Middletown, CT — In 2010 the Wesleyan Cardinals finished with a winning record for the first time since the 1998-1999 season. They repeated that feat again last year, capping the year with a 5-4 win over Bowdoin to finish 3rd in Walker Cup play.
This season the Cardinals have their sights on the B Division and the top 16, goals that should be within reach. “This group has extensive potential having only graduated one player last season and welcoming significant incoming first-year players,” says head coach Shona Kerr. Three of the six incoming players are expected to compete in the top five, and all have high school squash experience.
Wesleyan has installed a new analysis center that enables the team to film all courts during practice and matches, which should be an invaluable coaching aid. The team also has plans to return to Arizona for another training trip in January.
“Fun loving, young and talented” is how Kerr characterizes the team. “This is an exciting time to be a Cardinal,” she adds.
2010-2011 SEASON RECAP
Season Record: 14-12
Final Ranking: 19
Team Championships: 3rd in Walker Cup (C Division)
2011-2012 SEASON PREVIEW
Program Status: Varsity
Head Coach: Shona Kerr
Returning Players from Team Championships: (1) Mary Foster (Second Team All-NESCAC, NESCAC All-Sportsmanship Team); (2) Diana Edwards; (3) Grace Zimmerman; (4) Tanesha Jackson; (5) Danielle Craig; (6) Ellen Schwed; (8) Kar-Anne Tan; (9) Meherazade Sumariwalla; (10) Kerry Klemmer (NESCAC All-Academic Team); (11) Rosa Hayes
Graduated/Non-returning players from 2010-2011 Team: (7) Jenny Chu
Additions to the 2011-2012 roster:
- Expected to play in the top 5: Annie Maxwell, Claire Miller, and Lauren Nelson
- Expected top play in bottom 3/bottom of ladder: Noelle Hiam, Hannah Jenkins, and Christina Ortiz
Captains: Meherazade Sumariwalla and Grace Zimmerman
Team Goals: To maximize team’s potential, perform as a cohesive and supportive unit, and to break into the top 16 national rankings
Key Matches: Little 3 (Amherst and Williams), NESCAC championships
To read other team previews, please visit the 2011-2012 College Squash Season Previews page.