After starting to play racquetball at the age of 10, it was when Alex Baines reached 14 that he knew squash was his real passion.
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It was the high intensity, strategic and fast-paced nature of the sport that he loved the most and kept him coming back to the court.
“I’d like to play at professional level, that’s the ultimate goal,” he said.
The 17-year-old Albury High School student has already had his fair share of success.
“Biggest achievement would probably be coming second at the Australian Junior Championships at the Victorian teams event, the under-17's came second overall so that was probably the best achievement to be part of that.
“I played in the CHS (Combined High School), went to Queensland representing NSW and played Queensland and New Zealand, that was pretty cool.” Alex has also competed in the Australian Junior Open and Oceania Junior Championships earlier this year.
However it’s at the Wodonga Squash Centre where Alex and his family spend most of their time, with dad Peter, mum Marion and two sisters, Gabby, 13 and Nicola, 15, all sharing a love of the game.
“My parents playing got me into racquetball and then merged to squash.
“It’s really cool being able to support and play alongside your family, great atmosphere when you go to tournaments, it’s awesome.”
Alex says he’d like to think his sisters look up to him.
“We often train together and play together, it’s really fun being able to play with them and having siblings to play with.”
Alex’s father, Peter, says he’s “incredibly proud” of what his son’s achieved and is amazed by the level he’s at.
“I’m nowhere near him at squash now, 18 months ago he just took off in terms of ability but racquetball I can still hold my own against him, I’m still trying to hold onto that for as long as possible.
“He’s amazing in that his style has been compared to a Rodney Martin.”
Baines also travels to Melbourne regularly where he trains with coach Tim Batty.
“He was doing some regional coaching and he saw me playing and I guess saw potential and has been coaching me ever since,” he said. “He’s been the person who’s helped me the most in getting to the level that I’m at now.”
Alex is also in the midst of completing Year 12. “It’s hard to manage it, you really need to be precise with your time.”
Baines can now add being nominated for the 2018 Norske Skog Young Achiever award to his list of achievements.
“I was really surprised and excited to be nominated for such a prestigious award.
“It’d be very rewarding for all the work that I’ve put in.”