The College Squash Association (CSA) is proud to announce that the Georgetown University women’s squash team, led by Head Coach Heba El Torky, has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Chaffee Award for Team Sportsmanship. Georgetown was first nominated by peer programs and then voted on by fellow coaches across college squash, making this a particularly meaningful recognition.
The Chaffee Award is presented annually to a women’s team coach whose team has demonstrated the qualities of sportsmanship, teamwork, character, and improvement. The award was first established in 1987, when the women’s squash team at Williams College donated it in honor of their former coach, Clarence C. Chaffee. Coach Chaffee began the Williams squash program in 1938, led the school’s first intercollegiate team in 1939, and remained at the helm until his retirement in 1970.
This marks the second time that Georgetown has earned the prestigious honor, having also received the award in 2023. Under the leadership of Coach El Torky—who began her tenure in November 2024 and just completed her first season—the team had a standout year, finishing ranked No. 13 in the nation and capturing the Kurtz Cup at the CSA Divisional Team Championships.
Coach Heba El Torky commented:
“This is one of the most meaningful honors we could receive. The Georgetown Women’s Squash Team has shown heart, respect, and unity every step of the way. I’ve watched them support each other more during a loss than a win, lead with integrity, and represent the university with pride and grace. I’d like to thank my fellow coaches across college squash for this recognition—it means so much coming from those who truly understand the game and its values. We’ll continue to keep sportsmanship at the heart of everything we do.”
In a competitive and often intense college squash environment, the Chaffee Award celebrates the intangible qualities that elevate the sport: mutual respect, selflessness, and a commitment to competing the right way. Teams recognized with this honor are seen as role models in how they carry themselves on court and in how they support one another and their opponents throughout the season. At a time when competitive pressures can run high, the Chaffee Award serves as an important reminder that sportsmanship is not only valued—but essential—to the integrity and future of college squash.
Bowdoin College, Hamilton College, Middlebury College, and Stanford University were the other leading vote-getters for the 2025 Chaffee Award.
Congratulations to Georgetown University for once again embodying the best values of college squash and for a season defined by class, cohesion, and competitive spirit!
