Yukon squash player to compete at junior nationals; Jane Bell hopes for top four finish
It has been a highlight-filled season for Yukon squash player Jane Bell.
It has been a highlight-filled season for Yukon squash player Jane Bell.
Bell, who in 2007 moved to Alberta to train with women's national coach, Glenn Stark and previous fifth ranked squash player in the world Arthur Hough, has taken her game to a whole new level.
The dedication she has given to the sport is paying off and Bell has never been playing better.
Among her accomplishments this season include winning the Alberta Junior Jesters Open in November and the Ottawa Gold Core tournament in February.
Bell's most recent accolade was her selection to the Albertan provincial team, which she found out about in March.
Although she will be competing as a member of Team Alberta in her future tournaments, Bell has retained her status as a Yukon athlete and will compete as a representative of the territory in April's upcoming Canadian Junior Squash Championships.
She said it is important to compete at the junior nationals as a Yukon athlete.
"The Yukon has done a lot for me, regarding funding and general support of my squash," Bell said.
"If it wasn't for Sport Yukon or Squash Yukon I wouldn't be where I am today and I want to help promote northern squash."
Bell, 16, said achieving her goal of placing in the top four at the junior nationals would eclipse all of the accomplishments she has made this season in the game.
She said her training in Alberta will help with meeting the goal of placing in the top four at the junior nationals.
Her biggest goal at the moment is to qualify for the Canadian junior women's team, which will compete in India in two years.
Marie Desmarais is Bell's former coach. She said she was happy about Bell making the provincial team.
"I think it is great." Desmarais said.
"Jane has been working really hard at her game.
She is I believe seeded fourth going into nationals, which what can you say?
To be seeded fourth in Canada is fantastic."
She attributes Bell's success to her dedication in the game.
"I give nothing but credit to her success," Desmarais said.
"I wish her all the best and nothing less.
I think it took a lot of courage to go to Calgary and leave all of her friends here to pursue her dream."
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