Francis, 21, was the guest speaker at BSSC’s elite sports lunch at the La Trobe University visual arts centre in View Street.

There were 15 sports represented among the college’s sporting elite.

In a few weeks, Francis will take to the court in Delhi for the biggest event of her sporting career.

The Sunbury-based athlete first took on squash after a come ‘n’ try day was run at her primary school.

“I was soon hooked on the game,” Francis said.

By the age of 14 she was among the sport’s top eight in her age group.

The Victorian Institute of Sport scholarship holder revealed there had been many highs and a few lows throughout her career.

Her resolve and skill was tested by bouts of glandular fever, tonsilitis and ongoing ankle injuries.

“Things do go wrong. You have to keep fighting to achieve your goals.

“Persistence plays a big part in any sport.”

Highlights include a world junior championships campaign in Hong Kong.

Squash has taken her around the world.

Francis has played matches in New Zealand, Malaysia, China, Czech Republic, Netherlands, England, US, and across the country.

A student at Deakin University, Francis stressed the importance of education and juggling the many commitments thrown up through sport, family and social networks.

Francis said the Games would be a great challenge, with the world’s number one and two-ranked players competing in Delhi.