National squash player takes up Tico scholarship

brne of the island’s outstanding young squash players is writing a new chapter for herself. Joanna Atkins is presently on scholarship in Costa Rica, where she is studying at the United World College (UWC) in San Jose.

This year, the 18-year-old St Michael alumna represented Barbados at the Caribbean Area Squash Association (CASA) Junior Championship in the British Virgin Islands, where she was girls’ team captain. Along with Eboni Atherley, she won a silver medal in Under-19 girls doubles, and guided her team to the overall title.

Atkins also took part in the Pan American Junior U19 Championship in Ecuador, and the World Junior Championship in the USA, both this summer. Although she has been playing squash for fewer than seven years, having been introduced to the sport by coach Richard Walcott in 2017, she has been a member of the national team for the past three years.

In 2023, she earned a second-place finish in the Under-17 division at the national championships. She also contributed to her team’s victory at the Caribbean Junior Squash Championships (CASA).

A capable multi-sport athlete, Atkins is hoping to continue playing whilst in Central America, and is exploring the options at UWC.

UWC Costa Rica’s prestigious programme offers a bilingual International Baccalaureate curriculum, focusing on nurturing young leaders who are passionate about serving humanity and understanding diverse cultures.

With students from over 70 countries, Atkins is now immersed in a vibrant community rich with new languages, cultures, and stories.

The youngest of three siblings, all of whom have been active athletes, Atkins was a member of her high school netball team. She also won a silver medal in shot put at the inter-school athletic championships (BSSAC).

Her academic excellence was recognised through awards in Chemistry and the ‘Best All-round Sportswoman’ accolade for the 2022-2023 school year. Her CAPE exams showcased her versatility with stellar passes in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Communication Studies, and Caribbean Studies.

Joanna also demonstrated her commitment to community service through active participation in the Vauxhall 4H Club and various church activities. As a member of the youth group and tech team at Vauxhall Methodist Church, she contributed significantly to her community.

Joanna’s athletic journey was marked by her role in the Vauxhall Netball Club and Christ Church Ballers, where she captained the team in 2023 and won the ‘Best Defender’ and ‘Most Valuable Player’ awards.

Now settled in Costa Rica, Atkins is fully engaged in her UWC experience, embracing the challenges and opportunities of a bilingual, international education. Her dedication to both her academic pursuits and her passion for squash continues to drive her forward. The national squash captain aims to build on her past successes, further developing her skills and contributing to her new community. (TF)