TG Raubenheimer

TG is Director of Squash at the Westchester Squash Club in Mamaroneck, NY.

Q&A with TG

Where were you born?
Bloemfontein, South Africa the heart of South Africa :)

When did you start playing squash?

Started playing squash a little later than most, when I was 12 years old at the school I attended, St. Andrew's Bloemfontein.

Did you ever play other sports at a high level?

Loved playing Field Hockey growing up (yes it's a guys sport outside of the US) played from age 7 and loved it, also loved playing soccer. But Field Hockey was my sport until Squash took over. I played for my province all the way through juniors and was even selected for a South African junior team (that didn't play in any hockey tournament).

Why did you choose to play squash professionally?

Always has been a dream of mine to play a sport at the highest level, always dreamed of playing for the Springboks (National representation for South Africa- which is now more associated with the Rugby team)... I just always dreamed of representing my country, and playing professionally just naturally seemed like the stepping stone to get there.

Why did you choose PST?

Mmm good question, not sure, it feels like the PST chose me... not in that I was head hunted or anything like that. It just seems to fit so well. It is a tour that highlights the spectator value of the most beautiful game in the world (to watch that is). And at the same time it is perfect for a player who can't take off a whole week to play squash, travel half way across the world and possibly come home with less money in the bank than starting out.
It's just a perfect fit for me right now!

Age? Single/ married? Where do you live now?

I am 28 years old, I am married to an amazing women, and my wife (Stephanie) and I just recently moved to Pelham, NY.

What part of your game do you take the most pride in?

I have learnt that pride is a dangerous thing... but the part of my game I love the most is my speed... love it when I can move faster than my opponent and still keep it all together out there. The thing that is the most beautiful about the game to me is the speed of it...

What part of your game are working to improve?

After a year of not playing as much as I would have liked to, competitively that is, I am really just working on doing what I do best, and do it well. That is to say just taking my top few game plans and perfecting them as best I can.

Who is your favorite opponent?

A coach once told me that without my opponent there is no squash, this is why each opponent deserves the utmost respect out there... this is tough when things get heated. So I suppose my favorite opponent is automatically whoever I play when I remember this!

Who is your least favorite opponent?

With out a doubt TG Raubenheimer (myself)

What do you think of Point Every Rally (no-let squash)?

Genius, there are going to be a few points in a match when either player are going to despise this rule... but all in all it really get's players playing squash and moving. Nothing worse than having constructed the perfect point and only get your opponent block you into a let situation... feels like it happens too often, so I love the point-every-rally rule.

Do you smoke? Drink? Do you avoid certain foods?

I do not smoke, and try to avoid as much white starch as I can, I have a slight blood sugar situation that keeps me on healthier foods. My diet is focussed on high carb intake. And I really like GOOD coffee... some of my friends would say too much.

What do you eat for breakfast?

Aha, breakfast for champions - I pretty much eat a bagel every single day toasted with cream cheese. And for a treat I walk down the road to the local coffee shop and get a sausage egg and cheese - and just discovered these awesome rye bagels!

Greatest accomplishment on the court?

Mmm... truly I don't think I have done it yet, still waiting for it. Did have a really good Nationals a few years back in South Africa when I reached the semi-finals and lost to the winner.

Thoughts on squash in America?

It's been great to me, and the spectators have been great - I have met so many great people. And now with the PST here, it's even better!

Goal for a post-squash career?

There is a song that says: "this little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine..." that's my hope, that now and then the light of Jesus would shine in and through me. He has been so good to me, it would be selfish to keep it a secret.