Gavin Maxwell is only 14 years old but he’s already thinking about an NCAA scholarship, in squash.
Victoria is rising within the national squash scene with players such as Maxwell, ranked third among U15 boys in Canada.
“He might be our first player on the national junior team,” said squash pro Phil Green of the Cedar Hill Squash Club.
Maxwell finished first in the under-15 boys open at the Pacific North West Junior Jesters Squash tournament at Cedar Hill Recreation Centre on Saturday. It’s one of many tournament wins for the St. Andrew’s Regional High School student this year.
“I’d like to play for Canada one day, and I hope to be able to get a scholarship, too,” Maxwell said.
It was also a special day for Grace Thomas.
“It’s the biggest tournament win for me,” said the 13-year-old, an up-and-comer who took the girls’ U15 trophy in just her second year playing.
The annual jesters tourney usually features 160 to 180 entrants in the U19, U17, U15, U13 and U11 categories. This year, 222 youths entered and the tourney was played on 13 courts at Cedar Hill, St. Michaels University School and the Victoria Squash Club.
“Next year this tournament will be sanctioned as a selection event for the U17 and U19 national junior team,” Green said.
It means more national team players will attend. The Jesters tourney will continue to aid in developing young talent with intermediate and novice levels, as well as the open category.