Name: Maryam Aly

Age: 15 years old

Hometown: Cairo, Egypt

Current city: Halifax, Nova Scotia

When I started to play squash: 5 years ago

What got me into the game: Usually on the weekends, some of my friends and family members go to play squash. When I saw how much fun they were having and that they were enjoying themselves, I thought I should try it too. For the first year or two I played once a week just for fun. Later, I enjoyed playing the game and I thought that I can actually achieve something if I started to focus and set my mind to it.

Who influenced me the most: My mom was the one that influenced me the most. She’s always pushing me and encouraging me to perform to the best of my abilities. If it wasn’t for her support, I wouldn’t be in this position right now.

Favourite tournaments: My top two favourite tournaments that I enjoy playing the most are the Canadian Junior Open and the U.S junior Open.

What squash has taught me: Squash has taught me many valuable lessons. It taught me how to manage my time and to perform to the best of my abilities. It definitely made me gain a lot of self confidence because it taught me that I’m strong enough to do anything if I set my mind to it and that nothing is impossible. Last but not least, it improved my grades and academics because I felt responsible and capable of doing anything I wanted to do. Finally, it taught me that anything I do in life is not measured by the quantity but by the quality.

My role models: Whenever we say role models, a few people come to mind. When I think of my role model, I think of cancer survivors. Unlike everyone else, my role model is all the people who are out there and are fighting cancer. We truly can learn from those people what the definition of fighting and chasing your dream is all about. I definitely look up to champions and famous athletes but I have to admit the fact that I don’t look up to them as much as I look up to those fighters. Those people fight for all they want regardless of their circumstances and that’s what everyone should be doing anytime or anywhere.