Amanda Landers-Murphy last year had to choose between squash or study. She opted for study - a three-year bachelor degree in architecture. A year on and she has done an about turn, thrown everything into squash and no longer has ambitions of designing new buildings.
The decision to turn professional is
starting to pay off with her first win as a pro at the New South Wales Open in Sydney, and on Monday she will battle it out for a place in the Australian Open.
"I just wasn't enjoying [the course]," she said.
"I'd never do it now. Squash is what I've always wanted to do."
Landers-Murphy, 20, started playing properly as a 13 year-old when she had to choose between hockey and squash. She has risen through the amateur ranks and now has a professional ranking of 66. Her aim for this year is to break the top 60.
"I only turned pro at the end of last year but I've always wanted to be a pro. I was putting the work in and decided to turn pro when I knew I was ready to start heading overseas."
She has already racked up a few air miles. After her win in Sydney last weekend she flew to Rotorua for more practice on her home courts at Ti St Squash Centre before jetting out yesterday to Canberra for the Australian Open.
The NSW Open win was the biggest of her career, she was seeded seventh and beat fifth-seed Samantha Cornett from Canada 11-8, 11-6, 5-11, 11-6.
"I was so happy," Landers-Murphy said. "It's great to see the work pay off. This was my first international win. I won $600 Australian, it didn't quite pay for the trip but it's given me a taste. It's definitely what I want to do.
"I've been playing every day for about three hours plus. I also do general fitness, such as cardio and I've been working part-time to help pay some bills. Some days are harder than others but it's part of it.
"I want to be top 60 by the end of the year. I have to do well in all of my tournaments.
"Seeing someone like [New Zealand number one] Joelle King gives you hope that you can make it up there eventually. I'd like to be world number one at some stage."
