
2 × World Junior Cups (Houston 2024, Cairo 2025) • 6 × Trans-tasman Test Series (Australia Vs Nz)
How and Where It All Began :
My dad used to play squash and I would follow him to the courts. That’s where I began with the Oz Squash program, just hitting balloons and learning the basics. My first real match came at the Australian Junior Championships in 2017 against my good friend and long-time competitor, Emmy Lamb — and I fell in love with the game from that moment.
First State Colours :
I represented Victoria for the first time at age 10, playing in the U13s. It was the most exciting time — travelling with the team, taking photos, pulling pranks, and winning matches for the state. The best part was hearing a whole group cheer for me and the high fives that followed.
The COVID Challenge :
I never thought we would play squash again. The whole country was competing, but in Victoria we couldn’t even travel or train. It was tough, and we lost a lot of good players during that time. But I’m proud that within a year we regrouped — reaching the final of the Australian Teams Championships and finally winning it in 2023
National & International Breakthrough :
My first Trans-Tasman in 2021 was cancelled because of COVID, but since then I’ve worked hard to make up for that missed opportunity. Highlights of my journey so far include winning the U17 Oceania Junior title, and winning the NZ Junior Open 2026 and Australian Junior Open 2026. I’ve also had strong performances at two World Junior Cups. So far, I’ve represented Australia at 2 World Junior Cups (Houston 2024, Cairo 2025) and 6 Trans-Tasman Tests.
Why I Still Play :
I’m aiming to finish my junior career strongly in the U19s and break into the top 5 in Australian women’s squash. I’ve already started playing PSA events, but right now my main focus is training hard and competing for major titles in my final junior year. It’s an exciting stage of my journey and also a little daunting, but I’m ready for the challenge and determined to make the most of every opportunity ahead.
FIRST VICTORIAN STATE TEAM SELECTION
AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS U13 TEAMS GOLD
FIRST TOURNAMENT MATCH AT AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
COVID SHUTDOWN-NO SQUASH
VICTORIA WINS AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR TEAMS CHAMPIONSHIP
RUNNER-UP, AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR OPEN U19, WORLD JUNIOR CUP (CAIRO)
Winning the NZ Junior Open and Australian Junior Open 2026 and captain Australia to a Trans Tasman series win



Fun Facts About The Player
What’s always in your squash bag (besides gear)?
What’s your go-to meal while travelling for tournaments?
Favourite memory from travelling for squash?
One of the best venues you’ve played in?
What’s one thing you wish people knew about being a junior squash player?
What will you miss most from your junior days?
How did it feel playing against the world’s top ranked players?





Cassie Thomas – Victoria State Coach
Jenny Duncalf – National Junior Pathway Coach
Life outside squash is closely connected to my goals on court.
I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Science at Melbourne University, which allows me to pursue my interest in medicine while continuing to train at a high level. One of the biggest challenges during my junior years was spending hours each day travelling for training and matches, along with the constant pressure of maintaining strong grades.
Now that I’m based in the city, I have more time to dedicate to squash coaching, recovery, and fitness programs . My ultimate dream is to become a doctor while still competing in squash at a high level. It may seem like an impossible balance, but I’m taking it one semester and one event at a time.
Be patient, keep working, and enjoy the journey. The friendships, lessons, and experiences you gain will stay with you long after the trophies.
Joanne is one of the most committed young players I’ve worked with — disciplined, fearless, and always ready to learn