Instead of hopping on and off flights every six days for tournaments and aiming for targets the width of a floor-board on the side wall of a squash court, you will now find me sitting quietly reading a textbook. I have hung up my squash racquet to study medicine at the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Ed's caption: A Dr. Miller in the making

I am amazed at how quickly my life has transitioned from one of training physically for squash matches to one of training my mind for exams. For two years I have known that my retirement from the professional tour was imminent because I was dealing with recurring injuries. Half my training time was spent in the gym. I strengthened my core so my lower back wouldn’t collapse during the thousands of lunges required in a match. And I attended yoga classes to stretch my legs because my tight calves and hamstrings caused my hips, knees and feet to ache.

I knew that to retire from squash, a sport that has been the focus of my life for two decades, I had to find something that I loved as much. That is a tall order because for the past seven years I have enjoyed a life of earning a modest income competing while travelling to different cultures. I’ve been hosted by many gracious squash communities and I’ve appreciated many afternoon recovery naps. Now I have found that something—medicine.

I love studying the body. And my love even stands during exams when a walk to local grocery seems too indulgent to justify the time from my notes. My background in squash has made my courses interesting. In my anatomy class, when working with cadavers, muscle names are easy to remember since I know the pain of a strain in many of them. And I can easily think back to the feeling of headache and nausea when the partial pressure of oxygen drops at altitude in Calgary and Mexico City.

My last competitive match was the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Although I enjoy my classes and my new life in academia, I miss the squash scene. I keenly follow WISPA tournament results and the progress of juniors at my home club in Winnipeg. I miss the feeling of pressure at ten-all in the fifth game, I miss the banter that happens around the courts and I miss all you squash players.

Once my schedule eases up I plan to get back to the courts and I look forward to seeing you there!

Alana

It’s the biggest event on the sporting calendar. It’s a competition that falls at an inconvenient time in the season. It’s a friendly event that doesn’t have the intense pressure of the Olympics.

The Commonwealth Games mean different things to different athletes.

“It’s the pinnacle of a squash player’s career,” said three-time Canadian squash champion Alana Miller.

No surprise then that Canada is sending its top squash team to the Commonwealth Games which open Sunday in New Delhi. For squash, as well as lawn bowling, the Games represent their only chance to participate in an international multi-sport event. The same went for rugby sevens until the game was added to the Olympic calendar for 2016.

“For the young players, they’re aware that this is as good as it gets for squash,” said Miller.

“The fact that it’s a multi-sport Games just brings an added element of excitement because there are such well-known athletes around the village. It’s just a great environment. It brings out the best wins and the best level of squash.”

Miller leads a squash team in India that will be hard-pressed to capture a medal against powerhouse countries such as England, Australia and Malaysia.

Click here for the rest of the article.

The second half of the year is certainly a hectic one in the squash calendar. Coming in to the Irish Open, some of the WISPA girls would have competed in four tournaments within a span of six weeks, from the CIMB Malaysian Open and CIMB Singapore Masters in July to The Australian Open and Hong Kong Open in August. The Irish Open would serve as a good preparation for the most anticipated event on the WISPA circuit—The Soho Square Women’s World Open in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt from 15 to 22 September 2010.

The number one seed - Madeline Perry

Like Irish coffee, the women’s draw has a rather interesting mix of players. Seeded number one is none other than the Irish flag-bearer, Madeline Perry who is the newly crowned Australian Open 2010 Champion. Madeline overcame amongst others, Jenny Duncalf and Alison Waters to achieve the biggest win of her career. The Irish number one should be in good form and be highly motivated as the tournament favourite.

Other top seeds that stand in Madeline’s way include Natalie Grainger who is currently regaining form after a long layoff due to an injury. Natalie has been steadily improving in the past few tournaments and will certainly be looking to nail this one. Laura Massaro, Samantha Teran and Vanessa Atkinson also have potential to add some extra spice to this mix with the possibility of creating some upsets.

The third seed of the tournament is certainly one to look out for – Natalie Grinham. Formerly World No. 2 and a long-standing nemesis of current World No. 1 Nicol David, Natalie is making her grand return to the squash circuit after taking a year off during her pregnancy and birth of her son, Kieran. Nat’s return is set to liven up this tournament as she seeks to reclaim her ranking and prepare for the World Open title which has been elusive to her so far.

Squash Stars ambassadors Annelize Naude, Aisling Blake and Alana Miller will also be contesting here. While the Irish folks have plenty to cheer for with Madeline and Aisling around, there’s lots of good squash to be witnessed as well. So do make your way to the Fitzwilliam Club in South Dublin to catch these exciting matches. Seats are limited and work on a first come, first serve basis. Entrance to all tournaments is FREE so hurry on!

[1] Madeline Perry (IRL) vs. Qualifier
[5] Samantha Teran (MEX) vs. Qualifier
[4] Laura Massaro (ENG) vs. Alana Miller (CAN)
[7] Sarah Kippax (ENG) vs. Qualifier
[8] Aisling Blake (IRL) vs. Qualifier
[3] Natalie Grinham (NED) vs. Annelize Naudé (NED)
[6] Vanessa Atkinson (NED) vs. Lauren Siddall (ENG)
[2] Natalie Grainger (USA) vs. Sharon Wee (MAS)

Click for larger view.

Winnipeg’s Alana Miller reaches final at Sun and Surf Jericho Squash Open

Sun & Surf is held at Jericho Tennis Club.

VANCOUVER – Alana Miller of Winnipeg defeated Carolyn Russell of Vancouver in straight games Saturday to advance to the championship final at the $11,000 Sun and Surf Jericho Open women’s professional squash tournament.

The competition is the opening event on the Canadian squash circuit and a stop on the women’s pro tour.

Miller, playing at her first tournament since being a runner-up at the national championships in May, took the match 11-9, 11-3, 11-8 in 25 minutes.  It is also her second final this season on the pro tour.  She lost the championship match at the Racquet Club International in St.Louis in April.

“It was a pretty good match for me,” said Miller, ranked 37th in the world and seeded second here.  “The court was a bit cool and the ball didn’t move as quickly which made for some loopy lengths. Carolyn handled that well and I just tried to cut off her shots as quickly as I could.”

After the nationals, Miller took a seven-week break from competition to mend a nagging hip injury.  She returned to the courts a month ago for training.  “The hip is feeling very good right now,” said Miller.  “I’m really happy to be back on the Tour.”

In the other semi, top-seed Latasha Khan of the U.S., also on the comeback from injury, defeated Nicolette Fernandes of Guyana 16-14, 11-6, 11-9.  Khan is ranked 29th internationally.

The final is on Sunday at noon (local) at the Jericho Club.

Squash Stars is a news, blog and entertainment site about women squash players founded by Nicol Ann David, the current women’s world champion. With a tagline of “More than just a pretty racquet”, Squash Stars aims to spread the joys of squash while creating an avenue for fans to get to know the women behind the racquets. Squash Stars is represented by a Star Ambassador from each country. They are:

Nicol David, World No. 1 from Malaysia
Samantha Teran, Mexico No. 1
Natalie Grainger, USA No. 1
Annelize Naude, Dutch National Champ 2008
Aisling Blake, Ireland No. 2
Alana Miller, Canada No. 1
Manuela Manetta, Italy No. 1
Shelley Kitchen, New Zealand No. 1
Line Hansen, Denmark No. 1

The 2010 addition to SquashStars.com has been its very own celebrity interview column–StarGazer, featuring exclusive interviews with the whos-who in the squash world.

Squash Stars is the proud host of the “Meet the Stars” session this weekend at the Bukit Jalil Squash Centre, providing the opportunity for squash fans to meet their favourite squash talents in person. With Oakley and Prince as principal sponsors, don’t miss out on the chance to win the fantastic prizes up for grabs during the event! See you there!

Squash 101:

Jahangir Khan had a 555-match unbeaten run from 1981 – 1986, and is often touted as the greatest player to ever step on a court.

Not in Malaysia? Watch out for the upcoming Online Contest!

Alana Miller, Squash Stars Ambassador & Canada's top female player.

STARGAZER : How was training, building up to your first tournament?
ALANA : My training was great, leading up to the Greenwich Open, and the Burning River in Cleveland. In the past I usually take ten days away from squash around Christmas but this year I chose to continue to train through the holidays so that I would feel strong, fit and confident for my tournaments in January. In the Greenwich Open I played well and fought hard in the second round of qualifying before going down to Aisling Blake in five games. Unfortunately in the next days, when taking advantage of the many training partners in Greenwich, I strained my piriformis muscle—a muscle around my butt. A few days later, I travelled to Cleveland with the intention of competing but pulled out once my strain was diagnosed by a doctor.

Although I was disappointed to miss one of the best tournaments on the calendar, my decision to pass on the competition was a good one because I was able to be home to receive treatment. My athletic therapist is a miracle worker when it comes to healing injuries because with only two and a half weeks of massage and electric therapy, I was ready to compete in the Dayton Open. I would have liked more match play before the tournament but I played well to push Kasey Brown to four close games in the quarter final.

Now I have a few weeks left to train before my next tournament and I am working on my speed to the front of the court.

STARGAZER : Did you enjoy the event?
ALANA : My first event of 2010 was the Harrow Greenwich Open and I loved the event. I was billeted with a great family who took great care of me. And once the tournament was over, a few players and I spent a night in New York City where I saw my first Broadway show—Memphis, and enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner.

STARGAZER : Are your matches getting more competitive at the moment amongst your peers?
ALANA : Yes my matches are getting more competitive. I feel like the level on the WISPA tour is improving and more players are playing at a high level. The matches are closer and longer. Personally, I feeling like I am closing in on players ranked higher than me but am being pushed by those ranked below me. The competitive matches make the tournaments interesting as the seeded players are not always coming out on top.

STARGAZER : What was your toughest match so far in your career?
ALANA : I have had many tough matches but the toughest match I have ever played was at the Canadian Nationals in 2004. I played Runa Reta in the final and since we grew up playing juniors together, we had a well established rivalry. This match was the first final for both of us at the senior level so we battled nerves and each other on the court. I pushed my hardest mentally and physically that day. I realized after that match, the tough training that was needed to compete at the senior level.

2004 Canadian Champions Graham Ryding ( Men's Champion) Peter Ward (President Squash Canada) and Alana Miller (Women's Champion)

STARGAZER : Can you give us some insights of your routine at a tournament.
ALANA : My routine at tournaments varies slightly but generally on match day, it involves a morning practice, a long stretch, an afternoon of relaxing and then an evening match. In the afternoon I like to sleep or read or socialize.

STARGAZER : Any new year’s resolution?
ALANA : Yes, always a new year’s resolution. In 2010, I vow to book my flights early to take advantage of the advanced booking prices.

STARGAZER FACT FILE:

Name : Alana Martha Miller
Age : 29
Nationality : Canadian
Home State/Town/City : Winnipeg, MB
Current World Ranking : 38
Coach : Trevor Borland
Racquet : Black Knight
Favorite Squash Player of All Time : Nicol David because of her outstanding skill and grace on court and for her modesty off court.
Proudest Achievement : Winning a gold medal in the team event at the 2007 Pan Am Games.
Favorite Tournament : I have many but I love the tournaments when I am billeted with a lovely family with kids who are excited about squash. In terms of location, I love warm weather. I am looking forward to going to Texas and Cayman Islands.
Favorite Food : Chocolate
Favorite Holiday Destination : Florida
Favorite Color : Pink

Follow Alana on her Facebook FanPage, here!

At the Meadowood Pharmacy Open, one that I helped organize, the effort of the committee members was outstanding. Even though most details were ironed out in meetings, last minute additions improved the tournament. One of my favorite examples were the Halloween creepy finger dainties that were home baked by a sponsor’s wife. Another addition that created a nice atmosphere were fresh flowers present in the players lounge and later moved to the back of court for the finals. These small personal touches make the tournament more enjoyable for the players.

The Canadian contingent in Cincinnati! From left to right me, Genevieve Lessard, Sam Cornett and Carolyn Russell

At the Flying Pig in Cincinnati, my billets—the Johnson family, went beyond expectations to make sure Thaisa Serafini and I were comfortable. We were driven to and from the club even though the distance was walkable, had fresh flowers in our room to lighten the atmosphere, and were provided with a full fridge of our favorite foods. In fact, there was so much food in the house that there was overflow from the cupboards to the counter space. I am sure the treatment Thaisa and I experienced over the week contributed to our better than expected results in the tournament.

At the London Open, I am thankful to Zubair for hosting the tournament and to Leonie Holt who got me from the Heathrow airport safely to the Cumberland Lawn Tennis Club in an hour and a half. Thankfully, Leonie printed a Google Map on how to get to the club using the tube. After following Leonie through three transfers and a fifteen minute walk with our heavy luggage, we arrived. The club was located in a funky area of town with quaint shops. Manuela and I especially enjoyed the Banana Leaf restaurant. Both of us are creatures of habit and we ate there every night—same dish too, a Vietnamese Pho soup. I had the chicken and Manuela the pork and prawns.

The tournament organizers at the Qatar Classic take pride in the way players are treated. On the night of the first round we enjoyed a gourmet buffet in a five star hotel. The brand new ‘W’ was rumored to be the highest rated hotel in Doha. And throughout the event, the players were provided with drivers. These drivers drove us to the club, to the Villagio mall, to the Laundromat, and anywhere else we wanted to visit. As a qualifier, I was not provided with hotel during the first two days but the qualifying tournament hotel allowed us to squeeze five players into one $150US room. At $30 per person we each had a bed, access to a kitchen and a washer and dryer; all players got value for their dollar.

The view from our room at Laguna Vista Resort

When traveling to the Sharm El Sheikh Open from Doha I thought that this was one tournament too many. But when creating my fall tournament schedule I was desperate for ranking points to make up for the five months I was injured in the summer. And since I had better than expected results in the last three tournaments it was not difficult to stay motivated for one more. It was made even easier once I arrived at Laguna Vista resort. I shared a room with Lisa Camilleri and our room was huge with a balcony that looked out onto the main swimming pool. The resort was all inclusive so it was a challenge to not over indulge in the buffet meals. Dr Ahmed Said and his tournament staff ran an amazing event. The staff was available all day to provide services to the players. Kylie Lindsay’s bag didn’t arrive in Sharm and she and a staff member made six trips to the airport, without complaint, until finally the bag arrived from Amsterdam two days later.

Although I thoroughly enjoyed my time at my last five tournaments, there is no better feeling than being home. I had no trouble transitioning into holiday mode looking for Christmas gifts for my family and baking goodies.

My next tournaments will be in January in the US, until then happy holidays everyone!

Aisling, me and Lisa Camilleri at the beach in Sharm.

by Alana Miller

Click here for WISPA’S Flying Pig Event Draw.

Alana’s scribble on 8 November 2009@13.10pm
Tomorrow it’s Lisa Camilleri and I in the final.  We are looking forward to doing battle tomorrow on the court

~

Alana’s scribble on 7 November 2009@12.09am
Lisa Camilleri will play Lauren Selby and I will play Melody Francis. I am off to sleep now, good night squash fans.

~

Alana’s scribble on 7 November 2009 @ 5.11pm
Tonight is quarter final night at the Flying Pig.

The match ups are:
Lisa Camilleri vs Thaisa Serafini
Lauren Selby vs Carolyn Russell
Olivia Blatchford vs Melody Francis
Alana Miller vs Leonie Holt

All the players are full of energy because we attended a lunch party hosted by Jenny, one of the squash players at the Cincinnati Country Club. The lunch was absolutely delicious!

~

Alana’s scribble on 5 November 2009 @ 11.02pm
I am now experiencing the hospitality of Cincinnatians at the Flying Pig. I arrived today and was picked up by my billet from the airport with Thaisa Serafini from Brazil. We were shuttled to the courts and then to the grocery store to pick up our favorite treats. Life is so good on tour!

Perhaps the most exciting thing for me right now is my comfortable bed. Since the Meadowood tournament finished I have been tying up the final details so I am looking forward to having a long sleep.

I will keep everyone up to date with my results this week.

So, the event is complete and I am pleased with how the event finished up. Although I am exhausted, I am keen to make our tournament bigger and better next year.

Now I get to enjoy my time at other tournaments. From here I am heading to the Flying Pig in Cincinnati then to the Coronation London Open, then the Qatar Classic and finally the Sharm El Sheikh Open.

The finals start in a couple hours, see you at the courts…