Photo credit: Maddie Pflaum

For your average North student, the school day ends with homework or extracurricular activities, but junior Narinn Pozios finishes his day on the court. Ranked 28th in the nation for squash, Pozios dedicates six days a week to training, spending hours on the court perfecting his skills. Introduced to the sport by his mother and her love for tennis, squash has become more than a passion for Pozios, it is a purpose. Between daily early dismissal for practice and constant travel on the weekends for tournaments across the country, Pozios’s commitment and dedication to the sport reflect his desire to compete at the collegiate level.

Balancing academics, an intense training schedule and frequent travel for tournaments requires a level of focus and discipline beyond the average high school athlete. Despite these challenges, Pozios takes pride in the intricacies of a sport that many may not be familiar with.

“It’s a sport similar to racquetball,” Pozios said. “You’re in a box with four walls and basically, it’s a singles sport so you’re playing against somebody else and you basically make sure to hit the ball, it bounces twice on the floor.”

Beyond the competition, squash provides Pozios with a rare sense of peace and clarity that he doesn’t often find anywhere else. When he steps onto the court, the pressure of life fades away, and he enters the mindset of squash only. The court is not just a place to work on his skills but also a place to escape from reality and feel at ease. Squash gives Pozios a reason to stay motivated and focused not only in the game but in life as well.

“I feel very free when playing squash, it’s almost like a flow state,” Pozios said. “It’s kind of my purpose.”

Only getting one day of rest each week is worth it to Pozios because of his aspirations for his future college squash career. It is not just the competitive aspect of the game that drives Pozios, but it is also the community and lifelong friendships he has created throughout his squash career. This aspect of the sport plays a significant role in keeping him engaged and passionate about the game.

“I definitely want to play in college, so that’s why I continue to do it, and I love seeing all the people,” Pozios said.

Competing at the highest level is not without challenges, hence Pozios has faced some of the best in the country during his career. A standout moment for Pozios was when he faced the number two seat in the country and was extremely proud of himself. Despite losing, he gained a sense of satisfaction that he was able to have this opportunity.

“Last year, I didn’t beat the number two in the country, but I took him to five games, which is the most you can play,” Pozios said. “That match was definitely the most difficult match I have played, but at the same time, I enjoyed it so much because I was testing myself against one of the best people in the country.

Q&A

Favorite color: Green

Favorite show: Survival

Favorite food? Pasta

Favorite animal: Tiger

Favorite dessert: Ice cream

Favorite celebrity: Ryan Reynolds

Favorite place to travel: New York

What is a fun fact about yourself: Born in New York

Favorite school subject: Science 

Favorite holiday: Christmas