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Without dropping a game, 29-year-old Squash athlete and Oakville local Hollie Naughton has earned her fifth national title in the women's open division at the 2024 AirSprint Private Aviation Canadian Squash Championships in Calgary, Alberta.
For Naughton, this title comes just over six months after winning two medals from the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games.
Read more here: Hollie Naughton wins two medals at the 2023 Pan American Games
"It's always a great feeling to win another national title," said Naughton in an interview with Oakville News.
"I don't get to play too many events in Canada and not in front of the wider squash community, so nationals is always special to do so. Each year I feel like the pressure and expectations heighten which adds another dynamic to the event as well. To come away with the title and have overcome those feels makes it even more special."
This win for Naughton means more than just another title, it's a personal win for her as she's come back after a break from the sport to focus on her wellbeing.
"Having competed at the Pan Am Games in 2023 is a great way to gain valuable experience in a high-pressure situation," said Naughton.
"The event overall I was disappointed in my performance as I hadn't achieved the goals I set and I was quite disappointed. The aftermath was quite low and I ended up taking an extended amount of time off and contemplated whether I was going to continue. I think this whole experience has helped my mindset moving forward."
Naughton said the break allowed her to reevaluate how she saw herself and separate her sport from her identity. She says this was important to realize that her sport doesn't define her self-worth.
"I think it can become very all [sic] consuming after so many years. I now try to enjoy myself more on court and have the approach that each day is going to be a different version of giving 100%. All I can do is give 100% of what I have each day. If I lose I lose knowing I gave it all. Still working on getting this every time but working hard with my sports psychologist and coaches."
Now with Squash getting into the Olympics, Naughton has her sights set on a "renewed goal."
"It's 4 years away and I'll be doing everything in my power to make it there," said Naughton. "I think for myself it would be an amazing way to close out my career."