HomeArticlesHarvard: 2016 – 2017 Women's College Squash Season Preview

Harvard: 2016 – 2017 Women’s College Squash Season Preview

Harvard University Cambridge, MA — It would be hard to exceed the perfection of Harvard’s season last year. After all, they went undefeated, won the Ivy League, and captured the Howe Cup (national championship). Over the past seven seasons, the Crimson have captured five of seven national team championships. Head coach Mike Way is three victories shy of passing Hall of Fame coach Bill Doyle for second on Harvard’s women’s squash coaching victory list. From last season’s starting nine, the Crimson lost two players in the middle third of the ladder. They are gaining three first-year players with extensive experience, including two players with considerable international tournament experience. “We hope to stay in contention for both the Ivy and National titles. With the other teams getting stronger every year, it’s not going to be easy but we’re up for the challenge. We’re certain that the first-year class will adapt quickly to the team environment and become a key part of our group,” states assistant coach Hameed Ahmed. In addition to practice and matches, the Crimson will volunteer with SquashBusters, Boston’s urban squash program. The team is also planning a trip to New York City to see former top player Amanda Sobhy (2015) compete in the Tournament of Champions. According to Ahmed, “We’re so proud of our women’s team – a wonderful mix of experienced veterans and new blood – and we’re excited to train and compete together again this season.” Harvard should be in the mix for another national title this season. If Harvard captures the 2017 Howe Cup at Princeton, the Crimson will tie the Tigers with 17 Howe Cup titles.

2015-2016 SEASON RECAP

Season Record: 13-0

Final Ranking: 1

Team Championships: 1st in the Howe Cup (A Division)

By the Numbers (From US Squash): 5-4 Matches Won: 2 of 2… Top 3 Win%: .897… Middle 3 Win%: .846… Lower 3 Win%: .846…

2016-2017 SEASON PREVIEW

Program Status: Varsity

Head Coach: Mike Way (Ivy League Women’s Coach of the Year)

Returning Players from Team Championships: 1. Sabrina Sobhy (2019 – Ivy League Player of the Year; Ivy League Rookie of the Year; All-Ivy League Team; First Team All-American); 2. Kayley Leonard (2019 – All-Ivy League Team; First Team All-American); 3. Alyssa Mehta (2018 – All-Ivy League Team; First Team All-American); 4. Katie Tutrone (2017 – CSA Scholar Athlete); 6. Sue Ann Yong (2018); 8. Dileas MacGowan (2017 – CSA Scholar Athlete); 9. Sophie Mehta (2019); 11. Caroline Monrad (2017);

Graduated/Non-Returning Players from Team Championships: 5. Michelle Gemmell (2016 – CSA Scholar Athlete); 7. Saumya Karki (2016); 10. Isabelle Dowling (2016 – CSA Scholar Athlete); Allie Sperry (2016);

Additions to the 2016-2017 Roster:

  • Eleonore Evans (McDonogh School, Baltimore, MD)
  • Amelia Henley (Wycliffe College, Kent, United Kingdom)
  • Gina Kennedy (Langley Park Boys’ School, Beckenham, United Kingdom)

Captains: Dileas MacGowan and Caroline Monrad

Team Goals: National Championship and Ivy League title

Key Matches: Penn, Trinity, and Princeton

To read other team previews, please visit the 2016-2017 College Squash Season Previews page.

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