Philadelphia, PA — At first glance, the forecast for Drexel’s 2011-2012 season doesn’t look so promising. After all, the Dragons won only one match last year and have lost their top three players. In actuality, though, there’s a lot to be excited about for Drexel squash.
There is a great deal of institutional support and enthusiasm behind Drexel’s squash teams, and this will be the program’s first year as a varsity team. They have a new coach in former world number 1 John White, who guided the F&M women to the Walker Cup title this past season. Five new courts will be completed by January, bringing the school’s total to seven. Sean Willkinson, who most recently was an assistant coach at Brown, will also be bringing his knowledge and energy to the program.
Speaking of both the women’s and men’s teams, White says “it is “a very exciting time for Drexel to start a new varsity sport in squash,” citing the great support from the Drexel Athletic Department.
In a few years, the Dragons will be able to look back on their 2010-2011 finish and see how far they’ve come.
2010-2011 SEASON RECAP
Season Record: 1-8
Final Ranking: 37
Team Championships: 5th in E Division
2011-2012 SEASON PREVIEW
Program Status: Varsity
Head Coach: John White
Returning Players from Team Championships: (4) Anna Schmiedicke; (5) Alyssa Marciano; (6) Lauren Schoppet; (7) Zeba Ahmed; (8) Shauna Moody
Graduated/Non-returning players from 2010-2011 Team: (1) Violetta Shubayeva; (2) Katey Whyte; (3) Rebecca Schaefer
Team Goals: To get used to playing as a varsity team, and get as many wins as possible to improve in the rankings
To read other team previews, please visit the 2011-2012 College Squash Season Previews page.
