Say the name Pat McCallum in the local sporting community and people automatically think squash.
But McCallum is also an avid runner, sports administrator and mother of three sons – Alex, 19, Iain 16, and Nick, 10. Plus, she holds a full-time job at a law firm. Passionate about sports, she says she loves the energetic feeling she gets from being fit.
McCallum started off in netball but excelled in squash. She was fast, strong and achieved impressive and memorable records. She secured the women’s championship at the South Sound Squash Club numerous times between 1990 and 2007 and was the national women’s champion many times from 1991 to 2006. She placed third at the 1993 Senior Caribbean Championship and held a second-place ranking in the Caribbean for squash. In 1994 she was Netballer of the Year, and in 1993 was named Cayman Sportsperson of the Year.
In addition to her sporting accolades, McCallum has made significant contributions to sports administration, from player, coach, referee, judge and captain to secretary, fundraiser, chairperson and director.
“I have always enjoyed sports,” she said. “My parents John and Veronica Evans encouraged me and supported in whatever I did. One of my high school teachers, Barbara Jones, recognized my love for sports and appointed me as captain for Dolphin House.”
Jones introduced her to squash as an after-school activity. She was only 16 at the time. “I had never heard of squash before and had no clue what it was about. But once I tried it, I immediately fell in love with it.
“I wanted to play every moment that I could. I would ride or run to the squash club with my racquet on my back – any means to get there. The adults at the club encouraged me and were eager to teach me the game.”
Her many titles underscore her grit and talent, which make her a natural selection to be honored by the Department of Sports during Honoring Women Month.
“While we women have long understood the benefits, the power and possibility of sports, the world is just now catching on,” said Merta Day, women’s coordinator in the Department of Sports.
“Sport unites and helps us to understand the triumph of human character. She has created a lasting legacy in squash and she is not finished yet. She continues to contribute through administration and her sons, and for this we celebrate her spirit,”
McCallum was drawn to sports because she liked to be active, and growing up in the Cayman Islands during the 1970s and ‘80s, there was no TV, so most kids enjoyed “running up and down” outdoors.
“I enjoyed hanging out, and I liked the challenge and friendly competition of sports,” McCallum said.
“Netball is a skilful game and requires strategy and fitness. I played the center position and loved the dynamics of attacking and defending throughout the game. However, this is a team sport, and no matter how hard I trained and played, you are as only as good as your weakest player.
“With squash, I loved the idea of the individual performance, but representing Cayman you were still a part of a team when you attended competitions. I could train as hard as I wanted and knew it would pay off for me and the team.”
With all of her accomplishments, McCallum is most proud that she and husband Tom have transferred their love of sports to their three sons, all of whom participate in various sports.
“It means a lot to me to see my sons participating in sports at a high level and enjoying it,” she said. “All three have been members of the primary school football championship teams. My two older boys have represented Cayman in swimming, tennis and squash and my youngest son in roller hockey.”
McCallum encourages other parents to allow their children, particularly girls, to participate in sports. “Sports and exercise are very important for women to keep the mind and body fit and healthy for everyday life and challenges,” she said. “Sports provide you with a level of energy and satisfaction and allow you to be patient, disciplined, to think strategically and be mentally strong in whatever you do.
“I hope that I can inspire young women and men to be involved in sports from a young age as it is one of the most rewarding life experiences.”
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