Lauren Patrizio is an All-American collegiate squash player from the University of Pennsylvania, a national champion, and the women's squash coach at Trinity College, which also won a national championship. She is also an entrepreneur, having founded Squash Drive, a mentorship and tutoring program in the San Francisco Bay area. In June, she spoke with a group of high school students at our Next Generation Summit in New York.

How did you get introduced to squash, and what impact did it have on your life?

I got introduced to squash in eighth grade after playing various other sports. Squash opened many doors for me, including opportunities to travel to New Zealand and Australia to play when I was just 15. I decided to play competitively and eventually played squash at the University of Pennsylvania, where it was a Division I (D1) sport.

What does it take to become a D1 collegiate athlete in squash or any sport?

Becoming a D1 collegiate athlete requires a lot of discipline, hard work, and smart training. College athletes are focused on their academics, and student athletes must prioritize their grades and participate in their communities. Coaches look for athletes who love their sport, are passionate about it, and engage in other activities.

What do you tell your athletes who are dealing with injury or setbacks?

It’s important to take care of your body and maintain a positive mindset. Injuries can be big setbacks, but it’s not just about fighting your way back physically. You also need to take care of yourself mentally. Techniques such as deep breathing, listening to music, and meditation can help athletes stay calm and focused.

Young athletes often struggle with mental toughness and overcoming challenges when things aren't going their way. I think it’s important that they remember their training and get back to basics. Encouragement from teammates and maintaining a positive attitude are crucial – so you should also aim to be that encouraging teammate for someone else.

Tell us about the program you founded, Squash Drive.

Squash Drive is a mentorship and tutoring program that aims to help young individuals with squash, understanding life's journeys, and preparing them for the future, including college and athletics. The program starts with kids in fourth grade and helps them graduate high school and go to college.

What advice do you have for young people today?

I encourage young aspiring leaders to play as many sports as they can, diversify their athletics, and listen to themselves about what makes them happy. Ask questions of people who have done the work and be open-minded. Finding your passion is important, and it's valuable to learn from the people around you.

What advice would you give to your 13-year-old self?

Be kinder, more patient, and less worried about things not going the way you want. Many lessons can be learned from losing. When I first started playing squash, I lost every match for years. It took a lot of losing to get better. I stuck with it, and that taught me a lot.

I would tell my younger self to listen and ask more questions of the people around me. I think if I could have learned some of life’s lessons at a younger age, I would have been better off!

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. You have to believe in you.

Lauren, thank you for your time.

Interview conducted by Travis Dunn, and article written by Katie Carolan.