Philadelphia, PA — Penn could be in for big things this season. After capturing a 5-4 victory over Harvard last season, the Quakers went on to capture the Ivy League title, their first since the 2007 – 2008 season. However, the victory over Harvard was the team’s sole 5-4 victory of the season, and 4-5 losses to Trinity (twice) and Princeton prevented the Quakers from contending for the national title. With two experienced players joining the top and middle thirds of Penn’s line-up, many of the seven returning players may move down the ladder. This should benefit the team, whose weakest unit was its lowest third last season. Co-captaining the squad will be Yan Xin Tan. According to head coach Jack Wyant, “Tan has been a top college squash player since her freshman season when she made the Individuals semi finals. As intense as she is on court, she is equally gracious and friendly with opponents off court.” Look for Penn to be in the mix for the national title this season.
2014-2015 SEASON RECAP
Season Record: 14-3
Final Ranking: 4
Team Championships: 4th in the Howe Cup (A Division)
By the Numbers (From US Squash): 5-4 Matches Won: 1 of 4… Top 3 Win %: 0.8235… Middle 3 Win %: 0.902… Lower 3 Win %: 0.76
2015-2016 SEASON PREVIEW
Program Status: Varsity
Head Coach: Jack Wyant
Returning Players from Team Championships: 1. Yan Xin Tan (2016 – CSA Second Team All-American, All-Ivy League Team); 2. Anaka Alankamony (2017 – CSA First Team All-American, Academic All-Ivy, All-Ivy League Team); 3. Marie Stephan (2018 – CSA First Team All-American, All-Ivy League Team); 4. Melissa Alves (2018); 5. Michelle Wong (2017); 6. Haidi Lala (2016); 7. Camille Lanier (2016); 10. Grace Van Arkel (2017)
Graduated/Non-Returning Players from 2014-2015 Team Championships: 8. Ali Richmond (2018); 9. Leslie Gill (2015); 11. Colleen Fehm (2015)
Additions to the 2015-2016 Roster:
- Expected to play in the top 3: Reeham Sedky (Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart, Washington)
- Expected to play in the middle 3: Rowaida Walid Attia (Manor House School, Egypt)
Captains: Camille Lanier and Yan Xin Tan
Team Goals: Maintain a positive team chemistry and continue to challenge for titles.
Key Matches: All Ivy schools and top ranked non-conference opponents.
To read other team previews, please visit the 2015-2016 College Squash Season Previews page.