Coach Sonica Fritz in Lim to groom new talent
The talented squash player and coach, Sonica Fritz (36) encourages young children, especially between the ages of six and 18 years, who are interested in the sport to take part in the squash events she plans to host in the province.
POLOKWANE – The talented squash player, Sonica Fritz (36), will brighten up the Limpopo squash landscape as a new squash coach and to promote the sport in the province.
Sonica fell in love with the sport when she first held a squash racket in her hand at the tender age of six years. Today, 30 years later, she is now ranked the seventh best squash player and she plans to take Limpopo by storm in promoting the sport.
Sporting accomplishments:
After undergoing a back fusion operation, she managed to claim the South African National Doubles title 10 months after the operation, proving the doctors who told her that she would never be able to play again wrong.
She represented SA at the World Student Games in Australia and has competed in squash tournaments across the globe in England, Sweden, Poland, Scotland and Ireland.
In 1999 she decided to try her hand at coaching, something she has been doing ever since. She was the coach of former SA women number one squash contender, Milnay Louw. Sonica will represent SA in the World Master Games in September.
These days she is involved with the marketing and organisation of squash-related events in Limpopo.
“It has been a couple of tough years for squash in Limpopo, especially for junior players. Looking at the amount of opportunities in the province, including tournaments, it is nigh impossible for a junior squash player from Limpopo to make it onto the national squash scene,” she explains.
Sonica has a busy coaching schedule and she coaches squash as the head coach in Pretoria on Mondays and Tuesdays at Midstream College.
On Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays she coaches squash in Polokwane, and on Thursdays at Stanford Lake College in Tzaneen.
She attributes her success largely to the support of her parents without whom she says her squash career would not have been possible.
“Squash is more than just a sport, it is a fun way of meeting amazing new people, both in South Africa and globally. I have made several lifelong friends through the sport.”
Sonica has made it her mission to discover new squash talent in Limpopo and to help grow the sport in the province. One squash star she has unearthed so far is Reece Bain who has already proven her potential in the sport by reaching the top rankings in her age category.
“I love coaching because it gives me the opportunity to help discover and groom talented players. There is an abundance of talent in Limpopo and I plan to do all in my power to help them develop their love and talent of the sport.”
She explains that squash is not only for serious players who want to pursue a career in the sport, but it is a sport ideal for socialising and staying fit.
“Just by spectating the sport you can already see that it is a high intensity sport and that you will be burning more calories than with almost any other sport, all while having fun. I want to encourage a healthier lifestyle in the province as well by promoting the sport.”
The two biggest sponsors helping Sonica promote squash in the province are Caliber Property Developers and Dunlop who donate funds for the organisation of squash events and competitions in the province.
“Along with that I am lucky that the various squash clubs throughout Limpopo are very accommodating and supportive in my quest to develop the sport in Limpopo.”
Sonica says she encourages young children, especially between the ages of six and 18 years, who are interested in the sport to take part in the squash events she plans to host in the province. Anyone who is interested in the sport can contact her at 082 431 1210.
She will be coaching junior players at the Polokwane Squash Club on Fridays from 15:00 to 16:00. The first session is free so aspiring players can test the waters before they dive into the wonderful world of squash.
