VI Squash player Delilah Pease won her category U11, at the Canada Open in December 2024. Photo: Facebook/Adam Murrills

VI Squash player Jakob Noblett-Diaz impressed in the boys' under-13 category, winning the Plate 1C competition with a series of commanding performances at the 2024 Canada Open. Photo: Facebook/Adam Murrills

Brothers Oliver (U19) and Danny Henderson (U17) also represented the Virgin Islands at the recently concluded Canada Open. Photo: Facebook/ Adam Murrills

Among the nearly 400 top Junior Squash players from across the globe, the VI's four representatives—Pease, Jakob Noblett-Diaz and brothers Oliver and Danny Henderson- showcased exceptional skill, determination, and sportsmanship, leaving their indelible respective marks on the prestigious event, representing the VI.

Pease (U11) made history by clinching the championship title in her category, becoming only the second Caribbean player to achieve this feat, her performance culminating in a dramatic five-game final against Canada’s second-ranked Eugenie Kao.

Road to Glory

Pease began the tournament with a commanding first-round victory and faced stiff competition in the round of 16. Trailing 1-0 and 7-3 against one of the tournament's top seeds, she however staged a stunning comeback to win 3-1, demonstrating an unyielding fighting spirit.

In an interview with another local media house, National Coach Adam Murrills spoke to the significance of the match remarking that of the last 16, Pease played one of the 3-4 seeds, a very strong player, and she managed to win 3-1.

Building on the momentum, Pease advanced to the quarterfinals and semifinals with straight-set victories, setting the stage for a showdown with Kao in the final.

The final match was another thrilling spectacle for onlookers, as Kao took an early lead with an 11-7 first game, showcasing her speed and precision.

Pease shifted the dynamics—a tactical adjustment enabling her to claim the next two games, establishing a 2-1 lead.

Kao not giving up, responded nonetheless winning the fourth game to force a decisive fifth. In front of a packed crowd, the two players traded points in a nail-biting finale.

While Kao held two championship points at 10-8, Pease displaying nerves of steel, leveling the score at 10-10 before clinching the final two points to secure her historic victory.

"This was an awesome match; The two of them were like two little warriors out there. Delilah’s determination and composure in the final moments were remarkable. It’s a historic moment for BVI squash,” Mr Murrills said.

Another win for the VI

Pease’s triumph was not the only highlight for the VI contingent as Jakob Noblett-Diaz impressed in the boys' under-13 category, winning the Plate 1C competition with a series of commanding performances.

Oliver and Danny Henderson also delivered strong showings in their respective age groups, contributing to the team’s overall success.

Collectively, the VI athletes won 15 out of their 23 matches, a testament to their hard work and preparation.

Landmark Year

The historic victory at the Canadian Junior Open caps off a remarkable year for VI squash having earlier in July, hosted the Junior CASA Caribbean Championships for the first time since 2007, attracting nearly 150 juniors from across the region.

At the time, the VI team excelled, winning three gold medals—their first since 2009.

As Coach Murrills aptly put it, "Delilah’s win raises the bar for our juniors and shows that with passion and determination, the BVI can compete at the highest level; This is only the beginning."