Round-Up (TBD): #37 Chef to Coach Tufts: Joey Raho’s Recipe for Squash Success

Joey Raho's intriguing journey unfolds in this episode, from a junior squash champion to Tufts' coach, with detours in law and culinary arts. These experiences shape his coaching style, focusing on character-driven recruitment and leveraging Tufts' modern squash facilities.  The episode explores how team culture profoundly affects squash team performance.

• Transition from Player to Coach: Joey's shift from being a junior squash champion to an influential coach, marked by periods of disengagement and rediscovery of his love for the sport.
• Impact of New Squash Facilities at Tufts: How the development of state-of-the-art squash facilities has been a game-changer in enhancing the squash program and attracting talent.
• Character-Centric Recruitment Philosophy: Joey's focus on character traits like resilience and integrity in recruits, transcending traditional emphasis on skill and rankings.
• Harnessing Diverse Experiences: Insights into how Joey's varied background, including legal and culinary stints, enriches his coaching approach and philosophy And high-pressure kitchen environments have shaped Joey’s coaching style, particularly in discipline and attention to detail
• Evolving Squash Strategies: Discussion on how Joey incorporates mental and tactical aspects into squash training, moving beyond mere physicality.
• Building a Competitive Team at Tufts: The journey of elevating Tufts' squash teams to competitive status, focusing on both men’s and women’s teams.
• The Challenge of Sustaining High Standards: Delving into the pressures of maintaining a high standard as the team's success grows.
• The Power of Positive Team Culture: The importance of fostering a supportive and enjoyable team atmosphere for overall success.