11/10/2026
PROUD of this lady right here!!
🌟 G.J. Gardner Masters Nationals Player Spotlight 🌟
We caught up with Juli Voykovic, a long-time Masters competitor whose passion for the people, the competition, and the squash community keeps her coming back year after year.
💬 What keeps you coming back to Masters Nationals year after year?
Honestly, it's the people. You get to catch up with friends from all over the country who you might only see once a year, and you still have that buzz and connection there straight away. I don't really play a lot of squash throughout the year, so Masters Nationals is where I get to scratch that itch with good, fun people.
💬 After all these Nationals, what's one thing that never changes?
Well one thing is for sure it's not age, we're all just getting older and slower, and it's so nice to see the younger generations filtering through. But the two things that never change are the nerves and the camaraderie. I'm a pretty social player, but come competition time the nerves are out the gate. Something I have never been able to get on top of and probably never will, so I think it's time I need to embrace those butterflies. The other constant is the camaraderie on and off the court, the laughs, the banter, the life catch ups and the team environment, which is intense but very special.
💬 What does the squash community mean to you?
It means a lot. Squash is a huge part of who I am as a player, a coach, and through owning the pro-shop at Franklin Squash Club. Watching people I coach, from little kids to social mums and dads, to the more advanced players, fall in love with the game, find their place where they can enjoy the sport, and make lifelong friendships is really special.
💬 What's been the highlight of your Masters career so far?
Well, I've been a bridesmaid a few times, but claiming two Masters titles has been pretty nice. I started playing NZ Masters 11 years ago and have been in the Auckland team ever since, and winning team titles with them has been a real highlight too. The last 18 months have been really challenging, with injury and a couple of surgeries in the last 10 months, so genuinely, just being able to keep representing Auckland and competing at this level is something I'm really proud of right now.
Juli's story highlights exactly what makes Masters squash so special. The competition is fierce, the nerves never disappear, but the friendships, support, and sense of belonging keep players coming back year after year.
The countdown to the G.J. Gardner Homes Masters Nationals is on, and we can't wait to see players from around New Zealand reconnect, compete, and create more memories on and off the court.
