INSPO Fitness Journal May 2017

WORKING
TOWARDS
GOLD
Sophie Hodges is the perfect example of how skill and
technique can outplay vastly more experienced players in
the sport of squash.
The talented 11-year-old is no stranger
to beating players with decades more
experience on the squash court – and
she’s fast making a name for herself in the
junior grades against the best in the country.
The diminutive intermediate school
student has several Waikato and national
achievements to her name and is a member
of the New Zealand Development Squad
(U13) for the second consecutive year.
“She is young but I
already see some great
qualities in her that will
serve her well as she
develops as a player,”
On a fast track to success, Sophie finished
second in the U13 girls at the recent 2017
Oceania Champs and also represented New
Zealand in the Trans Tasman test against
Australia, winning both her matches.
Having taken up the sport three years
ago, she has risen impressively fast through
the ranks and progressed from J grade to
B1. Nationally ranked as number two in the
Under 13’s (this is the first year she has been
eligible), Sophie has represented Waikato at
Quads Series and the Waikato Junior Team.
She has also finished second in the U11s at
the Oceania Junior Champs.
Despite her age, Sophie has serious goals.
Short term she’s aiming to firmly cement
herself in B1, to play at AIMS games as a Year
7 and later this year to win the win the NZ
National U13 title.
Long term she’s striving to reach A Grade
by the age of 13 and to make the NZ Junior
girls team.
Coached by Kylie Lindsay, Sophie trains
for between two and three hours a week, as
well as playing three to four matches each
week, depending on tournaments. Aside
from the competitive side, a huge part of the
appeal of the sport for Sophie is the friends
she has made around the country.
Also a talented hockey player, Sophie
makes up for her small size by her strength
and speed on the field and court.
Through squash she has learned that
‘no one is unbeatable’ and that size, age and
grade doesn’t matter – determination and
skill can outplay most opponents.
Coach Kylie Lindsay says Sophie has an
exciting future in the sport and the potential
to represent New Zealand.
“She is young but I already see some great
qualities in her that will serve her well as
she develops as a player,” says Kylie. “She is
determined, hard working, fiercely competitive
and for someone so young is very level
headed.”
CONTACT David Ross (president)
hamiltonoldboyssquash@gmail.com
027 447 2639
Corner of Willoughby St & Richmond St
Next to the stadium
RODICA BARTON-WELLINGTON
CLUB MANAGER
07 834 3271 | 021 203 9871
office@hstc.co.nz
www.hstc.co.nz
325 Tristram Street, Hamilton
INSPO – FITNESS JOURNAL MAY 2017
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