Ireland

Sean Wilkinson is a member of the Drexel University squash coaching staff. He was formerly a member of the Brown University coaching staff. Wilkinson captained the Bates College team which captured the Hoehn Cup in 2008. He was a New England Small College Association first team selection.
Q & A with Sean:
Where were you born?
Harare, Zimbabwe
When did you start playing squash?
I started playing when I was 11 or 12.
Did you ever play other sports at a high level?
I'd like to think I did. I used to play cricket and hockey (the field variety) at provincial level. When I left Zimbabwe I had to wave that good-bye.
Why did you choose to play squash professionally?
It seemed like a natural progression. The thought of pulling out of a sport that I have spent a long time being involved in, didn't seem right. The squash world is so small, but such a huge part of my life.
Why did you choose PST?
Opportunity. PST offers players the opportunity to play in more events closer to home. It's only going to get bigger as well. There is a huge market in the US for top class events.
Age? Where do you live now?
25. Cambridge, MA.
What part of your game do you take the most pride in?
Only 1?
What part of your game are working on improving?
Everything. Seems cliche, but I'll run with it. Everyone has got stuff to work on. Specifically, fitness. It's hard to stay fit when I coach as much as I do/did. I'm always worrying about the Brown teams staying fit and healthy.
What do you think of Point Every Rally (no-let squash)?
I think the idea itself is great. In practice, there are still some teething issues. There are situations that are almost unavoidable and that can get frustrating. It does make you think more efficiently about your movement - But if you've got two people on court who want to be on court for the squash itself, in its purist way, then there really shouldn't be a problem. There will always be situations where it gets a bit messy. It can't be any more messy than what goes on with regular lets/strokes/no lets.
Do you smoke? Drink? Do you avoid certain foods?
Don't smoke, but I'll have the odd beer. Not a huge fan of fish.
What do you eat for breakfast?
Diet. Not the best eater you'll ever come across. If I had my way I'd have a milkshake for breakfast - Oreo is my favorite. I'm getting better though. I'll have smoothies (mango, banana, strawberry, blueberry, orange juice, yogurt) for a few.
Thoughts on squash in America?
Growing, but still has a long way to go. The urban squash programs are going a long way to change the dynamic of squash in this country. It's not there was something wrong before, but opening squash up to more people can only be a good thing, both for the sport and the development of those involved. College squash is probably the biggest squash league in the world and it's only getting bigger.
Goal for a post-squash career?
To give it all back. John Illig (Middlebury Coach) told me that college coaching is addicting. He's not far off it. One of my more long-term projects is to raise enough money to put towards an endowment to provide squash players in Zimbabwe the same opportunities that St. Paul's and Bates gave me. So not really a career objective.