Vicki Rae and Kent Darlington appointed as Junior Selectors

Squash NZ is pleased to announce the appointment of Vicki Rae and Kent Darlington as Junior Selectors for the High-Performance Program. Vicki and Kent will work alongside the High-Performance Manager Shelley Kitchen and fellow junior selector Debbie Dunbar in the delivery of the Program as intended to achieve the highest standards and best practice.

Selectors’ Vision:

“To select teams that will perform to the best of their ability, represent New Zealand with pride, and have the ability to achieve Squash New Zealand’s High-Performance goals.”

The criteria for selecting teams is established by Squash New Zealand and are guided by the Strategic Initiatives as stated in the Squash New Zealand Strategic Plan. The Selectors are required to select all teams in accordance with the selection criteria determined by Squash New Zealand. The strategic outcome of most importance is: International Success - the high-performance program achieves podium success at pinnacle events.

Vicki has been instrumental in organizing Midlands district junior and senior programs for the past two years. This included getting funding, organizing development camps, one-day tournaments and weekly squad training for the high-performance players. She also convened the selection panel, organized and supervised groups of junior and senior players to attend regional and national squash tournaments. Vicki brings to the role vision and enthusiasm for inspiring juniors to be the best they can be.

Kent has been involved in the sport for many years, from playing through to committee roles. Kent was involved with Central Districts as a Senior and Master representative along with a HP Director role for 5yrs (2012 - 2016). In that time Kent managed the Senior teams and was proud to be a part of the Central Women's team winning the National teams title twice in 3 years, a first ever for the district. Kent is looking for great work ethic, professionalism and a positive culture environment.

Debbie Dunbar continues in the role of junior selector, bringing not only her knowledge of squash which has been developed over many years, but also her skills in clear, open and honest communication and a strong belief in transparent processes.

Robbie Wyatt, Graeme Randolph and Adam Odering leave the selector role to concentrate on their professional coaching careers. Squash NZ would like to thank Robbie, Graeme and Adam for their dedication, expertise and countless hours of time given to the Squash NZ High-Performance program. It’s not an easy job being a selector and we appreciate everything they have contributed.

The junior selectors will ensure our high-performance athletes have the best possible opportunities to develop and perform on the world stage.