In this second episode, I sit down with Mark Burke—Associate Head Coach at Cornell, former national coach of Luxembourg, and someone who's worn just about every hat in the squash world.

We go deep.

From his journey as a late-blooming pro to transitioning into coaching…

From working with athletes across cultures to raising a student-athlete of his own…

We unpack the philosophies, the reflections, and the reinventions that define great coaching.

Mark shares powerful insights on what it really means to connect with players, how to coach with both honesty and empathy, and why growth mindset isn’t just for athletes—but for coaches too.

If you're a coach, a player, a parent, or just someone who cares about long-term development, you’ll find a ton of wisdom in here.

Stick around—this one’s layered.

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Hello ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls,

Welcome to the next instalment of the podcast series.

Today, I bring you part 2 of my deep-dive conversation with none other than the iconic England Squash coach, David Campion.

In this episode, we shift our focus to explore David’s coaching philosophy and the intricate process of building high-performance teams, especially in the lead-up to major events like the Commonwealth Games.

David shares how he helps athletes thrive under pressure, discussing the essential elements of creating a winning mindset.

We dive into the critical balance of fostering individual excellence while building a cohesive team environment.

David reflects on his experience managing world-class players like Nick Matthew and James Willstrop—two fierce rivals who still needed to come together as teammates in team competitions.

He offers insights into how he navigated their unique personalities to ensure peak performance when it mattered most.

We also get into motivation—both intrinsic and extrinsic—and how to keep elite athletes focused on the process, rather than fixated on the outcome.

David shares his thoughts on goal setting, explaining why goals are important but how staying present and mastering the craft should take priority for long-term success.

One of the standout moments in this episode is when David breaks down the importance of adaptability and "rugged flexibility" in training.

We explore how top athletes like Laura Massaro were able to continuously evolve and push their limits, even when faced with major challenges.

He also discusses the role of mindset and resilience, using Gina Kennedy’s path to a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games as a case study of how athletes can unlock their potential through focused preparation and belief in themselves.

Finally, we discuss the broader applications of David's coaching principles, as he now brings his expertise to leadership talks and corporate environments.

He shares how lessons learned from the world of elite sport can be applied to building high-performance teams in the business world, with a focus on clarity, intent, and creating a transformational environment.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or simply interested in the mindset behind elite performance, this episode is packed with insights that you won’t want to miss.

Before we dive in, make sure to visit the SportMind website at www.SportMind.io, where you can join our live masterclass with David Campion or catch the replay if you missed it.

This is your chance to interact with one of squash’s most respected voices and take your game to the next level.

Now, without further ado, please sit back, and enjoy part 2 of my conversation with David Campion.

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Today is a part 1 deep-dive with non-other than icoconinc England Squash coach David Campion.

With over two decades at the forefront of England Squash, David has not only led the national team to unparalleled success but has also shaped the careers of some of the sport's biggest names.

In this episode, we journey through David’s history, starting with his early days in West Yorkshire, where he was coached by the legendary Malcolm Willstrop.

We explore how this early immersion in a world-class squash environment, surrounded by future stars like Peter Marshall and Simon Parke, set the stage for his future achievements.

David shares personal stories from his junior career, including his own experiences as a world junior finalist, offering listeners a glimpse into the foundation of his deep understanding of the game.

But it’s not just about history.

We dive deep into the intricacies of his coaching philosophy, where David opens up about the mental and physical demands of high-performance squash.

He discusses the significance of mindset and resilience, illustrating how elite athletes like Nick Matthew and James Willstrop have harnessed these qualities to achieve greatness.

David recounts specific examples, such as how Nick Matthew adapted his training to overcome challenges on bouncy courts, or how Laura Massaro developed a devastating counter-drop to neutralise the aggressive front-court play of her Egyptian rivals.

One of the highlights of our conversation is David’s candid discussion about the pressures of modern coaching.

He shares invaluable insights into balancing the technical aspects of the game with the mental fortitude required to succeed at the highest levels.

We also touch on the importance of creating a nurturing yet challenging environment for young players—a philosophy that has guided his work with emerging talents in England's squash scene.

Listeners will also find David’s thoughts on early specialisation versus a broader, multi-sport approach particularly enlightening.

He provides a nuanced view on the topic, informed by both his experiences as a coach and his personal journey in the sport.

This episode is a must-listen for coaches looking to refine their approach, players aspiring to reach the top, and anyone fascinated by the mindset of elite athletes.

David’s stories and insights offer a rare and valuable perspective on what it takes to excel in squash and beyond.

Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the sport’s most respected voices in this first of 2 parts.

Please sit back, and enjoy!

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