See How She Got Started in the OUA

Anchored in the efforts to spotlight Ontario University Athletics (OUA) student-athletes, the initiative See How She Got Started showcases and tells the story of how some of the conference’s talented student-athletes first got involved in sport and have made their way to the varsity stage on which they currently shine.  It is also hoped that their stories can inspire young athletes to aspire to compete in varsity-level sports.

 

 

Meet OUA Student-Athlete Khaaliqa Nimji

University - 

University of Waterloo

 

Sport -

Squash

 

Year of Eligibility -

4th Year

 

Hometown - 

Nairobi, Kenya 

 

Program of Study - 

Recreation and Sports Business

 

 

How did you first get involved in your sport?

My father actually represented Kenya after he had finished university in various tournaments. Additionally, my mother was one of the top juniors in badminton in her youth and started squash once she got married. They started me off whilst I was still in diapers with a sponge ball. I could barely hold the racquet because it was more or less the same size as me.  

 

What most interested you about your sport that made you want to pursue it at a high level?

I grew up playing other sports like soccer, field hockey, badminton, tennis and swimming. However, I found squash to be much more fun. When I was younger, we had a few squash tournaments which attracted professionals from all across the globe. Having watched how amazing they were, I was determined to train harder and improve my game so I could play just like them, if not better.   

 

Was there a specific moment/experience that led you to believe you could compete in your sport at a high level, and if so, what was it?

I entered my first senior tournament when I was just 11 years old for fun. Considering the level of women's squash at that time, I was definitely not expecting to win. Just use it as an opportunity to be able to gain experience and play against better players. But, I actually made it to the finals and beat the number one ranked female player in Kenya at the time. I was completely and utterly shocked with my success as was everyone else. It felt amazing to see that all my hard work had finally paid off.   

 

 

What is your fondest memory/experience of being involved in your sport thus far?

My fondest experience is definitely participating in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India at the age of 12. To be amongst world class athletes, not just in squash but other sports too, was an absolute dream. It also game me the opportunity to watch and even play with some of the biggest names in the world of professional squash was incredible.   

 

Is there someone who inspires you to continue to pursue your sport at this high level (i.e., coach, professional athlete, family member, etc.) and what makes them an inspiration to you?

My inspiration is Nicol David. She was the number one ranked woman in squash for a time and held that position for 9 years. Sadly, she retired from competitive play in 2019 but still continues to give back to her community. She is an inspiration to me not only because of the way that she plays, but also because of her attitude on and off the court. Nicol David is a good example of what it means to be a good sportswoman in and out of competition. She treats everyone with respect which is why I greatly admire her. 

 

What excites you most about continuing your athletic journey at the varsity level within the OUA?

I am excited to be able to play with both the men's and women's squash teams and gain more experience throughout my degree. Each team member brings a unique aspect to the game and I am excited to learn more through that diversity of play. I am also glad to be representing such a wonderful school and bettering the University of Waterloo squash community.  

 

 

What is/are some of the more unique aspect(s) of your sport that others may not know about? 

Squash is an all rounded sport. It is not just physical, but mental and even emotional too. If you're generally having a bad day, it can greatly affect how you play in terms of what decisions you make and what shots to play during a game. The same goes for the emotional side. If you are too angry whilst playing, it clouds your judgment and makes it hard to concentrate and make the best shot decisions. Squash works on your physical body as well as your mental state.    

 

If someone else was looking to start playing your sport, what one piece of advice would you give them to get them started?

Practice does indeed make perfect. Don't get discouraged just because you had one bad session. If you're willing to keep working at it, you can improve your game in no time. 

 

What is one critical thing that you do to try to continue to experience improvement within your sport (i.e., specific drill/exercise, training regimen, routine, etc.)?

Squash already has a lot of movement whether you are simply doing drills with someone or playing a match. I try to work on a little bit of everything each session I'm on the court. Whether it's working on the aspects that I am already good at or on those aspects I need to improve on, it enables me to keep my strengths consistent whilst also improving my weaknesses.

Additionally, I try to go to the gym regularly too so that I can improve on my strength. There is not just one thing that I can focus on since squash is such a fully body workout kind of sport.  

 

What would you say to your 10-year-old self about playing and staying in sport?

Sports has been the best way for me to stay sane in an insane world. What I mean by that is with all the pressures of school, work (sometimes) and personal issues, sports has been a kind of escape into an alternate reality and has kept me going.      

 

Is there one strategy that you find works well for you in creating a positive student/athlete balance in your life?

I find that it is extremely important to have time to myself or have some kind of social interaction outside of school and squash. This helps me to not feel so overwhelmed with everything that's going on in my life.   

 

SeeWhatSheCanDo

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