Gabriela Cox is Papua New Guinea’s junior squash representative. She is now the youngest certified coach in the code. This achievement came after her recent training in Australia.

The 16-year old was among fellow team mate Troy Siaguru. Veteran Imong Brooksbank was also there. This addition brings the number of coaches up to four.

“Amity Alarcos was the first to go through this training. She obtained a World Squash Federation Coaching certificate.”

“We now have Gabriela, Troy, and Imong joining this path. They are developing the code here in the country,” said federation president Lady Anna Togolo.

“This means they are eligible to coach at any TEAM PNG level. They are certified through the WSF coaching program. We hope to see more coaches for our development program as well.”

Meanwhile 16-year-old Ella Cox expressed that it was a great privilege to finish a WSF certified coaching course. This achievement now makes her eligible to coach and compete at a young age.

“I’m honored to be part of this journey and also proud of how far I’ve come in my journey…Two years ago, if you had asked me about my future as a coach, I would have shown no interest. Yet, this surely is a good privilege to both play and coach.”

Cox made her debut for Papua New Guinea earlier this year. She competed in the 2024 Australian Junior Open in Melbourne. This was followed by the Oceania Junior Championships.

 She is a current member of the PNG All girls elite squad. It was established last year to prepare for the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.

“I want to be a role model for younger players. I especially want to encourage the juniors who are coming up. I aim to keep them motivated. I hope they keep the good spirit that I have had since I was young when I started playing.”

“I want to keep that energy up so that they know that something good comes out of it.”

“My journey this far would not be possible without the support of my family and friends. Importantly, Lady Anna and the federation have also been significant,” she added.