Los Angeles, CA — After a core group of seniors graduated two years ago, the Trojans had to focus on rebuilding. “The team was rebuilt around many incoming freshmen, who performed beyond expectations in the Western Conference Championships at Stanford and the Nationals in Philadelphia,” explains captain Manhar Bajaj. USC’s rebuilding process will continue this season, and the Trojans have a number of additions who will add strength and depth to the team. Ashish Lohra, who played for his college team in India, is expected to play in the top 3, as is senior Hannah Godfredson, who is returning from a semester abroad. Junior Jae Ho Lo will find a spot in the middle or bottom 3, and Jaynit Raheja, Jayvir Chadha, and Rishabh Shah, who all hail from India, will be competing for spots in the bottom 3 as well. A number of first-year players have expressed interest in the team, reflecting a growing interest in squash at USC. Bajaj describes the team in glowing terms: “We’re a great bunch of people who are extremely passionate about squash. We love playing squash and enjoying ourselves as a team over practice and tournaments. Fight on!”
2011-2012 SEASON RECAP
Season Record: 2-7
Final Ranking: 57
Team Championships: 9th in the Hawthorn Cup (G Division)
2012-2013 SEASON PREVIEW
Program Status: Club
Returning Players from Team Championships: 1. India Bulkeley; 3. Louis Lam; 4. James Bradicich; 5. Manhar Bajaj; 6. Harish Vemuri; 8. Satyen Motwani; 9. Michelle Choi
Graduated/Non-Returning Players from 2011-2012 Team Championships: 2. Sterling Wilson; 7. Peter Cohen
Additions to the 2012-2013 Roster:
- Expected to play in the top 3: Hannah Godfredson, Ashish Lohra
- Expected to play in the middle 3/bottom 3: Jae Ho Lo
- Expected to play in the bottom 3: Jayvir Chadha, Jaynit Raheja, Rishabh Shah
Captains: Harish Vemuri and Manhar Bajaj
Team Goals: To play with integrity and sportsman’s spirit; to work hard and be better than the best; to learn from every experience on the court; to promote Squash at USC and in Southern California; to win the Hawthorn Cup
Key Matches: Western Conference Championships, Stanford, Notre Dame
To read other team previews, please visit the 2012-2013 College Squash Season Previews page.
