HomeArticles2018 Women’s Richey Award Finalists Announced

2018 Women’s Richey Award Finalists Announced

The finalists have been announced for the Betty Richey Award—the most prestigious annual individual honor bestowed by the College Squash Association (CSA). The Richey Award is given 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.

The winner of the award is determined by a vote of both coaches and players—each varsity team may cast one coach vote and one team vote. The Richey awardee will be announced on the Sunday of the women’s team nationals, February 18, 2018.

Finalists are listed in alphabetical order

 

Photo credit: Princeton Athletics.

Olivia Fiechter, Princeton University

Olivia Fiechter has played at the top of the Princeton lineup throughout her career, most frequently in the No. 1 position. She was selected as Ivy League Rookie of the year, and has earned First-Team All-American honors in each of her first three seasons. In the 2017-2018 season, she has accrued a 13-1 record.

Princeton head coach Gail Ramsay states: “Olivia’s on-court poise and demeanor is second to none.  As she plays hard to dominate her opponent with skill and court coverage, she demonstrates only the highest level of sportsmanship and fair play to all.  Olivia takes great pride in her sportsmanship and shows each and every opponent respect while competing to win.  Olivia wants to be the best at her sport and at the same time, be an excellent role model and represent Princeton, Princeton Squash and the CSA with grace, humility and appreciation.”

Photo credit: Michael T. Bello (mtbello.com).

Laila Samy, Wesleyan University

Laila Samy has led the Wesleyan team throughout her four-year college squash career. She has earned first-team All-American honors in each of her first three seasons, reached the semifinal of the college individual championships in 2016, and posted an 80-1 regular season record.

According to Wesleyan head coach Shona Kerr: “Laila is at heart a team player and as a coach I could not have asked for more in Laila’s passion towards her teammates succeeding on and off the court. I consider her as an extension of the coaching staff and she has always gone above and beyond to help her teammates improve…. Laila is well-liked and respected by other coaches, officials and players on other teams, she has grown as a player and as a person over her college career and will go on to be a great ambassador for college squash as she looks to pursue a career in the sport.”

Photo credit: Trinity Athletics.

Raneem Sharaf, Trinity College

Raneem Sharaf has played the No. 1 position for Trinity for her junior and senior year. She is a two-time first team All-American, First Team All-NESCAC each of her first three years, and boasts a 54-15 career college record.

Trinity Head Coach Wendy Bartlett notes: “Raneem’s on court poise and demeanor is superlative. While putting pressure on her opponents with her powerful drives and quick court coverage, she demonstrates the highest level of sportsmanship. Whether she is winning or losing, Raneem shows fairness and grace. Throughout the past four years, Raneem has been driven to be one of the best intercollegiate squash players, and at the same time be an outstanding role model. She is determined and talented, but always willing to accept bad calls and the occasional defeat with her head held high.”

 

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