Epsom squash player off to Poland

Hayley Hughes is proof that big dreams can come true.

The New Zealand U-17 squash champion is heading to Poland next month for the World Junior Squash Championships.

“It’s pretty amazing because it’s been my goal for kind of like five years,” says Hughes.

“I am excited, I can’t wait.  It doesn’t really feel real until it happens, until I’m there.”

The Epsom Girls Grammar student has been playing squash for 10 years coaches her school peers.

“It’s a very fast game, high intensity,” Hughes, 17, says.

“I enjoy the fast pace and that it’s an individual sport.  I like the competitiveness.”

Hughes’s younger sister, Anna, 14, was the U-13 squash champion in the 2011 season and is part of the New Zealand development squad.

Hughes, a member of Eden Epsom squash club, admits there is great rivalry between the two.

“It’s always a tough match but I put her in her place,” she jokes.

“The older sister has to stay on top.”

The Epsom resident will be travelling to Poland with three other girls to represent New Zealand.

To earn her place in the team, she had to play three selection tournaments at the end of which the top girls were chosen for the team.

“It will be real interesting seeing all the different styles from the different countries.  I know Egyptians are real deceptive when they play,” she says.

“It will be a good experience and just meeting more people from around the world.”

The squash champ has secured sponsorship from local firm, Tecnifibre, who provide her with allowances for kit, racquets and bags.

Hughes says she would not be where she is today without the support of her two-time world champ coach, Carol Owens.

“She has taught me a lot over the years.

“Thanks to my parents just for supporting me, paying for everything and taking me everywhere and my brother for helping me out with training.”

With one of her biggest dreams now a reality, the squash champion can look beyond Poland.

“I have been thinking about going to America on a squash scholarship and I’d quite like to go to the Commonwealth Games one time.”

The World Junior Squash Championships are taking place in Wroclaw, Poland between July 16 and 27.