Young squash star balances competition and studies

Rodney College squash champion Brittany Gibbons has set her sights on a national A grade ranking and a place in a NZ representative team.

Currently ranked sixth in NZ, in the girls under 19 section, she will be training over summer for the NZ Junior Open Championships in April.

However, she is realistic about her ambition to be one of NZ’s top squash players.

“It will take a lot of time and effort, and overseas competition as well, so it may have to wait until I finish my studies,” she says.

Brittany, who was Rodney College’s head girl this year, starts a three-year Bachelor of Psychology course, at AUT next February. Although she has been playing squash since she was about six, she started competing seriously about three years ago and took on coach Brian Barnett, of Orewa, five months ago.

“Brian’s coaching has made a huge difference. I get the benefit of his knowledge of the game and he keeps me motivated and encouraged. He knows about the sport on a professional level and has opened my eyes to what I might be able to do.

“You don’t play squash professionally for the money; you’ve got to love it if you want to stay motivated and focused.”

Brittany says women squash players generally peak around their mid-20s so she’s hoping she has time to get her degree and achieve her sporting goals.

Pictured: Sports gold recipient Brittany Gibbons is amassing a small stash of trophies and awards, for both sport and school achievements.