KUALA LUMPUR: Former national squash star Sharon Wee has come full circle in the sport that shaped her life after taking on the role of president of the Malacca Squash Rackets Association (MSRA).
Wee brings to the role a clear vision, a strong sense of purpose and a firm belief that former athletes have a responsibility to give back to the sport that nurtured them.
Leadership, she said, was never unfamiliar, having been ingrained from a young age and refined through years of high-performance sport.
She was head prefect at SMK Munshi Abdullah in Melaka before going on to captain the national squash team, experiences that shaped her understanding of responsibility and teamwork.
"Leadership needs practice. It does not just happen. You could say I have been preparing for this role my whole life," said Wee, a former world No. 18 player.
Passion, she added, was equally central to her decision to lead squash in her home state.
After retiring from professional squash, Wee remained closely involved in the sport, working as a commentator and coach before moving into the corporate sector, while also serving on boards, sports administration bodies and dispute committees.
"Sport has always been my passion. Squash helped shape my character, discipline and outlook on life," said Wee, who is a certified coach.
"I feel the time is right to give something back to my home state. Hopefully, I can help develop players who can go on to represent the country.
"While I am proud to be recognised as the best squash player from Melaka, my goal now is to develop players who can be even better than me."
Her return to Melaka squash followed an appeal from the local community to help rebuild the sport. Wee believes sports associations require leadership that is current, progressive and willing to evolve.
"Sometimes, when a leader stays in place for too long, things can become stagnant," said Wee, who is also a vice-president of the Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia.
Her presidency follows a period of transition for MSRA, including constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening governance and accountability. Last year, the association amended its constitution to allow a president to serve a maximum of five two-year terms.
"Ten years is sufficient time to achieve results. Development takes time, especially when you are starting from scratch," she said.
However, Wee stressed that she has no intention of clinging to the role.
"My initial term is two years. I hope to serve at least two or three terms to put proper structures in place. If someone more capable comes along, I am always willing to step aside. This role is not about me, but about making Melaka a squash powerhouse," she said.
Her vision for squash in Melaka is built around five key pillars: grassroots development, community engagement, competition, governance and sustainability.
Priorities include expanding junior participation, revitalising recreational squash, and ensuring tournaments and activities are held annually. These include not only competitions, but also team-building initiatives, mental conditioning sessions and appreciation events.
Financial stability is another key focus.
"It is essential to ensure Melaka squash is financially stable, as this affects our ability to organise programmes and take care of players' welfare," she said.
Wee is also determined to invest in local coaching talent, believing coaches should be given clear development pathways and greater opportunities within the state.
Player welfare has been further prioritised through the introduction of a Safe Sport Code and disciplinary structures, an area Wee considers fundamental to long-term success.
Beyond titles and reforms, she hopes her appointment will inspire others, particularly former athletes, to step forward and contribute to sports administration.
"I hope my role will encourage more former state and national athletes to come forward and help, or at least be part of sports associations," she said.
As MSRA's first female president, Wee is also a strong advocate for greater female representation in sports leadership.
"Women leaders should be given trust, responsibility and confidence. At the same time, women must be courageous, prepared and willing to step up, while members, men and women alike, must trust them to lead."
Ultimately, Wee believes sport creates a cycle of responsibility that should continue through generations of athletes who recognise that the foundation sport gives them in life deserves commitment in return.