Bowdoin College has announced that its Head Men’s and Women’s Squash Coach, Tomas Fortson, has stepped down from his position after 19 years in the role. Effective at the end of the 2018-2019 academic year, Fortson also vacates his Head Men’s Golf Coach position.
In his almost two decades leading the Bowdoin squash programs, Fortson amassed 210 wins with the women’s team and 197 wins at the helm of the men’s team, making him the winningest coach in both programs’ histories.
Fortson’s teams also brought home several trophies and honors during his tenure, including the 2003 Kurtz Cup for the women, the 2011 Summers Cup for the men, and the 2013 Sloane Award for men’s team sportsmanship. In addition, as a testament to Fortson’s ability to teach and develop players, three of the last six Wetzel Award winners were Bowdoin student-athletes (Michaela Martin, 2014; Zoe Wood, 2018; Natasha Belsky, 2019).
Along with his administration of Bowdoin teams, Fortson also held important leadership roles with the College Squash Association (CSA). Starting in 2013, Fortson held positions on the Men’s CSA Executive Committee until it disbanded at the end of the 2016-2017 academic year. With the reformatted CSA Board, Fortson was Chair of the Men’s Subcommittee for the last two seasons.
“It is impossible to encapsulate everything that nearly 20 years as part of college squash has meant to me,” said Fortson. “It has been a fun and proud 19 years for me as a college coach, and I feel honored to have been part of the first CSA Board.”
Fortson intends to pursue a role as a golf professional in a warmer climate. Bowdoin will begin a national search for a new coach immediately. Please view the college’s full press release here.
