There is no one more qualified and capable of coaching the boys varsity squash team than Head Coach Robby Lingashi. Coach Lingashi is also an extraordinary player as his breathtaking skills on the squash court often leave his opponents in awe.
Coach Lingashi has been playing squash since he was five in his hometown in Zambia where he is the ten time national champion. He was former number 60 in the world according to the World Squash Federation, and he has helped the growth of the sport in his native country.
Coach Lingashi said his fondest memory of playing squash was when he won back to back in an all African tournament. He said that the most important thing to his success was dedication. “I believe that when you put your mind to something, there is nothing to stop you from accomplishing your goals,” he said.
He said that he has no regrets about his career, and he stressed the importance of having fun and enjoying the game. He came to America around 2005 after he retired from pro squash and then started his coaching career in New York. He eventually moved to Hartford, Conn.
Coach Lingashi is a certified Level 1 and Level 2 instructor by the United States Squash Racquets Association (USSRA). He has extensive coaching experience at the collegiate and national levels and is a great asset for the Kingswood Oxford Squash program.
He said that he really enjoys coaching squash at KO. He even said that coaching does not feel like work for him since he enjoys it so much. “Being with the KO kids is fun,” Coach Lingashi said. “I love the way they connect and want to have fun, but at the same time want to improve.”
Coach Lingashi is very experienced and knows how to make his players improve. Co-captain Nick Choo said that Coach Lingashi is very friendly. “He cares a lot about the team,” Choo said.
Junior James Ravelaese said that he makes the team feel like a family and is always friendly and encouraging. “He has unparalleled squash knowledge and experience,” Ravelese said.
Choo said that through his personality and kindness, the team has developed a personal connection and relationship with Coach Lingashi, and he is not just a coach, but also a mentor in and out of KO and squash.
