Oxfordshire squash star earns rising star accolade

Emily Coulcher-Porter has won England Squash’s Rising Star (Female) at the 2023 England Squash Awards following a triumphant year that earned her a spot at the European Under 19 Championships aged just 16.

The young star from Oxfordshire trains at Abingdon Squash Club and represents the county in the girls U17 category in most major tournaments. She’s become the British and English champion in the category over the last 12 months, and started competing at U19 level in some events, coming second at the Pontefract Gold in December.

For Coulcher-Porter, one of these triumphs stands above the rest, she said: “I'd have to say winning the British Junior Championships in October because I‘ve got to the final so many times, but I could never deliver in the final.

“It would always be really close and I'd always be the person that would lose it. And it was my number one goal to win a British Championship title before I turn 19. I think to just get past that sort of bridge in my head and to win in the final, it was just the best, it was amazing.”

Her 2023 form saw her selected to represent England at the European Championships in Romania, where she finished a respectable 17th, having entered as a 33/64 seed.

Speaking about the tournament in Romania, Emily said: “I had a tough draw. I had the one seed in the second round, which was quite tough, and I didn't manage to beat her. But I had a really good match with her, and I managed to come 17th, which was the highest I could have come after losing my second round.

“So, I thought it went very well compared with the draw that I had. I was actually very happy with how I did.”

On winning the Rising Star award, Emily said:

“To be honest, I never even considered I'd be selected for it. I saw people who have previously been selected and I always wanted to get the award because it’s recognition not just from coaches but from everyone watching squash.

“And to be recognised for the hard work that I put in and to get a recognition award, I'm really shocked. I'm over the moon.”

The young star is relishing the challenge of moving into the final junior under 19 age group and is aiming for a big performance at the prestigious British Junior Open in January. She’s taking things step-by-step when considering a professional career but does hope to attend university in the United States on a squash scholarship.

Find out more about the 2023 Awards.