Cambridge, MA — Massachusetts Institute of Technology has named Thierry Lincou as its new head squash coach.
Lincou takes over for Nadeem Mazen, who led MIT to a 25-64 record over the past five seasons. MIT concluded the 2013 – 2014 season ranked 31st in the nation.
On Thursday, Julie Soriero, MIT’s Director of Athletics and Department Head of DAPER, announced new coaches for sailing, soccer, and squash. Soriero said that for all three appointees, “their own personal experience as competitors as well as their ability to instruct and coach will immediately influence the success of our programs and impact the experiences of the student-athletes.”
Lincou, a native of France, was a staple in the Professional Squash Association (PSA) for over a decade. He entered the top 10 of the PSA in September 2001 and never looked back. He was ranked number 1 in the world for two months in 2004 and for the entire calendar year of 2005. Lincou amassed a career record of 288 – 115 in PSA play. His 23 PSA tournament victories include the World Open (2004) and the Hong Kong Open (2004). In the United States, Lincou was a finalist in the Tournament of Champions in 2003 and 2005.
Lincou represented his country on numerous occasions, including the European Championships team and individual events. He captured the European Championships Individual title in 2009 and 2010, and was the runner up in 2008 and 2011. In 2009 Lincou was an Ambassador for Squash, making a presentation to the International Olympic Committee for the inclusion of the sport in the Olympic Games.
After retiring from the PSA in October 2012, Lincou played in the Professional Squash Tour (PST). He captured the PST title for the 2013 – 2014 season.
Lincou becomes the 10th squash coach in the history of MIT. Since beginning competition in 1929, the Engineers have amassed a 350 – 764 record. The program’s first coach, Jack Summers (coached from 1933 – 1956), and second coach, Edward Crocker (coached from 1957 – 1983), are members of the Men’s College Squash Association Hall of Fame.
Lincou joins several other former PSA players currently coaching in the collegiate ranks, including Hansi Wiens (Dartmouth), Gavin Jones (Franklin & Marshall), Martin Heath (Rochester), and John White (Drexel).
Congratulations to MIT and Lincou.
