The CSA announces Charlotte Bell of Princeton University, Kara Lincou of Trinity College, Saran Nghiem of Harvard University as the 2026 Betty Richey Award finalists. Tad Carney of Yale University, Joachim Chuah of Trinity College, and Omar Hafez of the University of Pennsylvania are named the 2026 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 2026 Betty Richey and Skillman Award will be announced during the National Championships Reception Event on Friday, March 6 starting at 5:30 p.m. We welcome you to join us in celebrating these impressive individuals!
Betty Richey Award Finalists
Charlotte Bell, Princeton University
Charlotte Bell’s impact on the Princeton women’s squash program has been defined by her exceptional work ethic, commitment to improving her game, and dedication to her team. A co-captain of the 2025–26 team, she has been a steady and reliable presence in the lineup, competing at the No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4 positions while compiling an outstanding 40–16 career record. This season, Bell earned All-Ivy Team recognition.
Bell arrives at practice each day prepared to give her full effort. Over her four seasons, she has set a high standard, elevating both her own performance and that of her teammates. She trains with purpose, pushes herself consistently, and encourages those around her to improve.
She has also set the tone for sportsmanship within the program. Bell competes fiercely while demonstrating respect, honesty, and integrity on court. She plays the game the right way, makes fair calls, and represents Princeton with pride.
Bell has led by example since her first day on campus, long before being named captain. Her calm composure, thoughtful communication, and reliability make her a trusted leader in the most challenging moments. A psychology major and CSA Scholar-Athlete, she has brought intelligence, resilience, and leadership to the Princeton program.
Kara Lincou, Trinity College
Kara sets the standard for work ethic and discipline at the highest level. She puts the work in both on and off the court, leading by example in everything she does. During practice, she elevates the intensity and focus of the entire group, consistently pushing herself and her teammates to become the best versions of themselves. Her sportsmanship truly distinguishes her — she competes with composure and integrity, remaining calm under pressure and unwavering in her focus, regardless of the moment.
She rose to the occasion when it mattered most, winning the deciding match in back-to-back national championship victories for Trinity College. As one of our senior co-captains, she has led this team with poise, accountability, and unwavering commitment throughout the year. Coach Lauren Patrizio commented “I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach her and to know her not only as an exceptional athlete, but as an outstanding person.”
Saran Nghiem, Harvard University
Saran Nghiem has been an exemplary co-captain of our women’s squash team and was a central force behind our Ivy League Championship season last year. Her passion for the game, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment to her teammates distinguish her as an extraordinary student-athlete.
On court, Saran displays remarkable poise and composure. In high-pressure matches—often against the strongest competition in collegiate squash—she competes with calm confidence, strategic clarity, and emotional control. Her technical skill and athletic ability are evident in every match she plays, but what truly sets her apart is her consistency and her ability to elevate her performance when it matters most.
Equally impressive is her approach to team play. As captain, Saran understands that squash, while individually contested, is fundamentally a team endeavor at the collegiate level. She is deeply invested in the success of every teammate, offering encouragement, tactical insight, and steady reassurance. Her close friendships with all members of the team are not incidental—they are the result of genuine care, trust, and mutual respect she has cultivated over time.
Her leadership extends far beyond match day. Saran leads by example in training, preparation, and sportsmanship, setting a standard that others naturally follow. She is thoughtful, inclusive, and attentive, ensuring that every player feels valued and supported. Coaches rely on her judgment and maturity, and she consistently serves as a bridge between players and staff, fostering clear communication and a positive team culture.
Beyond our own program, Saran has made meaningful contributions to intercollegiate squash as a whole. She represents the sport with integrity, cooperating seamlessly with tournament officials, opponents, and administrators. Her respect for the game reflects a deep understanding of sportsmanship and responsibility.
In sum, Saran is an outstanding athlete, an inspiring leader, and an exemplary teammate. Her passion for squash, combined with her character and collaborative spirit, makes her a perfect candidate for the Richey Award.
Skillman Award Finalists
Tad Carney, Yale University
Tad Carney represents the highest ideals of intercollegiate squash through the way he competes, conducts himself, and elevates those around him. Over four years at Yale, he progressed from the middle of the lineup as a freshman to earning the No. 1 position, a journey built on sustained commitment and hard work. In that role, he has consistently faced the strongest players in the collegiate squash landscape with relentless intensity and quiet composure, helping lead Yale to the CSA National Team Championship final last season while continuing to anchor the top of the roster this year. He competes with fierce determination while maintaining calm poise under pressure and resilience through physical adversity, and that combination of inner fire and outer grace is what sets him apart. Whether in victory or defeat, Tad embodies what collegiate squash is at its best: a place where character is built over time and how you carry yourself matters as much as where you finish. His presence at the front of our lineup reflects the integrity, resilience, and respect that the Skillman Award was created to honor.
Joachim Chuah, Trinity College
Joachim Chuah has been a cornerstone of the Trinity College men’s squash program throughout his collegiate career. A senior captain, he has competed in the Bantams’ top three positions since his freshman year and has held the No. 1 position during both his junior and senior seasons.
Chuah has compiled an outstanding 64–12 career record — includes individuals — while consistently facing the strongest competition in college squash. He has earned All-American honors in each of the past four seasons, including two Second Team selections and two First Team selections. In 2025, he was named NESCAC Player of the Year and remarkably finished his four-year career undefeated in NESCAC play.
Joachim is a great example of what sportsmanship should look like. He plays the game fairly, gives his opponents clear access to the ball, never seeks shortcuts or looks for opponents, calls his own faults without hesitation, and treats opponents, referees, and coaches with respect. His demeanor and the way he carries himself on court truly make him stand out.
His attitude and character set the tone for those around him, and as a senior captain he has been instrumental to our program. He has been one of the top three players in the league for two consecutive years, which speaks to both his consistency and his level of play. Even in the most pressured moments, Joachim competes with a smile on the court—one of the qualities that makes him such a unique and respected competitor. He has represented himself and our program with integrity and respect and was a true inspirational to anyone who’s watched him win or lose. Joachim has exemplified what the Skillman award stands for throughout his four years at the highest level.
Omar Hafez, University of Pennsylvania
Omar Hafez has embodied the highest level of sportsmanship and skill throughout his collegiate career with the Penn Quakers. Hafez is one of, if not the most, decorated athlete in Penn squash history with a list of accolades including Ivy League Player of the Year, First-team All-Ivy, and the CSA Individual championships winner in this year alone. Hafez also became the all-time leader in career wins in the Penn program this season, as he has clearly cemented himself among the greatest players in not only Penn history, but also in the country. Besides his athletic prowess on the court, Hafez is an even better teammate and is beloved by his coaches and fellow student athletes.
Head Coach Gilly Lane expressed great admiration for his senior captain: “Omar’s impact on this program has been monumental. He is the all time wins leader, a two time national champion, an intercollegiate champion, ivy player and rookie of the year, and multiple all all Ivy and All American selection. However, it only tells part of his journey. His passion, drive, determination, team first mentality has made everyone around him better on a daily basis. I often say the program goes as he goes. And for the last four years he has led us to the best era in our programs history. I feel honored and lucky to be his coach. His impact on me has been far greater than anyone would ever know.”
