Perth homecoming special for champion Sue Hillier

Sue Hillier won her first WA Open State Championship in 1988, almost 40 years later, she’s as competitive as ever, getting ready to again take on the world’s best at home.  

From winning her State Championship in 1988 to claiming three World Championship titles and a World Masters Games crown, Hillier’s journey through the sport has spanned decades, continents and countless friendships.

As Perth prepares to host the World Masters Squash Championships, Hillier will have the unique opportunity to compete on home soil in front of family, friends and the wider squash community.

For Hillier, Squash is much more than the thrill of competition, always has been. 

The City of Stirling will welcome the world’s top masters squash players when Mirrabooka co-hosts the World Squash Masters Championships from 30 August to 6 September.

The international competition will also feature a purpose-built all-glass squash court at Karrinyup Shopping Centre, providing a one-of-a-kind sporting showcase for visitors and fans.

“It’s really exciting,” Hillier said.

“My family and friends will get to come and watch, and I have a training group on Wednesday’s and a lot of them are playing as well. It’s just really good to have it here.

“Normally I prefer to travel, because that’s such a big part of the experience, but now that it’s getting closer, it’s really exciting.”

Hillier has competed at World Championships around the globe, experiencing some of the sport’s most iconic venues and the unique atmosphere that comes with a global event.

“They’ve been amazing,” she said.

“They always put them at the most amazing centres, and the whole experience is incredible. It’s not just about playing, it’s about catching up with people, meeting new people and being part of that community.

“For me, getting to play against different people from around the world is so exciting. You’re not just playing the same people every week; every event brings something different.”

Hillier has enjoyed remarkable success at the international level, winning three World Championships and a World Masters Games title.

“The first one was tricky and nerve-wracking,” she said.

“Then later on, when they started seeding me number one, that brought its own pressure as well.

“But for me, it’s always been about getting out there, playing these different women and enjoying the challenge. I don’t focus too much on where I’m seeded or what might happen. I just have confidence in my ability and see what happens.”

That mindset has helped Hillier continue competing at the highest level of Masters squash, where experience and strategy become just as important as athletic ability.

“The biggest thing I love about squash is the people and the social connection,” she said.

“Then it keeps me fit, and the third thing is the challenge. Every time I play someone new, it’s about working things out.

“It’s a mental game. At my age, I’m not necessarily getting faster, so it becomes about the mental challenge and figuring things out. It’s like physical chess.”

With the World Masters Championships coming to Perth, Hillier is also excited about showcasing squash to a wider audience, with matches set to take place on a glass court in Karrinyup Shopping Centre.

“I’m really hoping people come along and watch because squash is such an exciting sport,” she said.

“For people who have never seen it before, Masters squash is probably a great introduction because it’s not quite as fast as the professional game. People can actually see the rallies and understand what’s happening.

“When you watch PSA squash, it’s incredibly quick. It’s amazing, but it can be hard for someone who has never played before to appreciate just how good it is.”

Hillier believes squash is experiencing a resurgence, particularly among younger players following the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I’ve personally found more people in the 20 to 30 age bracket coming into squash after COVID,” she said.

“I don’t know exactly why, but I think people were looking for different activities and social connections. A lot of people are coming along, they have never played before, and that’s really positive.”

The Perth event will also highlight the strength of the local squash community, with several Western Australian players among the top seeds.

“There are some really strong WA players competing,” Hillier said.

“We’ve got a great group of women who train together, and it’s really exciting to have everyone involved.”

While Hillier has achieved plenty throughout her career, she says there was never a long-term plan to keep playing into her 60s.

“When I was younger, I thought I’d probably play until I was 60 and then retire,” she said.

“Then I got to 60 and thought, ‘No, I’m not ready yet.’

“I didn’t play on the professional circuit, and I haven’t trained ridiculously hard, so I don’t hate it. I love it.

“I love coaching, I love the social side of it, and it’s my community. I’ve got friends coming from interstate to stay for the event, so it’s another opportunity to catch up with people.”

Despite the years of experience and success, Hillier’s competitive spirit remains as strong as ever when she steps onto court.

“My goal is always to try as hard as I can,” she said.

“If I’m going to lose, my opponent is going to know they’ve been in a battle.

“I get on court and I’m there to play well. I don’t think about winning or losing, that’s not what I focus on.

“It’s about having a game plan, sticking to it, changing it if you have to, and focusing on the next shot and the next point.

“I hate losing, but at my age I can also comfortably acknowledge when someone is better. It doesn’t mean I played badly, sometimes someone just played better.”

After almost four decades involved in squash, Hillier hopes more players discover the benefits of Masters competition.

“People get to 35 and think they’re too old for sport, but that’s actually when the Masters category starts,” she said.

“I just wish more people would play Masters because it’s so good. It’s competitive, it’s social and it gives people a reason to stay involved.

“Squash has given me so much, fitness, friendships, travel and so many amazing experiences. It’s been a huge part of my life.”

And now, with the World Masters Championships arriving in Perth, Hillier gets one more opportunity to add to her remarkable squash story, this time, in front of the people and community that helped shape it.

The City of Stirling is a proud sponsor of the event, partnering with Squash Australia and Tourism WA to bring the championships to Perth for the first time.

Around 1,500 competitors, supporters and officials are expected to make the trip to Perth from more than 55 countries.

“We are passionate about attracting world-class events and fostering an active and connected community, so these championships are a great fit,” Mayor Irwin said.

“Sue is a fantastic ambassador for this sport and someone we can all look up to when it comes to staying active and connected.

“I wish all the athletes the best of luck, but I’m backing Sue to defend her title in front of a home crowd.

“To everyone who is visiting for the event, I encourage you to explore all the City of Stirling has to offer, from the idyllic Scarborough Beach in the west to the cultural hub of Mount Lawley in the east and everything in between.”