At the 2018 NZ Squash Awards, Shelley Kitchen was inducted into the NZ Squash Hall of Fame after an illustrious playing career. Shelley Kitchen ruled New Zealand women’s squash for several years, after emerging from the strong Kaitaia club in the 1990s. She won four successive New Zealand titles, from 2005-08, and was nationally ranked from 1998-2009. Kitchen came out of retirement to play in the world teams championship in Palmerston North in 2010, going through the event unbeaten.
She had outstanding results internationally, including winning a world doubles crown and a world mixed doubles silver medal. She beat world No 1 Nicol David in Commonwealth Games and world championships and reached a career high world ranking of No 6. Kitchen won silver and bronze medals at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.