2025 Richey and Skillman Award Finalists Announced

2025 Richey and Skillman Award Finalists Announced

The CSA announces Molly Chadwick of Princeton University, Simmi Chan of Columbia University, and Habiba Eldafrawy of Harvard University as the 2025 Richey Award finalists. Yash Fadte of the University of Rochester, Nathan Kueh of the University of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Rosini of Princeton University are named the 2025 Skillman Award finalists.

Top candidates for the Richey Award are those players who best exemplify the ideals of squash in their love of and devotion to the game, their strong sense of fairness, and their excellence in play and leadership. Nominees are also praised for their cooperation with opponents, coaches, and competition officials and their overall contributions to intercollegiate squash.

The Skillman Award is the top honor in men’s college squash, given each year to a senior student-athlete who has displayed outstanding sportsmanship and skill throughout their college career. These individuals are evaluated on their on-court poise and demeanor, skill level and ability in the game of squash, team play, contributions to intercollegiate squash, leadership, and cooperation with players, coaches, and tournament officials.

The recipient of the 2025 Betty Richey and Skillman Award will be announced during the National Championships Reception Event on Friday, March 7 starting at 5:30 p.m. We welcome you to join us in celebrating these impressive individuals!

Finalists are listed in alphabetical order:

Betty Richey Award Finalists

Molly Chadwick, Princeton University

(photo: Michael T. Bello)

Molly Chadwick has built an impressive resume over her four-year career at Princeton, earning First Team All-Ivy honors, CSA Scholar-Athlete recognition, and multiple deep runs in the CSA Individual Championships, including a finalist finish in the Holleran North and East draws. Competing in every position from number nine to number one, Molly’s versatility and perseverance have been invaluable to Princeton’s success, helping the Tigers to consistently finish among the nation’s top teams — including a runner-up finish at the 2024 CSA Team Championships. With a career record of 29 wins and counting, her on-court contributions speak for themselves.

Equally important to her success is the spirit with which Molly competes. Known for her impeccable sportsmanship, Molly treats every opponent with respect, embracing the competitive spirit of the game while upholding its highest standards of fair play. Whether calling her own balls down or graciously accepting referee decisions, her composure and integrity have set a lasting example.

Molly’s leadership extends beyond match play. She leads by example, showing up every day with relentless work ethic and an encouraging voice for her teammates. Through her commitment, inclusivity, and determination, Molly has played a central role in fostering a positive and high-performing team culture at Princeton.

Simmi Chan, Columbia University

(photo: Michael T. Bello)

Simmi Chan is the most decorated player in Columbia women’s squash history. A four-time First Team All-Ivy selection, she was the unanimous 2023-2024 Ivy League Player of the Year and a two-time First Team All-American. Simmi did not lose a college match from January 2022 through March 2024, a run that included an undefeated 2022-2023 season and Columbia’s first women’s Individual National title. She also earned Dean’s List honors during this remarkable stretch.

Beloved by her coaches and teammates, Simmi was voted team MVP after both the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons. As a senior, she served in the team’s leadership group, offering valuable insight and feedback to coaches. In 2024, she received the Ken Torrey Citizenship Award, given to the Columbia squash student-athlete who best exemplifies the spirit of the program. Simmi also gave back to the broader community, volunteering with StreetSquash and NY women’s squash initiatives.

A note from the coaches: Simmi’s squash isn’t the only thing that’s special about her. Her willingness to sacrifice for the betterment of the team, her care and support for teammates and coaches, and her consistency in everything she does separate her from anyone we’ve seen before.

Habiba Eldafrawy, Harvard University

(photo: Geoff Bolte/Foley-Photography)

Habiba Eldafrawy exemplifies excellence in every aspect of her life, excelling academically, athletically, and as a model of sportsmanship. She has been recognized as a 2-time All American, 4-time All Ivy selection and 2-time CSA Scholar Athlete Award winner.  Her teammates recognized her leadership by voting her to be co-captain for this season. Habiba led her team to four Ivy League Titles and two National Championships.

Habiba’s academic accomplishments reflect her dedication and intelligence, demonstrating a strong commitment to balancing both education and athletics. She leads by example, fostering team unity with her warm sense of humor and unwavering determination. Her relentless drive sets a benchmark for excellence, motivating those around her. On the court, she exemplifies top-tier sportsmanship and skill.  Her disciplined approach and professionalism off the court showcase her deep understanding of her role as a leader and mentor. Habiba’s leadership shines through her consistency, integrity, and dedication.

Skillman Award Finalists

Yash Fadte, University of Rochester

(photo: Chris McClintick)

Yash Fadte has firmly established himself as one of the most accomplished players in the storied history of University of Rochester squash. A one-time All-American and a four-time First Team All-Liberty League honoree, Yash’s remarkable career has been defined by exceptional skill, relentless determination, and an unwavering commitment to his team.

This past weekend, Yash earned his 52nd career victory, further solidifying his place among the all-time greats in Rochester squash history. But his legacy extends far beyond the court. Known for his infectious energy and deep loyalty to his teammates, Yash has been a constant source of support—whether lifting spirits in difficult moments, delivering clutch performances in the biggest matches, or simply demonstrating his passion for the program and the people around him.

“Yash is the kind of player who will do anything for his teammates,” said his coach. “His lighthearted nature and love for the game make him a beloved figure in our program, and coaching him has been an absolute privilege. His presence and impact will be felt for years to come.”

As a finalist for the Skillman Award, Yash represents the very best of college squash—an extraordinary player, a dedicated teammate, and a leader whose influence transcends the sport itself.

Nathan Kueh, University of Pennsylvania

(photo: Michael T. Bello)

Nathan Kueh has created a phenomenally high standard throughout the entirety of his collegiate career, both on and off the court. His exemplary work ethic is always on full display in his academic and athletic achievements, all while serving as a leader to his teammates and competitors alike with his character and sportsmanship. Over the course of his career, Kueh has been individually honored as the Ivy League Rookie of the Year (2022), a two-time All-Ivy selection (2023, 2025), and an All-American (2022), and bares the titles of being Penn’s All-Time Wins leader, a three-time Ivy League conference champion, and a national champion.

Penn’s head coach and 2007 Skillman Award winner Gilly Lane cannot measure Kueh’s impact on the program: “Nathan is so deserving of the nomination. He has been a rock for our program over his entire career. I am so proud of the way he has handled himself on and off the court, representing our program with the highest level of integrity, sportsmanship, character, and passionate play we could ever ask for. I am so proud of the man he has become while at Penn and has laid the foundation for how a student-athlete should represent the program going forward.”

Thomas Rosini, Princeton University

(photo: Chris McClintick)

From the moment Thomas arrived on campus as a freshman, he has been a transformative force in our program. A two-year captain, he has led with class, dignity, and an unwavering determination to push our team forward. While his records speak for themselves—2024 First Team All-American, 2024 First Team All-Ivy, 2024 & 2025 Scholar-Athlete, and 2025 Second Team All-Ivy—his impact extends far beyond statistics. As a co-captain, he helped lead the team to the 2024 Ivy League Championship, compiling an impressive 34-17 record in his career.

Thomas’s influence reaches well beyond accolades. As a captain, he has built strong bonds with his teammates and played a pivotal role in both securing the 2024 Ivy League title and guiding the team to a runner-up finish in 2025. He has always carried himself with the utmost respect for the game, his opponents, and the CSA. An exceptional leader, fierce competitor, and dedicated student, Thomas has set a lasting foundation for our program’s future.

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