Senior National Championship preview: Catherine Holland looks to set example for young charges
After working to increase competitive opportunities for young players in Fife, Catherine Holland is looking forward to having the chance to compete in this weekend’s Scottish Senior National Championship.
The Dunfermline squash player has helped organise a series of local graded competitions at Dalgety Bay Squash Club, which have attracted entries from across her region – and further afield – to provide more competitive opportunities for young people.
Catherine said: “It has been brilliant so far, we’ve had some good interest from within Tayside and Fife, with players coming across from Edinburgh too.
“It’s all about giving juniors more opportunity to play, it would be great to have even more juniors involved, but we’re getting more each time which is great.”
The keen squash player and coach is entering this weekend’s national championship, and hopes to set an example for the players she coaches.
She said: “It’s quite nice to be able to say to the juniors that competitive squash isn’t that scary – if I can do it then you can do it.”
At last year’s event, Catherine, who now plays at Watsonian Squash Club, finished in 11th place, and she is under no illusions about the challenge ahead this year.
She said: “It would be great not to finish last, it’s a really strong field this year, but I just want to keep playing squash as much as I can and just enjoy it.
“It’s great to have opportunities to play different people and keep improving.”
A total of 12 players have entered this year’s women’s draw, including several of the country’s top players.
Leading the draw in this year’s event is top seed, world number 34 Georgia Adderley who will look to end the weekend as Scottish champion for the third time.
Second seed Alison Thomson looks to be her closest competitor, as she looks to defend the crown which she won for the first time last year.
Alison Thomson will defend the women’s championship at this year’s event
Fellow members of the team which secured a strong sixth place finish at the European Team Championships this month, Katriona Ross and Ellie Jones, are third and fourth seeds respectively, and will look for a strong performance at the weekend.
A host of young players including Robyn McAlpine, Natalie Main, Louisa Kaven and Lucy Murchie will be amongst those looking to spring an upset as the action gets underway.
The Scottish Senior National Championships 2024 will take place at Newlands Lawn Tennis and Squash Club from Friday 17th May to Sunday 19th May.
Spectators can watch for free, and the full draw and results can be followed on SportyHQ.
