FEATURED ATHLETE KRYSTAL CSUK

Shooting Star

By Sarah Warhaftig

After attending her first junior nationals at the age of 11 Krystal Csuk realized racquetball was going to be a huge part of her life.  After pairing up with Coach T.J. Ferro, as well as her mother’s support Csuk took her racquetball dreams to the next level.

T.J. Ferro has been and always will be Csuk’s motivation to train every day.  “He taught me so many skills from basic mechanics in racquetball to life skills,” says Krystal.  T.J. passed away from lung cancer in 2010, but his racquetball spirit still lives inside of Csuk.  “I think of him every day, and keep me motivated to train, even when life is busy.”  Krystal calls him his shooting star, watching from above rooting for her at all of her matches and this keeps her inspired to excel both on and off the court. 

While Krystal is not on the court, she holds a busy schedule as a physical therapist trying to balance boyfriend, friends an family.  She admits to losing a bit of sleep to fit it all in, but she expects herself to give each day her best.  She realizes some weeks are easier than others, but tries to train 2-3 hours on workdays and more during the weekends.  She feels lucky to have a boss who is a racquetball player himself, and has been one of her biggest supporters to continue playing.   

As Krystal continues to move up the WPRO rankings she is excited to see where the tour will go.  On new tour commissioner Gigi Rock, Krystal says, “I think she offers a bright new outside perspective and is sparking change within the WPRO.”  Krystal hopes with a cooperative group dynamic from the ladies on the tour, the WPRO will embrace positive change and an exciting future. 

Krystal has reached her highest ranking yet at #6, and her first semi-final appearance in December of 2011 are listed as her biggest accomplishments to date.  In April of 2011, Csuk made the trip to Nicaragua with the US National Team, and was extremely proud to represent her country.  Krystal will continue to improve her game, challenging herself on and off the court; she knows the best is yet to come!