January 30, 2013 at 5:54 p.m.

Jennifer’s a rising star


When 11 year old junior squash player, Jennifer Ince, stepped onto the all-glass court at Jessie Vesey Sports Centre with one of the world's top female players at last years Virtual Spectator Bermuda Masters 2005 squash tournament she had no idea what was in store.

Her parents made sure she was wearing suitable gear that afternoon but Jennifer didn’t even take her squash racquet to the event.

National Development Coach, Patrick Foster, handed the youngster a racquet and persuaded her to go on court for a few minutes with New Zealand professional squash star, Shelly Kitchen, for a “little exhibition game.”

Jennifer had been playing squash since the age of eight with the encouragement of her dad, Christian Ince, who also plays, and she readily admits to not being too keen on the game at first.

But this determined young Warwick Academy student persevered and began to show real promise while attending the Saturday squash programme at the BSRA courts in Devonshire.

So much so, that she had secretly been chosen to receive the PartnerRe Girl’s Day Squash Scholarship that afternoon after her game with Shelly Kitchen.

Jennifer was taken completely by surprise when she tried to leave the court, and, in her own words, “I had no idea what was happening until a very nice lady from PartnerRe presented me with a plaque and a squash bag full of kit, and told me I had won a special squash scholarship with free lessons every week for a year with Patrick.

“I couldn’t believe it. And I even got to keep the racquet with a cover signed by all of the top squash players.”

When asked about her progress during the past year, Jennifer said: “I’ve really enjoyed it. My squash has really improved a lot. I have a lot more control and I can hit the ball harder. Now I’m playing in the National Squad in the Under 15 age group, and just before Christmas I went to play in the U.S. Junior Open at Yale with the rest of our Junior Squad. That was a great experience.” Jennifer added that she wants to play squash for Bermuda and that she doesn’t like to lose — even to the boys she plays!

Her mother Theresa says she has seen Jennifer steadily increase her confidence, and remarked that squash is a very healthy and sociable activity for children that can be carried through to adulthood.

Although Mrs. Ince does not play herself she has another daughter, eight-year-old Megan, who attended the BSRA’s summer squash camp last year, and is already playing in the Tuesday afternoon girl's group.

Patrick Foster said that Jennifer has improved in all aspects of her game, both technically and fitness wise, and has been a pleasure to coach because of her positive attitude.

He described Jennifer as an excellent role model for other young girls, who is always willing to take on a challenge.[[In-content Ad]]

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