Squash star Alexa Pienaar will use her success at the University Sport South Africa tournament as a stepping stone to higher honours as she bids to make her mark in the game.<\/p>\n
The 23-year-old University of Johannesburg fine arts student reached the pinnacle of varsity squash when she was crowned champion at this month’s individual event in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n
In addition, Pienaar, who was the individual runner-up last year, helped her team to the overall title, the sixth year in a row UJ have claimed Ussa honours.<\/p>\n
“I was very happy and relieved to win the Ussa title,” she said. “I was just pipped for the title last year and have worked hard since then.<\/p>\n
“It was definitely one of my goals. I have done better each year and hopefully I can keep it up in the future.”<\/p>\n
Pienaar, who is in residence at UJ, has proven herself in varsity squash and is enjoying one of her best years in the game.<\/p>\n
“This year I made the semis at the SA Nationals and SA Open, which is by far the best I have ever done,” said the third-year student who won a bronze medal as a member of the South African team at last year’s World University Championships.<\/p>\n
She also represented South African Country Districts at the Kaplan Cup interprovincial in Pretoria this month, a team she connected with while growing up in George before moving to the capital city at the age of 15.<\/p>\n
Pienaar, who attended Outeniqua Primary and Menlo Park High, paid tribute to the programmes in place at UJ.<\/p>\n
“My game has certainly improved in terms of my fitness and stamina. I have been able to take my game to the next level, upping the pace, playing longer rallies and putting my opponents under more pressure.<\/p>\n
“UJ have also supported me financially which allows me to play more tournaments like the World Student Championships.”<\/p>\n
She has also had assistance from a number of coaches.<\/p>\n
“I have three people who I consider my mentors and who have supported me all the way in Charlie Amm, Craig van der Wath and Mike Bester.<\/p>\n
“Mike is the UJ coach who has recently stepped into my life and has played a significant role in my development in the past few years.”<\/p>\n
While much of her time is taken up by her studies, Pienaar relaxes by playing golf, hiking or simply watching movies.<\/p>\n
She said she was working towards making the senior national team (top five in SA) for next year’s world championships.<\/p>\n
“I need to keep working on my physical ability and stay committed. I know I will have to put in that extra little bit of work to achieve my goals.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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