Helena Coetzee is a squash player for UP who has achieved a lot throughout her career. This season alone she has won three championships and finished in the top ten of the Growthpoint SA nationals. PDBY had a chat with Helena about her squash career throughout the years.
Who are you and how would you describe yourself?
My name is Helena and I love squash, listening to music, and reading. I would also consider myself a loyal friend who also cares a lot about people.
How did you get into squash and how long have you been
playing?
I have been playing squash since I was ten years old. My dad and my two older brothers played squash when I was growing up, and my dad used to play league. So, we would go to the court with him and that’s when I thought that I should try it out.
Since this season, you have participated in more than three competitions. How much work goes into preparing for them?
Normally I train five to six times a week and when I have a competition coming up, I try to do extra sessions. We do gym sessions and on-court sessions. It does take a lot of time and a lot of sacrifices, but it’s definitely worth it.
How do you manage to train six times a week and balance schoolwork at the same time?
I train either early in the morning or late at night so during the day I can use that time to study. If you have good time management then it is definitely possible.
You won three championships this season alone, and you made it to the top ten of the Growthpoint SA nationals, how were you able to achieve that?
It has been my goal to reach the top ten since I was a junior. So,when I started my studies at UP, I realized that now is the time to push hard and to grow a lot. I then started training with the guys team at a high-intensity level, training for extra hours and playing as many tournaments as possible to get as much practice as possible.
What are some of the challenges you have faced to be where you are in your squash career?
I’ve had to sacrifice a lot of events that I would have liked to go to, including school tours, birthdays, and even holidays. Most of the things that I’ve sacrificed are social, but it’s substituted for awonderful experience, like when I am in the championships since it’s invigorating.
What do you envision for your squash career in the coming years?
I have been training as hard as possible this year with the hopes of making it into the PSA (Professional Squash Association) and I want to play there for a couple of years. I also hope to make the South African national team within the next three years and to be in the top five in squash in the country.
Who have you looked up to that keeps you motivated in squash?
I think my family, including my dad, has always supported me and has been in my corner. When I didn’t want to do something, he’d be like, “Come let’s go, I’ll play with you”. He also used to take me to the tournaments, which were very expensive. My squash coach, Liz Mackenzie, is also one of the people that helped me get to where I am. She started coaching me when I was ingrade five and she helped me get a bursary with Dunlop and Tuks. I would say she definitely is one of my main supporters.
What is one piece of advice you would give to someone, in any sport, to be at the top of their game like you are?
I’d say you have to make sure that when you are playing, you are still enjoying it. If it’s not fun, then I feel like it’s not worth it. You must do it because you love it and not because you have to do it.
