Alex McFarland, a rising squash talent from Cowra High School, has achieved one of the biggest milestones of his young sporting career, earning selection in the Australian team for the 2025 Trans Tasman test matches.
McFarland recently travelled to Cairns as part of the NSW Combined High Schools Team, competing in a tri-series against Queensland and New Zealand.
The competition format saw players contest two singles matches per day across the first three days, before switching to doubles on the fourth.
NSW dominated the tournament, taking out the boys division of the tri-series and also defeating Queensland in a spirited “State of Origin” interstate clash.
At the presentation dinner, the standout performers were named in the Australian squad for the Trans Tasman showdown.
Alex’s consistency earned him a spot, where he went on to play a decisive role, winning his singles match 3–0 and narrowly going down 2–1 in doubles.
His efforts helped Australia secure a 20–10 victory over New Zealand, claiming the Trans Tasman Cup for the first time in the event’s history.
Currently completing his HSC at Cowra High School, Alex balances his studies with a heavy squash workload.
Having only taken up the sport a few short years ago, he has quickly developed into a formidable competitor, dedicating countless hours to training, travelling, and competing in both junior and senior tournaments.
He has also achieved his Level 1 coaching accreditation, passing on his knowledge to juniors and seniors at the Cowra Services Squash Club and throughout the Western region of NSW.
Despite his young age, Alex has already built an impressive squash résumé.
He has been selected for the NSW Junior State Team at the Australian Junior Championships in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Alex has also represented NSW Combined High Schools in 2023 and 2025 at the Trans Tasman Tri-Series.
He has been the recipient of the Commonwealth Games NSW Athlete Award for Squash in 2024, and the runner-up at the NSW Junior State Titles in 2025.
Alex has also become the Cowra Squash Club Opens Champion in both 2024 and 2025 and has achieved Level 1 Coaching Accreditation, now mentoring younger players.
The next major challenge for McFarland will be the Australian Junior Championships in Ballarat, commencing in late September.
With national representation already under his belt and a growing list of accolades, he is well on track to becoming one of the region’s brightest sporting stars.