EUSA Insider:
Denise Hall
Age: 25
Place of Birth: Brunssum, The Netherlands
University: Radboud University Nijmegen (NED)
Sport: Badminton Published 28 February 2020
How and why did you get involved in Badminton?
My parents met each other while playing badminton, so I had no other choice than to follow them! I joined my dad multiple times when I was younger and at the age of 7, when I was finally old enough, I joined the badminton club in my hometown.
What do you study, and how do you balance your study, training and competition?
I’ve studied Communication Sciences at Radboud University Nijmegen and graduated in November last year, but luckily I’m still allowed to play at the EUSA Games this year! I’ve been working at a travel organisation which specialises in organising language trips since December. I normally train two days in a week and play one league match on the weekend (from September until January). After the league matches end, I choose some tournaments to play during the tournament season (from February until June).
Tell us about your experiences at previous EUSA events, or will EUG2020 be your first EUSA competition?
I participated in the European Universities Games in Coimbra as well, where we won a bronze medal in the team event! It was a great experience to play other students from different European universities. I was actually surprised to see the level was very high, which made it even more exciting. Besides, I really enjoyed that I could feel a connection with the other Dutch students that took part in different sports at the event!
What are you looking forward to most in Belgrade, and what are your aspirations?
Hopefully we can win another medal as a team, but I also hope I can perform better individually than I did in Coimbra. Furthermore, I hope to meet many people from all over Europe. That is what makes the event very amusing as well!
“University sport can play a positive role in how you will remember your time as a student.”
Why do you think taking part in university sport is important?
University sport not only ensures that you can feel better during your student days, but you also get to know a lot of people who are all crazy about sport. Besides, university sport can also help you relieve stress during exam periods. As a former member of the Nijmegen Student Sports Council, I would recommend joining a student sports club at any time!
What is your most memorable university sport moment?
Joining the varsity Badminton team while studying abroad in Canada for half a year, winning the national student championships three times in a row and winning a medal at the Games Games in Coimbra have been my most memorable university sport moments.
What is your message to European student-athletes like yourself?
University sport can play a positive role in how you will remember your time as a student. You can work hard to complete your studies, but don’t forget to enjoy this moment in your life! Try to combine your studies and sport or even other activities you like to maintain a good balance during student time.
EUSA would like to congratulate Denise for her success at the previous edition of the European Universities Games and we hope to see her very soon, at the 2020 European Universities Games in Belgrade, Serbia!