Rema Muniandy is taking the hard work off the court as well

National Careers Week (NCW) is an initiative that aims to celebrate careers and promote the personal benefits of career development. This year Squash Australia is celebrating the hard work athletes are doing off the court to develop their dual careers and prepare for life after professional squash.

Rema Muniandy is a rising talent  from South Australia who is working hard to develop as a professional squash player and a paramedic. 

Rema began playing squash at the age of seven, after watching people play at her local squash centre. She fell in love with the sport instantly, but soon had to learn how to juggle her new found passion and her studies. After finishing year 12 in 2020, the young athlete is now grateful that she was able to find a positive balance between school and sport.

“I felt like a lot of people were saying to me throughout year 12 that I should slow down with squash and focus on my studies but I am really happy that I found a balance that worked for me and kept my squash up during year 12,” Rema said. 

The 19-year-old has just started her first year at Flinders University and is studying a Bachelor of Paramedic Science. After completing high school during the COVID-19 pandemic Rema is looking forward to the challenge this new chapter brings.

“It is very exciting at the moment, the course has a high workload right from the beginning and the university has us completing placements on the ambulance in our first year as well,” Rema said. 

“I am really looking forward to being on placement and experiencing what the work life of a paramedic is like.”

Rema currently trains six days a week, but she also finds time to attend university classes, coach at the South Adelaide Squash Centre and work two nights a week. Rema said that enjoying everything she does has made a big difference in staying organised. 

Despite having just started her paramedic science degree, Rema is already thinking about furthering her studies. 

“I am thinking of going back and doing medicine and furthering my knowledge so I can become a specialised doctor,” she said. 

However, learning isn’t just about what comes from textbooks for Rema. Since she was young Rema has looked up to squash icon Nicol David. After escorting her onto the squash court at the Kuala Lumpur Open when she was little, Rema has never stopped looking up to Nicol. 

“I have always looked up to how she plays, learnt from watching her and I think she has done really well over the years,” she said. 

Rema never imagined she would be playing at a professional level and she is excited for what the future holds for her squash and paramedic’s career. 

“I have set myself a goal for the next few years to crack into the top 100 PSA rankings. I know there will be ups and downs, but it is a really good journey that I am glad I started,” Rema said. 

“As for becoming a paramedic, I really hope that while I am doing my placements I get a few experiences where I can make a difference in someone’s life.” 

Rema said she couldn’t imagine taking on dual career paths without the support of her family, friends, coach and Squash Australia.