Stamford, CT — Trinity College’s Kanzy El Defrawy was named the winner of the 2016 Richey Award.
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. Nominees for the award are evaluated based on their on-court poise and demeanor; skill level and ability; team play; contributions to intercollegiate squash; leadership; and cooperation with players, coaches, and tournament officials.
The award is named for former Vassar head coach Betty Richey, who was one of the founders of the women’s individual national tournament in 1965. A standout field hockey and lacrosse player, she launched varsity programs in women’s squash, men’s squash, field hockey, men’s tennis, and women’s tennis at Vassar. A proponent of women’s sports in general, Richey was inducted into the Women’s College Squash Hall of Fame in 1995.
El Defrawy’s collegiate career could be labeled nothing but outstanding. She led Trinity to four NESCAC Championships. In doing so, she was the first NESCAC player to win the Rookie of the Year (2013) and four straight Player of the Year honors (2013 – 2016). El Defrawy was a four-time member of the First Team All-NESCAC squad.
During her sophomore season, El Defrawy and Trinity captured the 2014 Howe Cup (national championship) by upsetting Harvard. She also helped the Bantams finish the season ranked 2nd twice and 3rd once.
Individually, El Defrawy shined at the individual championship. She made it to the final of the Ramsay Cup (women’s individual championship) four times, winning the championship in her senior campaign. The Trinity captain was a First Team All-American each of her four seasons with the Bantams.
“Kanzy has been a leader on and off the court. On the court, her performance as an intense and focused competitor, striving to be the very best, has been an inspiration to the team. Her work ethic and dedication to the game has motivated the team to even greater heights,” states Trinity head coach Wendy Bartlett,
