Make sure you follow all of the action taking place this weekend in Philadelphia at the National Collegiate Women’s Team Championships and the National Collegiate Club Team Championships.
Links to the live draws, live streams, and other information can be found here:
National College Women’s Team Championships
National Collegiate Men’s/Co-Ed & Women’s Team Championships
The College Squash Association (CSA) proudly presents the College Squash Awards, a livestreamed event scheduled for Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. (Eastern).
Interested viewers can watch the event on CSA’s YouTube and Facebook Live pages, which can be accessed using these links:
The College Squash Awards will feature interviews, guest presenters, and celebrations of 2021 honorees, including:
Tune in to the first event of its kind for the college squash community! The CSA looks forward to your support this Thursday.
#CSASkillsChallange
WEEK 4 (March 23-26)
Skills:
Side-to-Side Volleys – Count the number of consecutive Side-to-Side Volleys hit as follows in 60 seconds or less: strike the ball -> side wall -> strike to opposite side wall -> repeat (without any bounces!). Each strike to side wall counts as 1. Demonstration Video (side-to-side only)
TEAM FITNESS RELAY! – Create a team of 3 teammates. Each team member takes on 1 of 3 fitness tasks: Front-to-Back Sprints, Side-to-Side Shuffles, & Star Drill. 30 seconds for each task. Each racquet touch counts as 1. Highest cumulative score of racquet touches for the 3 tasks is the winning team. Does not have to be completed back-to-back-to-back. Demonstration videos shown below in challenge information for Weeks 1, 2, & 3.
SCORE SUBMISSION FORM
LEADERBOARDS
(This week’s demonstration video is courtesy of @serioussquash on Instagram. Thank you!)
Congratulations to the WEEK 3 winners!
Figure-8 Volleys: Katherine Glaser, Princeton University & Callan Hall, Columbia University
Star Drill: Sophie Barber, Bowdoin College/Olivia Robinson, Princeton University (tie) & Henry Somerby, Bowdoin College
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During the four full weeks of March (1st through the 26th), the College Squash Association (CSA) will host a weekly skills challenge for all eligible CSA players. Student-athletes will compete as individuals in various solo skill tasks and fitness tests. Leaderboards will track scores and standings throughout each week, and winners will be announced at the end of the weeks.
CSA players should read all of the rules carefully before they begin the challenges.
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Rules
COVID-19 REMINDER: Please make sure that you are abiding by all federal, state, local, and institutional policies regarding the prevention of COVID-19 transmission. Participating in the CSA Weekly Skills Challenges is not an excuse to violate protocols and expected procedures.
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WEEK 3 (March 15-19)
Skills:
Figue-8 Volleys – Count the number of consecutive Figure-8 Volleys hit as follows in 60 seconds or less: strike the ball -> front wall -> side wall -> strike to opposite side front wall -> side wall -> repeat (without any bounces). Each strike to front wall/side wall counts as 1. Demonstration Video
Star Drill – Count the number of racquet touches in 45 seconds using this sequence: Racquet in hand, start at the T -> go first to left back corner, touch corner, then back to the T. Repeat to the next location, going clockwise, as many as possible in the time limit. The six locations are: left back corner, left service line, left front corner, right front corner, right service line and right back corner. Racket must touch each corner or side wall location. Each racquet touch counts as 1. Demonstration Video
SCORE SUBMISSION FORM
LEADERBOARDS
WEEK 2 (March 8-12)
Congratulations to the WEEK 2 winners!
Forehand Drives: Saachi Singh, Princeton University & Omar Ali, Dickinson College
Backhand Drives: Saachi Singh, Princeton University & Omar Ali, Dickinson College
Side-to-Side Shuffles: Annie Roach, Wesleyan University & Sean Choi, Wesleyan University
Skills:
Forehand Drives – Count the number of consecutive forehand drives hit as follows in 60 seconds or less: strike the ball -> front wall -> bounce -> back wall -> strike again (without a second bounce). Demonstration Video
Backhand Drives – Count the number of consecutive backhand drives hit as follows in 60 seconds or less strike the ball -> front wall -> bounce -> back wall -> strike again (without a second bounce). Demonstration Video
Side-to-Side Shuffles – Count the number of racquet touches in 30 seconds using this sequence: Racquet in hand, start at the T -> shuffle to side wall -> racquet touches side wall -> shuffle to other side wall -> racquet touches -> repeat. No turning except on last step to touch side wall. Each racquet touch counts as 1 point. Demonstration Video
SCORE SUBMISSION FORM
LEADERBOARDS
WEEK 1 (March 1-5)
Congratulations to the WEEK 1 winners!
Forehand Volleys: Lucy Stephenson, Princeton University & John Collins, Haverford College
Backhand Volleys: Lucy Stephenson, Princeton University & Callan Hall, Columbia University
Front-to-Back Sprints: Olivia Robinson, Princeton University & Sanjay Jeeva, Franklin & Marshall College/Omar Ali, Dickinson College (tie)
Skills:
Forehand Volleys – Count the number of consecutive forehand volleys hit from behind the mid-court line in 60 seconds or less. Demonstration Video
Backhand Volleys – Count the number of consecutive backhand volleys hit from behind the mid-court line in 60 seconds or less. Demonstration Video
Front-to-Back Sprints – Count the number of racquet touches in 45 seconds using this sequence: Racquet in hand, start at the back wall -> forward sprint, touch front wall with racquet -> backward sprint, touch back wall with racquet -> forward sprint again and repeat. Each racquet touch counts as 1 point. Demonstration Video
SCORE SUBMISSION FORM
LEADERBOARDS
(All demonstration videos are courtesy of NY Squash and the NY Squash Solo Challenge. Thank you for their assistance and support!)
For the first time ever, junior squash players who are interested in being recruited to play varsity squash in college will have a standard start date for recruitment by college coaches – September 1 of their junior year in high school.
In an effort to clarify and simplify the recruiting timeline for prospective squash student-athletes, the College Squash Association (CSA) Board of Directors adopted a proposal that standardizes the first opportunity for recruiting activities for all varsity teams, regardless of their schools’ NCAA Division affiliation.
“This is an exciting development for all college squash constituents,” CSA Executive Director & League Commissioner David Poolman said in response to the adopted proposal. “The community of junior players – potential future CSA student-athletes and their families – now have a clear start date for their formal college search and recruitment. Our coaches, whose schools belong to different NCAA divisions and conferences, can focus on their personal recruiting strategies from the same starting point as their peers.”
The impetus for the proposal came from several factors. The movement to curb early recruiting in intercollegiate athletics has enacted concrete changes in recent years, with college squash looking to match those efforts. As important as the college search and recruitment process is, it is also very complex, causing frustration and confusion for many prospective squash student-athletes and their families. Simplifying the process was a primary goal.
“Finding a start date that was not too early, yet still offers the recruited student-athlete ample time to research all options, create relationships with coaches, and visit campuses, was paramount,” Poolman said.
While the timeline is in effect for all CSA member teams, the CSA Board continues to review the differences between NCAA Division I and Division III rules. Relevant discrepancies will be addressed with an eye towards clarity and consistency for all CSA constituents.
The recruiting timeline (below) went into effect on June 7. For a more detailed outline of the timeline and current rules, please visit this resource on the CSA website. Additional guidance on CSA recruiting and eligibility regulations and messaging will be shared in the coming months.
First Opportunity for Recruiting Activity
On Wednesday, the College Squash Association (CSA) released the men’s and women’s team rankings prior to the start of the 2018-2019 season. This is the first rankings release of several that take place over the course of the season.
A poll of all varsity coaches, who each receive one vote, determines the order of the preseason rankings. Only the 31 women’s varsity teams and 35 men’s varsity teams appear in the first installment of the rankings. Club teams who have played the requisite number of matches will be added to the rankings on a rolling basis. Preliminary rankings will be published at regular intervals during the first part of the season until January 15, 2019, when the CSA implements its ranking algorithm. From that point forward, rankings will be published every week until the CSA Team National Championships in late February.
The women’s preseason rankings look very similar to the 2018 end-of-season rankings with two minor changes. Stanford edges Yale by a slight margin for the 4th spot, while Virginia jumps over Williams at Number 12. Stanford Head Coach Mark Talbott believes this might be the deepest team he has had yet in Palo Alto, and at least some of the coaches seem to believe him. The differences at 12 come down to roster make-up. Virginia added three strong recruits to a roster that returns nine out of ten starters, while Williams graduated three of its top five players while adding four newcomers to the roster.
The men’s poll showed a bit more movement than the women’s version. The biggest movers are: Dartmouth, who drop out of the Top 5 down to 7th; Drexel, who jumps up two spots to Number 11; and Brown, who tumbles three places down to 14th position. Dartmouth and Brown both lost experienced seniors at the top of their respective ladders, likely accounting for their falls in the rankings. In contrast, Drexel is slated to return two top performers who were absent in 2018 while adding a strong recruiting class to provide vital depth.
View the full women’s and men’s preseason rankings here: 2018-2019 CSA Preseason Rankings.
Less than one year ago, Chatham University Athletic Director Leonard Trevino announced that the school would be adding men’s and women’s squash teams to their profile of varsity sports programs. Now, with the 2018-2019 squash season approaching quickly, one part of that plan is coming to fruition.
At the end of October, Chatham kicks off their inaugural season with matches against club teams from Johns Hopkins and Swarthmore in Baltimore, Maryland. Newly appointed head coach, Larissa Stephenson, is very excited for what lies ahead. “Chatham Squash looks forward to its inaugural season and being the first varsity squash team from Pittsburgh, PA. We are focused on building a strong foundation for the future.”
Part of that future will be the first crop of players, including Chatham’s first top recruit, Vinicius Muniz. Stephenson will look to continue building her roster with a mix of recruits and new players with the final goal for the year being to compete as a team at the CSA Men’s National Championships, Feb. 15-17, 2019 in Connecticut.
In Stephenson, Chatham has a leader with an impressive level of experience as a player and teacher. She was a three-time All-America selection at Trinity College and played on the PSA Tour for almost ten years. After working with Mission Squash in Houston, Texas from 2012 to 2013, Stephenson and Chatham are eager to partner with the urban squash education program Steel City Squash in Pittsburgh.
Chatham University is the fourth NCAA institution to add a varsity squash program in the last four years, joining Dickinson College, University of Virginia, and Bard College. Chatham’s varsity women’s program is scheduled to play its inaugural season next year in the 2019-2020 season.
2018-2019 SEASON PREVIEW – First Season as a Varsity Program
Head Coach: Larissa Stephenson
Returning Players from Team Championships: N/A
Graduated/Non-Returning Players from Team Championships: N/A
Additions to 2018-2019 Roster:
Team Goal: To build a strong foundation for the future.
Key Matches: Johns Hopkins, Swarthmore, Denison, Ohio State, Bard
To read season previews for other CSA teams, please visit the 2018-2019 College Squash Season Previews page.
The College Squash Association (CSA) joins the global squash community in celebrating the extraordinary career of Ali Farag, Harvard Class of 2014, who has announced his immediate retirement from professional squash. A four-time World Champion, former World No.1 for an astounding 238 weeks, and winner of 46 PSA Tour titles, Farag leaves an indelible mark not only as one of the sport’s all-time greats but as a shining example of how collegiate success can be a springboard to global G.O.A.T. status.
Farag’s journey through Harvard was nothing short of legendary. He captured two CSA Individual National Championships (2012, 2014) and was instrumental in leading the Crimson to a dominant Potter Cup National Team Championship in 2014, culminating an undefeated season with a 9-0 victory over Trinity. His individual collegiate record stood at an impressive 52-2.
Beyond the trophies, Farag embodied the highest ideals of college athletics. He was the recipient of the prestigious 2014 CSA Skillman Award, an honor given to a senior men’s player who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship, on-court poise, skill, and leadership. As Harvard Head Coach Mike Way stated at the time, “Ali plays with the utmost fairness and integrity. One could not ask for a better example in a number one player.” This sentiment was echoed by his 2014 teammate Tommy Mullaney, who later said, “I couldn’t imagine a better ambassador for the sport.” Farag’s accolades at Harvard also included being named Ivy League Player of the Year multiple times, a three-time CSA First Team All-American, a CSA Scholar Athlete, and receiving the William J. Bingham Award as Harvard’s outstanding male senior athlete in 2014.
His decision to attend Harvard, after a stellar junior career, was pivotal. Though initially planning a career in Mechanical Engineering after graduating, Coach Way and Farag’s then-girlfriend (now wife and fellow squash champion) Nour El Tayeb encouraged him to pursue the PSA tour.
What followed was not just a successful professional career, but a dominant era that saw Farag etch his name alongside squash immortals. His 46 PSA Tour titles place him sixth on the all-time men’s winners list. Among these are:
He reached an incredible 81 PSA finals, winning 445 of his 553 matches on tour, and retired ranked World No.2, less than two weeks after competing in his fifth World Championship final.
This unparalleled success on the professional stage powerfully proved that attending college can bolster a player’s chances of reaching the pinnacle of professional squash. Farag paved the way, demonstrating that the rigor, teamwork, and holistic development experienced in college squash are invaluable assets. His impact was also felt in his conduct, earning him the PSA Spirit of Squash Award seven times over eight years, a testament to the character honed during his collegiate years. Beyond individual accolades, Farag was a cornerstone for Egyptian squash, leading his nation to four World Squash Team Championship titles.
Even as he conquered the global stage, Farag’s connection to his alma mater and college squash remained profound. Coach Way continued to be a mentor, with Farag noting, “He still is my mentor, and he always will be… he’s my go-to person!” Farag famously wore the Harvard crest on his professional attire and, as Coach Way put it, “Ali still bleeds Harvard crimson and always will.”
The CSA community fondly remembers the young man who, as a sophomore, went undefeated to win his first individual title, and as a senior, led his team to glory while epitomizing sportsmanship. His story—from a prodigious junior talent to a Harvard champion, and then to a global squash icon with a glittering professional resume—is one that will inspire generations of college squash players.
Ali Farag’s retirement marks the end of a playing era, but his legacy as a student-athlete who reached the zenith of his sport, all while upholding the values of fair play and dedication, will endure within the College Squash Association. We thank Ali for his immense contributions and wish him, Nour, and their family all the best in their next chapter.
For more on Farag’s retirement, read Rob Dinerman’s article on the Daily Squash Report below
Bates College Assistant Men’s and Women’s Squash Coach
| Position Purpose:
The Assistant Coach is responsible for aiding the Head Coach in administering a competitive NCAA Division III intercollegiate program. This position supports the development of student-athletes through mentorship, guidance, leadership opportunities, community building, and a commitment to social justice. The Assistant Coach focuses primarily in the areas of planning and directing recruitment, conditioning, training, and performance of student-athletes, along with fiscal management of the program. This is a professional assistant coaching position, and all of the duties of the position must be conducted in adherence with the policies, rules, and regulations of affiliated national, regional, and state intercollegiate athletic associations, the NESCAC Conference, and the College. The Assistant Coach will have significant night and weekend commitments. This position reports to the Head Coach. This is a full time, full year position that averages 40 hours per week. Exact schedule will vary based on the time of year. “In” season is from September – March.
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Job Duties:
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| Minimum Qualifications:
Education
Experience
Skills and Knowledge
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| Benefits:
Bates College offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits (health, dental, sick leave, 24 days of vacation, 2 personal days, 13 paid holidays, dependent care subsidy, free parking, access to library and athletic facilities & more), and a supportive, collegial environment in a drug and smoke-free workplace. |
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Bates College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity and providing an educational and work environment free from discrimination. The college prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status and other legally protected statuses in the recruitment and admission of its students, in the administration of its education policies and programs, or in the recruitment of its faculty and staff. Bates College adheres to all applicable state and federal equal opportunity laws and regulations. All college faculty, staff, students, contractors, visitors, and volunteers are responsible for understanding and complying with the Non-Discrimination Policy.
Inquiries concerning the college’s policies, compliance with applicable laws, statutes, and regulations (such as Title VII, Title IX, and ADA/Section 504), and complaints may be directed to Gwen Lexow, Title IX Officer, 207-786-6445 or via email at glexow@bates.edu.
About Bates:
Bates is internationally recognized as a leading liberal arts college, attracting 2,000 students from across the U.S. and around the world.
Since 1855, Bates has been dedicated to educating the whole person through creative and rigorous scholarship in a collaborative residential community. Committed to opportunity and excellence, Bates has always admitted students without regard to gender, race, religion, or national origin.
Cultivating intellectual discovery and informed civic action, Bates prepares leaders sustained by a love of learning and zeal for responsible stewardship of the wider world. Bates engages the forces — intellectual trends, demographic changes, and technology — that are transforming higher education and the world into which our students graduate.
Bates has highly competitive admissions, graduates over 90 percent of its entering students, and more than half of its alumni earn graduate degrees. Bates employs 200 faculty members and 550 staff.
The college is proud of deep roots in the Lewiston/Auburn community, Maine’s second-largest urban area with a population of approximately 65,000. Bates is located on a beautiful, 133-acre, traditional New England campus in Lewiston, an emerging city with an entrepreneurial climate, a lively arts scene, and a dynamic business community. Bates is 35 miles north of Portland, 140 miles north of Boston, and 350 miles north of New York City.
Advertised: 20 May 2025
Link to apply directly: Bates College
Collegiate squash is experiencing a wave of new leadership as three institutions—Chatham University, Bates College, and Vassar College—introduce new head coaches to lead their men’s and women’s programs. Yuri Franca, Nadiia Usenko, and Nku Patrick each bring unique backgrounds and a forward-thinking approach, signaling a fresh chapter for their respective teams.
Yuri Franca Joins Chatham University
Chatham University has appointed Yuri Franca as the new head coach for both its men’s and women’s squash teams. Franca arrives with a strong coaching résumé, having most recently served as Assistant Coach at Amherst College. During his time there, the men’s team reached a national ranking of #17, while the women’s team secured a runner-up finish in the Kurtz Cup and concluded the season ranked #14. Amherst’s coaching staff also earned recognition as the NESCAC Coaching Staff of the Year.
Franca’s career includes leadership roles in both Brazil and the United States, where he worked with competitive clubs and youth development programs. His global coaching experience, combined with recent collegiate success, positions him to build a competitive and resilient program at Chatham.
Nadiia Usenko Takes Over at Bates College
Bates College has named Nadiia Usenko as the head coach for its men’s and women’s squash teams. A standout former player with international experience, Usenko previously served as Assistant Coach at Amherst College, contributing to the program’s athletic and academic achievements.
Her playing career is equally distinguished. A Trinity College graduate and team captain, Usenko earned multiple national titles in Ukraine and reached a career-high world ranking of #76 on the Professional Squash Association tour. She brings a well-rounded perspective to coaching, shaped by her competitive background and ongoing academic work in exercise and sport studies.
At Bates, Usenko will focus on developing a program that blends athletic excellence with the college’s broader educational values, aiming to foster a culture of growth, inclusion, and high performance.
Nku Patrick Leads Vassar’s Reimagined Squash Program
Vassar College has tapped Nku Patrick as the inaugural Betty Richey Head Coach for Men’s and Women’s Squash. His appointment marks a significant step in reestablishing squash as a varsity sport at the college. A two-time national champion during his playing days at Trinity College, Patrick brings both elite playing credentials and deep coaching experience.
Before joining Vassar, Patrick led Northeastern University’s club squash teams and held a key role at SquashBusters Boston, where he helped expand access to the sport and mentored student-athletes across multiple levels. His background also includes coaching stints with PPS Squash and involvement with U.S. national competitions.
Patrick’s vision for Vassar centers on building a program rooted in inclusivity, discipline, and long-term competitiveness. His leadership is expected to lay a strong foundation as the college works to return to the national squash stage.
Together, Franca, Usenko, and Patrick represent a new generation of collegiate squash coaching—experienced, globally informed, and committed to both athletic and personal development. Their arrival signals renewed ambition for their programs and fresh energy within the broader squash community.
The College Squash Association is deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Ronald “Ron” Epps, a cherished figure in the college squash community whose legacy spans more than three decades of coaching, mentorship, and service to the sport.
Ron was a constant and beloved presence in college squash, best known for his longtime role at Franklin & Marshall College. He served as head coach of the women’s team from 2001 to 2008, succeeding his wife, Patty S.W. Epps, and guiding the Diplomats to 42 victories. During his tenure, he helped develop numerous student-athletes, several of whom earned All-America honors. Before and after his time as head coach, Ron remained deeply involved as an assistant and associate head coach for both the men’s and women’s programs, offering steady leadership and unwavering support throughout his decades-long involvement.
Affectionately known as “Mr. Coach,” Ron was recognized throughout college squash for his unmistakable energy and joy—especially his iconic on-court match introductions that set the tone for countless home contests. His booming voice, sharp wit, and celebratory spirit helped define the match-day experience for players and fans alike.
Beyond the sidelines, Ron was a fixture at campus and community events, always offering a warm smile, hearty laugh, and consistent encouragement to the student-athletes he cared so deeply about. His legacy of sportsmanship, mentorship, and positivity left a lasting mark on the college squash community.
Ron is survived by his wife, Patty, their son, Ned, and a large and loving extended family. A memorial service will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lancaster, PA, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m.
The College Squash Association extends its heartfelt condolences to the Epps family and all those in the squash community who had the privilege of knowing Ron. His legacy will endure in the sport he loved and in the lives he touched.
Tributes and Service Information:
The College Squash Association is thrilled to announce the addition of Austin Crail as our new Social Media & Engagement Manager.
Austin brings a dynamic blend of creativity, technical expertise, and a genuine passion for visual storytelling. Based in the Philadelphia area, he is a proud New Jersey native whose perspective has been shaped by both local roots and global experiences—including time spent living and studying in Shanghai. He holds a BS in Photography from Drexel University, where he honed his skills in both commercial and fine art photography.
Before joining CSA, Austin served as a food photographer and creative contributor at Wakefern Food Corp., where he played a key role in their recent website rebranding project. His ability to create compelling visual content will be a valuable asset as CSA continues to grow its digital presence.
Austin is already familiar with the squash community, having previously worked with CSA as a freelance photographer covering major tournaments. His existing connection to the sport and our organization gives him a unique insight into our mission and the passionate community that powers college squash.
We’re excited for Austin to bring fresh energy, creativity, and vision to our digital storytelling and community engagement efforts. Please join us in giving him a warm welcome to the CSA team!
The College Squash Association (CSA) is thrilled to announce the hiring of Lovey Roundtree as its new Director of Expansion—a pivotal role at a time of tremendous opportunity for the sport. As interest in squash continues to grow across the country, the CSA is prioritizing efforts to broaden access and increase the number of varsity and club teams. Lovey’s work will be central to this mission.
The creation of this role reflects the CSA’s long-term commitment to strengthening the foundation and future of college squash. As a central force in the development of squash in the U.S. and abroad, the CSA recognizes that growing the sport at the collegiate level is essential to its broader success. Expanding access to college squash not only creates more opportunities for student-athletes, but also helps fuel the sport’s visibility, inclusivity, and long-term viability.
In this role, Lovey will work closely with CSA Commissioner Harry Smith and the CSA Board of Managers to lead the organization’s nationwide expansion initiatives. Her charge is ambitious but essential: to identify and engage new colleges and universities, deepen relationships with campus leaders, and provide the tools and guidance needed to launch and sustain programs. Through this work, she will help schools establish new teams, strengthen existing ones, and develop regional resources that make participation more accessible, sustainable, and impactful.
“Expansion is one of our top strategic priorities, and we couldn’t be more excited to have Lovey leading the charge,” said CSA Commissioner Harry Smith. “She brings a great mix of energy, perspective, and genuine passion for the sport. I’m really looking forward to partnering with her as we work to expand the footprint of and build the future of college squash.”
Lovey brings a unique blend of athletic experience, educational leadership, and squash community involvement to the position. She joins the CSA after six successful years at Phillips Exeter Academy, where she served as the Director of Tennis and Squash for the last three years. She currently serves on the Massachusetts Squash Board, is a board member of the Andover Squash Club, and most recently, she joined the Leadership Council at SquashBusters Lawrence, which features the newly completed New Balance 8-court facility.
A lifelong athlete, Lovey discovered her love for squash later in life, which gives her a deep appreciation for the sport’s accessibility, community, and growth potential. At Bowdoin College, she was a varsity track athlete and club rugby player, playing a pivotal role in helping the women’s rugby team gain varsity status and NCAA emerging sport recognition. Her passion for collegiate athletics led her to earn a master’s degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where she focused on the administration of colleges and universities. In her role as Director of Expansion, Lovey brings together her love of sports, her professional background in education, and her belief in the transformative power of college athletics.
“The CSA was lucky to have applications from some of the most incredible people in our game,” said CSA Board Chairman Will Carlin. “But Lovey not only checked the boxes we knew about but also checked ones that we hadn’t even considered. I can’t wait to see what she does in the role. It’s going to be great!”
The College Squash Association is proud to announce Emma Kate Watts-Roy of Bowdoin College as the recipient of the 2025 Ann Wetzel Award, presented annually to honor the senior women’s player who has shown the greatest level of improvement over her collegiate career.
Named in honor of Ann Wetzel, the 1964 national champion and the founder of the University of Pennsylvania women’s varsity squash program, the award celebrates outstanding technical growth, grit, and unwavering love for the game. Recipients are recognized for consistent poise, progress and positivity on court.
Emma Kate’s development at Bowdoin has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over four years, she transformed into a top-of-the-ladder competitor and a respected team leader. A string of accolades marks her upward trajectory: three-time Second Team All-NESCAC selection, First Team selection as a senior, and one of only eight student-athletes in the conference to earn All-NESCAC, All-Sportsmanship, and All-Academic honors in the same year.
Nominated and voted on by coaches across the league, Emma Kate emerged as this year’s recipient through the respect and admiration of those who witnessed her growth firsthand.
Reflecting on her journey, Emma shared:
“I am so honored to receive this award. This sport is so special, and I think my passion and love for it has led me to where I am today. Playing alongside a group of such positive, kind, gritty, and hardworking ladies has made my four years the best I could have imagined. From my sister and I being the only girls growing up in Kentucky playing squash, to having the honor of playing 1 and leading the team these past few years, I have endless gratitude for the support my family and coaches have given me. The Bowdoin Squash team cares about players as people, enabling me to cultivate lifelong friendships that I am forever grateful for. Go U Bears!”
Bowdoin head coach Brendan McClintick echoed those sentiments:
“We are all so proud of Emma and this award is well-deserved. Her growth over four years has been exceptional—from a quiet and reserved first-year to a confident and vocal senior. She’s been a captain since her sophomore year, learning from the leaders before her and carving out her own legacy. Her eagerness to learn and compete propelled her development, and she pioneered the ‘Grit, Gratitude, Gains’ mindset that defines our team. She truly embodies what it means to be a Polar Bear.”
Emma Kate Watts-Roy’s journey is a shining example of what the Wetzel Award represents: dedication, resilience, and a deep love for the game. The CSA congratulates her on this well-earned recognition.
The College Squash Association (CSA) is proud to announce that Colby College has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Women’s Most Improved Team Award, recognizing the most significant year-over-year progress by a women’s varsity program.
Colby made a notable leap in performance this season, climbing from No. 25 to No. 18 in the final CSA rankings. This impressive rise reflects the team’s steady development, competitive growth, and ability to deliver strong results throughout the year.
This marks the third time that the Colby women’s squash team has received the Most Improved Team honor—a testament to the program’s continued commitment to growth and excellence.
The Mules were led by Head Coach Chris Abplanalp, who credited the team’s success to their unity and perseverance.
“I am incredibly proud of this team,” said Coach Abplanalp. “They overcame a lot of challenges together and showed an incredible amount of resiliency to accomplish the goals we set at the beginning of the season. It was truly a team effort. They showed up every day ready to work and determined to succeed. It’s an honor to be named the Most Improved Team, and we’re grateful for the recognition of everything this group achieved together.”
The Women’s Most Improved Team Award is presented annually to the varsity program that shows the greatest improvement in final team ranking compared to the previous season. Final selections are determined by a vote of CSA women’s team coaches, who consider both ranking movement and the quality of competition surpassed.
Congratulations to Coach Abplanalp, his staff, and the entire Colby team on this well-earned recognition.
The College Squash Association (CSA) is proud to announce that Williams College has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Barnaby Award, honoring the most improved men’s team in college squash.
The Ephs made a notable leap this season, rising from No. 14 to No. 11 in the final CSA rankings. In doing so, Williams not only improved their standing in one of the most competitive tiers of the national rankings but also secured a position in the top division of the National Collegiate Men’s Team Championships. This jump is a reflection of their hard work, steady development, and ability to challenge and outperform strong programs over the course of the season.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Hesham Aly, who was appointed as the permanent head coach on July 1, 2024, the team has shown remarkable progress throughout the year.
“This recognition means the world to our team,” said Coach Aly. “It’s a reflection of the discipline, heart, and belief our players brought to every practice and every match. I am grateful to the CSA and to my peers for acknowledging the strides we’ve made.”
The Barnaby Award is presented annually to the men’s varsity team showing the most improvement from the previous season’s final ranking. The award is named in honor of John M. “Jack” Barnaby, the legendary Harvard coach known for his dedication, integrity, and lifelong commitment to the sport of squash.
This year’s award was voted on by CSA men’s team coaches, who assess not only the numerical jump in rankings but also the level of competition each program has surpassed.
The CSA congratulates Coach Aly, his staff, and the entire Williams team on this well-earned honor.
The College Squash Association (CSA) is the governing body overseeing all intercollegiate varsity squash in the United States. The CSA is a subsidiary of and supported by U.S. Squash, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
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