Franklin: Keane Can Inspire Next Generation
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Micah Franklin, the Bermuda Squash Association head coach, believes Emma Keane will help inspire the next generation of female players on the island.
Keane will become the first Bermudian female to compete at the Commonwealth Games – the very pinnacle of her sport – when she steps on court at the University of Birmingham for her opening game on Saturday.
Franklin, who competed at the Commonwealths in Glasgow in 2014 and on the Gold Coast in 2018, said Keane has forged a path for the island’s aspiring female players to follow.
“Many sports, not just squash, struggle with female participation,” Franklin told Bernews.
“I can now come to the next group of girls and use Emma as a focal point. We’ve never had that before, well, certainly not in my era.
“The younger generation is already talking about her. It’s massive. Hopefully, we can entice more girls to play squash.”
Franklin praised Keane’s tenacity and dedication in ensuring she was eligible for selection to the Bermuda squad for the Birmingham Games.
“For me, the most exciting thing is seeing someone at the same stage of their life as I was – being hungry, playing every day, living that lifestyle, and giving it their all,” Franklin said.
“I’m proud of Emma and envy her because I remember it being such a fantastic journey.
“Emma contacted me a year ago and indicated how much she would love to play at the Commonwealths.
“I explained she had to tick several boxes and meet several criteria.
“I didn’t know if she would be able to meet the checklist, but, credit to her, she’s done it.”
Franklin, appointed as the BSA head of squash in January last year, said the quality of her displays rather than the outcome of her matches is the gauge of success for Keane.
“I’m not necessarily looking for results from Emma; it’s more about her performances,” he said.
“I know she will give it her all, and it will be a fantastic experience for her.
“It could be a huge indicator for her to keep going if she can compete against these top women.”
Although Franklin misses representing Bermuda on the international stage, he relishes sharing his experiences and knowledge with the island’s young players in his coaching role.
“What motivates me is giving back to the younger generation and sharing my experiences with them,” the 29-year-old added.
“Do I miss it [playing]? Yes. I still feel like I could train and make it to one more of these Games.
“I also realise I’m at a different stage of my life. I’ve got a wife now, a house and two dogs!”
