PDBY Featured Athlete: Helena Coetzee

Mpho Mabelesa

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 Coetzee 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