Coming off their wins at the 2025 WA State Junior Championships, we sat down with superstars Andreas Christou and Isla Harris, to see what it takes to win the highest possible achievement for any junior in our state.
1. How did you prepare yourself going into your matches (physically, mentally, etc.)?
AC: Before my matches, I always make sure to warm up properly and mentally, I take a moment to pray, which helps me stay calm and focused. I also like to listen to music.
IH: I get quite nervous before I play, so I try to relax and keep my mind off the match as much as possible.
2. What motivates you to play squash and compete?
AC: What really motivates me is the opportunity to represent Western Australia and compete in national tournaments like AJO.
IH: Just the opportunities that come with it, like representing the state and country and all the travel that’s involved.
3. What does a typical week look like for you (school, training, competitions, social life/chill time, etc.)?
AC: I play pennants on Tuesday and in-house at Blue Gum on Thursday. I train on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and I take Monday off to rest. I also work at Belmont Squash on Saturday mornings and fit in study whenever I get the chance throughout the week.
IH: I graduated from school last year, so this year I’m just taking a gap year to work as a lifeguard and also at my parents’ Caltex in Moora. I work pretty much every day, usually early in the morning. On Wednesdays and Fridays, I travel to Perth for footy training with PFC, and I also spend the weekends in Perth for my footy games and any squash competitions. Throughout the week, I try to solo hit whenever I have time. If I don’t have footy or squash on the weekend, I’ll play hockey and netball for the local Moora teams.
4. What is one of your strengths as a squash player?
AC: One of my biggest strengths as a squash player is my fitness and speed on court. It helps me stay in rallies and keep my quality of shots high when I start to fatigue.
IH: I would say my strengths are my fitness and my length.
5. What is an area you’d like to improve?
AC: An area I’d like to improve is my movement out of the front corners and being able to do it quickly and efficiently.
IH: One thing I need to improve on is making my first few steps to the ball quicker.
6. What advice would you give to younger juniors on the pathway?
AC: My advice to younger juniors would be to keep training hard and, most importantly, make sure you’re having fun. Enjoying it is the most important part.
IH: Stay consistent with your training, focus on improving your basics, play with players better than you, and learn from every match, win or lose.