PHILADELPHIA — On Friday evening, March 6, the College Squash Association recognized Trinity College’s Joachim Chuah and Harvard University’s Saran Nghiem with the CSA’s most prestigious senior career honors during a ceremony held on the East Glass Court at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center as part of the 2026 CSA National Collegiate Team Championships.
Chuah received the Skillman Award, while Nghiem was honored with the Betty Richey Award. Both awards recognize not only outstanding achievement on the court but also the sportsmanship, leadership, and character that define the very best of college squash.
The ceremony took place following the conclusion of the day’s championship matches and drew a packed crowd of teammates, coaches, families, and fellow competitors who gathered around the East Glass Court to celebrate the six finalists. Videos highlighting each of the finalists were shown before the winners were announced live.
The Skillman Award, presented annually to a senior men’s player who demonstrates exceptional sportsmanship and a consistently high level of play throughout their collegiate career, was awarded to Chuah. The honor was presented by Gustav Detter, the 2009 Skillman Award recipient.
After receiving the award, Chuah addressed the crowd and spoke about the significance of the honor, thanking his teammates, coaches, family, and competitors who had been part of his college squash journey.
The Betty Richey Award, presented each year to a senior women’s player who embodies a deep passion for the sport along with a strong commitment to fairness, leadership, and excellence in play, was awarded to Nghiem. The award was presented by Pam Ankermann, the 2009 Betty Richey Award recipient.
Nghiem shared brief remarks following the presentation, reflecting on her college squash experience and expressing gratitude to her teammates, coaches, and her mother for their support throughout her career.
With strong support from across the college squash community filling the venue, the ceremony served as a fitting celebration of the sport’s values and of two student-athletes whose careers have left a lasting impact on college squash.
Congratulations to Joachim Chuah and Saran Nghiem on this well-deserved recognition.
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.
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.
