After watching UEL’s netball team convincingly dismantle King’s University 45–8, I caught up with one of their newest recruits Pierrette Simuene. Pierrette is a second-year student currently studying Sports Journalism at UEL and is also a member of the Enfield and Haringey Athletics Club.
Name: Pierrette Simeune
Favourite Music: Grime, Rnb, Pop
Age: 20
Favourite food: Mixed grill, salad, and water
Born: Enfield, North London
Ideal Holiday destination: New York City
Occupation: Full-time student and athlete
Most common phrase used: “No pain, no gain”
Recommended read: The Mind Management – Prof Steve Peters
Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to have this interview and Welcome…
What made you choose to attend UEL and study Sports journalism?
First and foremost, I really enjoy sports and wanted to learn the craft of reporting on different sports and creating a range of analyses on teams and athletes for a sports platform of some type. Also, I chose UEL as a few people that I train with at my running club had attended here previously and spoke highly of its sports and academic facilities. So I did some more research, applied and thankfully got in.
Okay, as well as a netball player you’re a runner, for who and what distance?
I’ve been a member and have run for Enfield and Haringey Athletics club since I was 12. I first started racing during primary school aged seven and took part in borough and district competitions. I currently run 100 and 200 metres.
What has been your proudest moment or personal best achievement on the track?
I’d say the competition that brings the best memory for me was winning a silver medal at Middlesex County championships in 2021 where I also ran a personal best at that time of 12.88 seconds.
You must be fast I’m guessing that helps during netball games?
It does, both when defending and attacking but in netball you can’t move with the ball in your hands, so it’s quite stop, start.
True, have you always played netball or are you new to the game?
I played in primary school and represented my secondary school, it was a sport I’ve always liked but athletics has been the sport I participate in mostly, although since taking up netball at university I would like to balance them both as I’m really enjoying the different competitive elements
What position do you play in netball or are you a versatile player who changes position?
I play wing defence WD and WA wing attack, so my agility that I have developed through athletics really helps when trying to intercept and start up counter attacks
You’re currently juggling your studies with competing in sports. How is that going?
Good, challenging but I have learnt how to manage my time better over the year. I’ve only recently joined the netball team but yes I was training hard during Covid and the off season while studying. Thankfully I’m enjoying my course it’s interesting and practical, there’s a lot of writing to be done but also fun research and reporting in and around London.
Can you elaborate on some of the fun things you’ve learnt and enjoyed while studying sports journalism?
I really enjoyed learning about how to use the cameras and interacting with the general public creating content from vox pops to interviews.
Who is your favourite athlete?
Dina Asher Smith is my idol, I have so much respect for her. She’s definitely like a role model for me. She demonstrated how to study hard and train hard while believing in yourself to achieve the best you can.
What are your plans for the future, job and sports wise?
I’m not sure jobwise because I’m learning so much on my course that is opening my eyes to a variety of job opportunities that I had not even associated with journalism but have realised that I have developed so many transferable skills through my course. Regarding sport, I am very competitive and would like to join a local netball team outside of university. I do really love running and has noticed an extra spring in my step this year since joining the netball team. So, if somehow I can lower my personal bests then who knows…
Thank you very much for your time and good luck with your future studies and sporting competitions.
