HomeArticlesBard Names Craig Thorpe-Clark as Head Squash Coach

Bard Names Craig Thorpe-Clark as Head Squash Coach

Bard CollegeAnnandale-on-Hudson, NY — Bard College has appointed Craig Thorpe-Clark as the head coach of the men’s varsity squash team.

Thorpe-Clark takes over the Bard program from David Ames.

“Craig brings a wealth of experience to Bard and our squash program,” said Bard Director of Athletics Kris Hall. “We have a brand new facility, and now we have one of the most knowledgeable and respected coaches in the country. Our student-athletes will benefit from his leadership and experience.” Prior to the 2012 – 2013 season, Bard’s renovations to the Stevenson Athletic Center included four new squash courts.

Before coming to Bard, Thorpe-Clark served as the men’s coach at the University of Pennsylvania from 1999 – 2010. During his eleven years at Penn, he guided the Quakers to a 95 – 75 record.  During his tenure, the Quakers never finished a season ranked below 13th in the nation. Thorpe-Clark twice guided Penn to top-5 season-ending rankings. He coached seven All-Americans, six All-Ivy selections, and the 2006 Skillman Award winner (Gilly Lane).  During his final season with the Quakers, his squad won the Hoehn Cup (B Division) at the Men’s National Team Championships.

While at Penn, Thorpe-Clark served numerous roles on the Executive Committee of the Men’s College Squash Association, including president.

Prior to coaching at Penn, Thorpe-Clark coached the men’s and women’s program at Vassar College for four seasons and at Eton College (Windsor, England) from 1986 – 1992.  At Vassar, he led the men to a 52 – 51 record and the women to a 35 – 58 record.

In addition to collegiate coaching, Thorpe-Clark has worked with countless players and coaches abroad and nationally. He has extensive coaching experience with US Squash and was previously the head instructor for the association.  He coached the World Championship team in 1994, led the U.S. Women’s team to a second-place finish at the 1995 Pan American Games, and served as the women’s head coach for the 1996 Worlds in Malaysia.

Many squash coaches have benefited from Thorpe-Clark’s squash knowledge.  He created the U.S. Squash Level 1 Coaching Manual and Course.

“I am delighted to be joining the Bard College Athletic Department,” Thorpe-Clark said. “I look forward to working with our student-athletes in a brand new facility at a great academic institution.”

Congratulations to Bard and Thorpe-Clark.

spot_img