At just 15 years old, Lijana Sultana made a bold decision: to leave Malta and move to Australia to pursue her passion for squash.
Training at Daisy Hill Squash and Racquets Club under coach Brad Hindle, she developed not only her game but also the independence and discipline needed to balance life as both a student and an athlete.
This move was made possible through the Malta Sports Scholarship Scheme, financed by the Government of Malta.
Her years at the National Sports School in Malta had already prepared her to combine academics with an intense training schedule, laying the foundation for the challenges ahead.
Today, at 18, Lijana has taken her journey even further. She is currently studying Marketing at Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business in Philadelphia, while competing for Drexel’s Division I varsity squash team.
The team, made up of student-athletes from around the globe, has become her second family. Representing Drexel at this level has been both rewarding and demanding.
Balancing early-morning practices, academic commitments, and international tournaments is no easy task. Yet, the resilience built through years of squash has equipped her for success. Living abroad has also given her the chance to grow in confidence and independence, adapting to new cultures and forming lasting connections with people from around the world.
Lijana also credits the support of the Maltese Olympic Committee, Sport Malta, and Malta Squash for helping her compete internationally while continuing her studies.
This has made it possible for her to chase both her academic and sporting goals while proudly representing Malta abroad.
Looking ahead, she hopes to keep improving on court with Drexel while preparing for her future career. Her story is proof that with hard work and the right support, Maltese athletes can succeed on the international stage – in both sport and academics.