC's squash community is anchored by the WAC Squash Club and two international-sized courts on the 6th Floor, where the sounds of sneakers squeaking and balls smashing the wall let you know you're in the right place. Member Greg Rushing recently held a friendly squash tournament at the WAC. Despite picking up the sport less than a year ago, he quickly amassed a dedicated group of friends to play with, from newbies to players with more than a decade of experience. "e guys who have been playing a while beat us oen, but we're getting there," Greg says. "It's a great way to get a different type of cardio in, and it's easy to play for an hour and forget about how hard you're working!" Where squash keeps swinging Coaching and open play help keep the sport thriving at the WAC Learn more about the WAC squash program, including lessons and the Squash Club: wac.net/squash By Joey Carreon, Associate Editor u Looking to pick up a new hobby this spring? Give squash a try. Coach Latasha Khan, left, works with players of all ages. The WAC's squash community can be found on the 6th Floor, where two international-sized courts, along with the Squash Club, keep the sport strong. E M I L I O H U E R TA S