For Lily Bourell ‘26, squash isn’t just a game; it’s a discipline that has shaped her mindset, her routine, and the way she approaches challenges both on and off the court. She began “playing squash because of [her] granddad.” Bourell explained, “I started when I was eight, and before that I played tennis.” What began as a casual introduction soon turned into a serious commitment. As Bourell spent more time training and competing, squash quickly became something she wanted to pursue at the highest level.
Squash is a year-round commitment for Bourell, and her training reflects that: “I practice all year round, but my training in the summer is much more intense than during the school year,” she explained. With more flexibility in her schedule, summer training allows for longer sessions, more conditioning, and multiple workouts in a single day. During the school year, her training shifts to accommodate classes and competitions, requiring time management and a focus on keeping both physical and mental balance.
“It’s hard playing an individual sport like squash sometimes because all the pressure is on you to perform,” Bourell said. Every match is a personal test, with no teammates on the court to share the weight of the moment. Still, she’s learned how to handle setbacks without letting them define her. “Because the season is so packed, I always know there will be another opportunity to do better,” she said. That mindset has helped her move forward after losses and stay focused on long-term improvement rather than short-term results.
Much of Bourell’s competitive experience has come through the junior squash tour, which she describes as both demanding and rewarding. “The junior squash tour is very busy and draining,” she said, “but I have also made some of my best friends there.” Constant travel, tight schedules, and high-level competition can take a toll, but that shared experience with teammates has created a strong sense of connection among players. “The community is also very small and tight-knit; everyone knows everyone,” Bourell added.
One of the defining moments of Bourell’s career came when she had the opportunity to compete against one of the top players in the world, Amina Orfi. “It was an amazing experience playing against the world number 3 and getting to feel what real professional squash plays like,” she said. The match gave her firsthand exposure to the speed, intensity, and precision required at the professional level. More than anything, says Bourell, it provided perspective, showing her what it takes to compete among the best.
Beyond wins and losses, squash has taught Bourell lessons that extend far beyond the court. “From squash I have learned independence, grit, and how to stay fit and take care of my body,” she said. Through years of competition, Bourell has also learned how to stay composed under pressure and trust the work she puts in, even when progress isn’t immediately visible. Squash has pushed her to be comfortable being uncomfortable, whether that means enduring long matches, bouncing back from tough losses, or staying disciplined through demanding training schedules. Those habits, she says, have shaped how she approaches challenges in all areas of life.
Today, Bourell’s motivation comes from her next steps as an athlete. “The main thing that keeps me motivated is knowing that I will be playing on my college team [at Princeton University] next year,” she said. “I am so excited to be a part of something so big, and it makes me want to improve as much as I can.”