Northampton, MA — Last season was challenging for the Pioneers. After all, they went 1-10 and graduated their number one player, who recorded the most individual wins on the team. Yet things look very positive for Smith. The majority of the team learned how to play last season and they will be joined by four experienced players returning from their study abroad year. This includes Jacqueline Zhou, Smith’s top player during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. While studying in England, Zhou had the opportunity to play squash at the London School of Economics, which should only further her opportunity at the top of Smith’s ladder. Smith does have two players going abroad this season, but only for the first semester. Smith could make the jump from the E Division back to the Epps Cup (D Division). The seniors on this year’s squad captured the Epps Cup as first-years students in 2012. Coach Tim Bacon is known for teaching the game to players. Bacon explains that “there is a 100% focus on becoming a better player with correct technique and excellent tactics.”
2013-2014 SEASON RECAP
Season Record: 1-10
Final Ranking: 39
Team Championships: 7th in the E Division
By the Numbers (From US Squash): 5-4 Matches Won: 1 of 2… Position with the Most Wins: #1s had 4 Wins.
2014-2015 SEASON PREVIEW
Program Status: Varsity
Head Coach: Tim Bacon
Returning Players from Team Championships: 2. Carly Mellilo (2016 – Seven Sisters All-Conference); 3. Geena Choo (2017); 4. Eva Morgenstein (17); 6. Gracie Maull (2016); 7. Leah Jeon (2017); 9. Jessica Ryan (ADA); 10. KK Lane (2015); 11. Hira Humayan (2017)
Abroad First Semester: 5. Jin Lee (2016) and Heather Kurtz (2016)
Graduated/Non-Returning Players from Team Championships: 1. Vivian Lee (2014 – Seven Sisters All-Conference); 8. Roseanne Hui (2014)
Additions to the 2014-2015 Roster:
- Expected to play in the top 3: Jacqueline Zhou (2015, returning from JYA) and Jana Chan (2015, returning from JYA)
- Expected to play in the middle 3: Haruka Shimoto (2015, returning from JYA) and Dipshikha Mahajan (2015, returning from JYA)
Captains: Jana Chan and Carly Melillo
Team Goals: There is a 100% focus on becoming a better player with correct technique and excellent tactics.
Key Matches: NYU and UC Berkley
To read other team previews, please visit the 2014-2015 College Squash Season Previews page.
