Northampton, MA — The Richey Award is given annually to the women’s college squash player who best exemplifies the ideals of squash in her love of and devotion to the game, her strong sense of fairness, and her excellence of play and leadership.
Coaches consult with their teams and vote on the candidates at the Women’s National Team Championships. Each school has two votes: a team vote and a coach’s vote.
This year, there were many talented nominees. The Executive Committee selected the three finalists for the Richey Award (listed alphabetically; click on the athletes’ names below to see photos and videos of them playing):
Libby Eyre (Princeton University): Princeton’s captain Libby Eyre is a psychology major who is well known for intense focus. Despite numerous injuries, Eyre, a top-three players throughout her Princeton career, has never slowed down. She has gained numerous Ivy League honors, including being named to the All-Ivy League squad in 2012 and 2013. During the 2012 – 2013 season, she helped the Tigers complete an undefeated regular season and earn the Ivy League title. The CSA recognized Eyre by twice naming her a First Team All-American (2012 and 2013) and once a Second Team All-American (2011). According to Princeton coach Gail Ramsay, “Libby has always conducted herself impeccably on the court as a model of fair play while remaining a truly fierce and tough competitor.”
Catalina Pelaez (Trinity College): Upon arriving at Trinity four years ago, Catalina Pelaez made an immediate impact. She has been a staple in one of the top two positions in the Bantams’ line-up throughout her career, which includes four NESCAC team championships. The studio art major (minoring in both Italian and architecture studies) has amassed numerous NESCAC honors, including Rookie of the Year (2011), Player of the Year (2011 and 2012), First Team All-NESCAC (2011, 2012, and 2013), and All-Sportsmanship Team member (2013). Pelaez, a two-time captain, has earned First Team All-American honors three times (2011, 2012, and 2013). “Whether she is winning or losing, Cata shows fairness and grace. Throughout the past four years, Cata has been driven to be one of the best intercollegiate squash players, and at the same time be an outstanding role model,” states Trinity coach Wendy Bartlett.
Millie Tomlinson (Yale University): During her first year at Yale, Millie Tomlinson won the Ramsay Cup (individual championship). The next season, she came just short of repeating and finished second in the nation. During her collegiate career, Tomlinson has been in the hunt for a team or individual title each season. She helped Yale capture the Ivy League title and national championship in 2011. Individually, she has been named to the First Team All-America and All-Ivy League team three times (2011, 2012, and 2013). She was also named the Ivy League Rookie of the Year in 2011. The political science major is actively involved in SquashHaven. According to Yale coach Dave Talbott, “One of the most impressive characteristics of Millie is her humility. Everyone who comes in contact with Millie is struck by this part of her personality. The way she plays the game and presents herself on court is a parallel for the way she acts and represents herself off the court. “
