From Squash Alberta (http://www.squashalberta.com/)
In what he describes as the culmination of his young, but already incredibly successful squash career, Calgary's Andrew Schnell captured his first Open National Championship last week during his third final appearance in as many years.
"This is the one you always dream of. Making the finals for two years in a row but just missing out, and then this year pulling it off, it's hard to believe."
From Squash Alberta (http://www.squashalberta.com/)
In what he describes as the culmination of his young, but already incredibly successful squash career, Calgary's Andrew Schnell captured his first Open National Championship last week during his third final appearance in as many years.
"This is the one you always dream of. Making the finals for two years in a row but just missing out, and then this year pulling it off, it's hard to believe."
Success is no stranger to Schnell, who captured 3 junior national titles before moving into the senior ranks 5 years ago and quickly worked himself into the top echelon of Canadian squash talent by making his first National Championship final in 2014. While falling just short of National Gold again in 2015, he was able to strike it internationally, teaming up with Shawn Delierre and brother Graeme to capture Team Gold at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto. Graeme and Andrew also teamed up in the doubles event and took home a silver medal.
The 2015-16 season turned out to be a banner year for Andrew, who rode the international success tasted at the 2015 Pan Am Games into his best year on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) Tour so far, capturing 3 titles, and securing his highest professional ranking to date (66th). Culminating this incredible season with his first national title is a fantastic honour, and we at Squash Alberta couldn't be more proud.
While it's true that Andrew's accomplishments were particularly spectacular this year, he is not where the showcase of Alberta talent at the National Championships ended this season. Alberta also had a representative competing in the women's final, as Danielle Letourneau secured her place by defeating #1 seed and heavy favourite, Nicolette Fernandes, in the semi-finals. While coming up just short of the title, she remained positive when reflecting on her result:
"Was points away from a national title but couldn't pull it out. While the loss stings, I'm very happy with my season and the progress I've seen in my game."
Letourneau lost in a nail-bitingly close contest with champion Holly Noughton 11-8 in the fifth and deciding game. It was a see-saw battle, which saw Letourneau go down two games to 1 before roaring back in a one-sided fourth game and unfortunately falling just short in the fifth. Going in as the 3/4 seed, it was still a very successful National Championships for Letourneau who, like Schnell, also enjoyed a very successful 2015-16 season. She captured the first PSA title of her career in January, made the semi-finals of the PSA event in Calgary in March, and has risen to her career-best professional ranking of #66.
Alberta's final medal of the National Championships came on the Men's side as well, and to a familiar name. Graeme Schnell, Andrew's older brother and long-time training partner/coach, competed alongside his younger sibling all week and perhaps surprisingly, found himself in a close battle against 2015 National Champion Shawn Delierre. While falling just short of winning that match, Graeme secured the Bronze medal for himself, and helped coach his younger brother Andrew to his first National Championship later in the day. Having moved to Toronto in the fall for school, expectations weren't high for Graeme this squash season as studies had to come first, but the opportunity was there so he took it.
"I thought, 'OK, well nationals are coming up and in Toronto, so I won't have to travel or miss classes' and thought it might be worth it to make one big push and see how it goes. It went better than I expected and I maintained the same position I did last year without playing full time, so next year we'll wait and see."
All three players have shown they can compete with the best in the world, and will have a bright future in this sport if they continue to dedicate themselves. We at Squash Alberta are extremely proud of these players and will follow their careers with great interest over the next several years!
