3 May 2021 Issue 4 Year 83

PDBY Featured Athlete:Noël Lee

Caitlyn Walsh and Kayla Thomas

Noël Lee is a TuksAlumni squash player with a BA degree from UP. Originally from KZN, 21 year old Lee was number 2 in South Africa in Juniors Squash, before an injury in 2016 forced her to stop playing. PDBY spoke to Lee about reflecting on her career in squash, and getting back into the sport.

Why did you begin and where did you start? My older sister played squash and at the school I went to everyone just played squash at some point. So I started in grade 1 at my school and have loved it since. [...] I haven’t played for 4 years due to injuries but I’m training hard to get back to it now.

What is your favourite thing about the sport?

I love the intensity of squash. It is both physically and mentally demanding, it’s a brilliant workout no matter what level you play and you meet the most amazing people through it.

What is the most rewarding experience about playing squash?

I think the most rewarding experiences for me have been the amazing places I’ve been able to travel to and the people I’ve been able to meet. Squash is such a social sport at all levels.

What arew the most challenging aspects of the sport?

For me, the most challenging part is looking after your body and avoiding injuries. Squash is a very physically demanding sport and if you don’t work hard to constantly work on your strength and flexibility it can take its toll, especially when playing at a high level. Squash is also a mental game so you have to learn to control your emotions which is what many people struggle with.

What were your best achievements?

Winning the South African Junior Closed in my matric year, winning the Top Schools Tournament with my school and being chosen to represent South African at the World Junior Open in Poland in 2016.

Do you have any role models that you look up to? I have always looked up to Nicol David, she is a very classy squash player, she has great control both physically and mentally.

What advice would you offer to those looking to play and do well?

Work on maintaining your strength and flexibility so you can play to your best ability, but mostly have fun and enjoy the sport and all it has to offer. If you enjoy your game it will make it that much easier to excel in it.

Varsity Cup

Round 4 Highlight

Alex-Zander du Plessis (UP-Tuks) and Christopher Louis Schreuder (Maties) during the Varsity Cup match at Loftus Versfeld on 22 April 2021.

Update

As of 26 April, UP-Tuks is currently ranked second in the Varsity Cup rankings, trailing only behind the UCT Ikeys.

During round 4, on 22 April, UP-Tuks faced off against Maties. UP-Tuks’ players Hanru Sirgel and Johan Mulder scored one try each, but ultimately UP-Tuks were defeated by Maties, breaking UP’s three game winning streak.

During round 5, on 26 April, UP-Tuks played against UWC. UP- Tuks’ player, Johan Mulder, scored a try within the first six minutes. Louritz van der Schyff scored a third try for UP, followed closely by another try by Zander du Plessis, a couple of minutes later. This brought the score at half-time to 10-26 to UP-Tuks. Llewellyn Classen scored the only try for UP in the second half, howevever UP-Tuks left the field with another win.