Family

Shelley's mum and dad (Colin & Raina) live in Whatuwhiwhi, Doubtless Bay, a small seaside community in the Far North of New Zealand.

Whatuwhiwhi is situated 40 kilometres east of Kaitaia. Kaitaia is a 90 minute drive south from Cape Reinga, the northern most tip of New Zealand.

Kaitaia where Shelley grew up and at the age of four began playing squash at the Kaitaia Tennis and Squash Club.

Shelley first started playing in competitions as a ten year old. From the Far North, Shelley's parents would drive her throughout New Zealand to compete in junior tournaments.

During her junior years Shelley won every New Zealand junior title on offer, as well as Australian and Oceania titles.

Shelley was a member of the New Zealand junior girls teams that placed third in 1995 at the world teams event in Australia and the 1997 team that placed 2nd in Brazil.

Also members of the 1997 New Zealand junior team to Brazil were Lara Petera and Hayley King, who along with Shelley grew up and played squash in Kaitaia.

Since competing on the WISPA international circuit, Shelley has achieved a career high world ranking of 7, won 11 international titles and appeared in 18 tour finals.

In 2004 Shelley was a quarter finalist at the World Open in Kuala Lumpur where she beat world number 2, Cassie Jackman from England to make the top 8. In 2007 Shelley was again a surprise quarter finalist at the World Open in Madrid. This time she beat world number 1, Nicol David from Malaysia to reach the top 8. In May 2008 Shelley was also a quarter finalist in the British Open.

Shelley was a member of the 2002 and 2004 New Zealand Women's teams which both placed third at the World Teams Championships, and she was also a member of the 2000 and 2006 New Zealand Women's teams.

In 2002 Shelley represented New Zealand for the first time at the Commonwealth Games held in England.

In 2004 Shelley won a silver medal for New Zealand in the mixed doubles with partner Glen Wilson at the World Doubles Championships held in India and also a bronze medal with partner Tamsyn Leevey in the women's doubles.

In 2006 Shelley won the Women's World Doubles title with partner Tamsyn Leevey and also a silver (women's doubles) and bronze medal (singles) for New Zealand at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

In 2007 Shelley won her third consecutive New Zealand National Championship title and has been ranked New Zealand's number 1 women's player since 2005.

Interests

Relaxing at the many beautiful beaches in the far north.
Reading novels during her travels.

Favourite Snack

Sushi

Favourite Athlete

Shelley enjoys watching Grand Slam Tennis on TV

Favourite Place

Whatuwhiwhi, Doubtless Bay, New Zealand