Princeton, NJ — For most students, the first year of college is a time of much learning, both in terms of academics and life in general. For Amherst’s Mimi Bell, it also included picking up an entirely new sport. She is the 2011 recipient of the Wetzel Award, which is given annually to the best senior to have learned to play squash in college.
Named for former Penn coach Ann Wetzel, the award recognizes players who demonstrate outstanding growth technically, a sound understanding of the rules of squash, and positive on-court poise and demeanor.
Bell had never played squash before coming to Amherst. A tennis player, Bell started competing for the Jeffs at number 11. She worked her way up into the varsity line-up, and by the time she graduated, she was playing number 7. During the same time Amherst as a team also improved, going from 19th in 2007-2008 to 14th this year.
Amherst College Athletics reports that during her time in western Massachusetts, Bell “worked tirelessly to develop her squash skills, often staying after practice to work on drills with coaches. She developed a complete understanding of the rules and grew to lead by example as one of the hardest working members of the team. Last year Bell won the Friends of Amherst Athletics Award, which is given to a player who embodies the spirit of Amherst Athletics.”
Bell notched a 10-9 record this season and captained the team with fellow senior Allie Dalglish. Bell was also captain of Amherst’s tennis team this year.
