Cassie Prentice

Start in Racquetball: I began playing Racquetball because of my brother Tanner. I have always looked up to him, so when he began playing Racquetball at our uncle’s club, I decided I would follow in his footsteps. While I didn’t start lessons at the exact time as him, I was always in the court hitting the ball around by myself or playing with the other kids. I was about 5 years old when I actually started lessons.

Reason for playing: I play because I love the competitive, yet, family oriented environment that comes along with Racquetball. I have made many friends and received many opportunities to travel the world while representing my country. Many people in the racquetball community have become like family to me and I believe that is one great aspect of enjoying sports.

Training habits: I have Racquetball practice 2-3x per week with the other Saskatoon athletes and our coaches. On my days off, I hit balls by myself in between university classes and homework. I also do strength and conditioning training 2-3x per week.

Best Racquetball moment: My best racquetball moment would have to be winning my first Junior National title in 2010. I participated in my first ever Junior Nationals the year before that in Regina, SK, where I lost every single one of my games. These results helped me push myself to train harder the next year, as I wanted to show I could compete with the other girls. The feeling of excitement I got from that first National title has pushed me to continue wanting to experience more of these great achievements.

Non Racquetball talents: I like to play many other sports on top of racquetball, like badminton, tennis, baseball, golf, and many more. I also have a love for singing and took lessons all throughout my childhood. I love school and am considered to be quite the “book nerd” by my friends. I have been learning some pretty yummy recipes and cooking a lot of different foods!

What is something people might not know about you or find surprising? I am working towards my coaching certifications to hopefully help coach the Junior National team at Junior Worlds.

When you are not playing racquetball, you are probably? When not playing racquetball, I am usually studying for my classes, volunteering for the Physical Activity for Active Living program at the U of S, working at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm (Zoo), or hanging out with my friends.

What advice to you have for athletes who want to play at your level? I believe as long as you are willing to push yourself and work hard for the things you want in life that you will be able to achieve them. I also believe no matter the outcome or results, you should always be having fun, as everything is a learning process.

Who has been important in your development as an athlete? My family and coaches have been a very important part of my development as a player because they have pushed me to keep trying even at my lowest points/slumps in the game. I wouldn’t have had access to racquetball courts if it wasn’t for my parents driving an hour and a half each way about 2-3x per week for lessons. My brother, Tanner, has always been there to push me through tough times and he has been an amazing inspiration to me. My teammates in Saskatoon have helped me become the player I am by giving me pointers on the court and by making sure I never gave up. Overall, there are many people in my life who have been important in my racquetball journey so far and I can’t thank any of them enough.