Ardmore, PA — After finishing the 2016 season with a ranking of 32nd in the nation and an 8th place finish in the Epps Cup (D Division) at the Women’s College Squash Association National Team Championships, Haverford will have many roster changes. According to head coach Niki Clement, “Coming off a season where we graduated 5 seniors, and half of the top 10 players, the team will have to step up their skill level to alleviate these changes. Our goal will be to continually improve our skills while playing at higher ladder numbers, and to be relentless in pursuing this goal.” An addition to the team will be new assistant coach and former Smith player Sara Smyth. This season, the Fords are once again expecting close match ups with Johns Hopkins, Vassar, and Georgetown. Clement, who needs 13 victories to become Haverford’s all-time women’s squash coaching wins leader, is excited about this year’s team. She states, “This group of women is intent on taking their game to the next level (through their work both on and off court) and is excited to build their program.” Haverford may have challenges with a less experienced roster, but look for the Fords to come together late in the season.
2015-2016 SEASON RECAP
Season Record: 6-14
Final Ranking: 32
Team Championships: 8th in the Epps Cup (D Division)
By the Numbers (From US Squash): 5-4 Matches Won: 1 of 1… Top 3 Win%: .350… Middle 3 Win%: .300… Lower 3 Win%: .325…
2016-2017 SEASON PREVIEW
Program Status: Varsity
Head Coach: Niki Clement (WCSA Chaffee Award)
Returning Players from Team Championships: 2. Isabelle Gotuaco (2018); 4. Isabel Agnew (2017); 7. Grace Fioramonti-Gorchow (2018); 9. Emilia Cobbs (2017); 10. Atalanta Henderson (2017); 11. Olivia Franco (2018);
Graduated/Non-Returning Players from Team Championships: 1. Bethany Simmonds (2016); 3. Sarah Madigan (2016 – CSA Scholar Athlete); 5. Emily Berlin (2016 – CSA Scholar Athlete); 6. Sabina Aliev (2016); 8. Ava Lichauco (2016);
Additions to the 2016-2017 Roster:
- Kaitlin Reese (St. Anne’s-Belfield School)
Captains: Isabel Agnew and Isabelle Gotuaco
Team Goals: To continually improve our skills while playing at higher ladder numbers.
Key Matches: Johns Hopkins, Vassar, and Georgetown
To read other team previews, please visit the 2016-2017 College Squash Season Previews page.
