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Stefanoni and Chotrani Earn 2024 Senior Awards

During the CSA@100 Cocktail Reception held last evening at the 2024 CSA National Collegiate Team Championships, Harvard’s Marina Stefanoni and Cornell’s Veer Chotrani earned the CSA’s most prestigious senior career awards – the Betty Richey Award and the Skillman Award.

The Betty Richey Award presented by the Aziz Family is given annually to the women’s college squash player who best exemplifies the ideals of squash in her love of and devotion to the game, her strong sense of fairness, and her excellence of play and leadership. Last evening, 2009 Betty Richey Recipient Pamela Anckermann of Mount Holyoke College bestowed the 2024 Betty Richey Award.

The Skillman Award is given annually to a senior men’s squash player who has demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship during his entire college career while maintaining a high level of play. This year, 1981 Skillman Recipient John Nimick of Princeton University presented the 2024 Skillman Award.

All six finalists were present surrounded by coaches, family and teammates cheering on and celebrating these incredible individuals. “Last night’s ceremony was a vivid reminder of what makes college squash so unique and inspiring. To stand in the presence of such exceptional finalists, cheered on by a crowd filled with passion and support, really brought home the essence of what these awards stand for. Honoring Marina Stefanoni and Veer Chotrani, along with all the finalists, was not just about their achievements on the court but also about celebrating the respect, fairness, and camaraderie they bring to the sport. It’s a proud moment for our community to recognize and celebrate these special players” Interim League Commissioner, Harry Smith, comments.

Marina Stefanoni, Harvard University
2024 Betty Richey Recipient

Earning consistent First-Team All-America and First-Team All-Ivy honors, competing in the semifinals twice at the National Collegiate Individual Championships, Stefanoni will leave a memorable mark in Harvard’s program and the College Squash Association.

Her coaches, her competitors, and the college squash community laud her not only for her squash achievements but for her exemplary attitude, respect for opponents, and leadership, both on and off the court. Elected co-captain by her peers and a CSA Scholar-Athlete, Marina excels in academics and sportsmanship. She’s led Harvard to two national titles and three Ivy championships, showcasing her as a model of dedication and team spirit.

Veer Chotrani, Cornell University
2024 Skillman Recipient

Veer is a 3x First Team All-American and 3x All-Ivy, Ivy League Rookie of the Year, a quarter-finalist at the Individual Championship in 2022 and a Semi-Finalist in 2023 and these accolades make him one of the most successful men’s squash players in Cornell University history. Holding the #1 position throughout his tenure, Veer has notched 30 wins, showcasing his dominance and resilience on the court.

His dedication extends beyond personal achievement, embodying the spirit of fair play and commitment to team growth. Veer’s positive influence is felt across the program, where he’s celebrated for his supportive nature and ability to inspire his peers.

Congratulations to the 2024 Betty Richey and Skillman Recipients Marina Stefanoni and Veer Chotrani and all the finalists, Meagan Best, Wen Li Lai, Mohamed Sharaf and Siow Yee Xian.

Semifinals Set! 2024 CSA National Collegiate Team Championships – Day 2 Recap

The Specter Center was packed from the first match of the day all the way through the last. The first round of matches hosted all 12 men’s teams filling every court in the center.
Top seed Trinity was tested today by the determined (8)Dragons. In a 4-4 match, Trinity just nearly clinched a spot in the semifinals. The upset of the day came from  (5)Yale who defeated (4)Harvard for the first time since 2016 advancing them to the semifinals. Trinity and Yale will compete tomorrow for a spot in the finals alongside (2)Princeton and (3)Penn.

The action didn’t stop there. In the second round of matches, 12 women’s competed in the Howe Cup. While most matches went according to seeding, (5)Yale took down (4)Penn securing them a place in the semifinals tomorrow. The Bulldogs will face top seed Trinity playing next to (2)Harvard and (3)Princeton.

Potter Cup
Main
(1) Trinity def. (8) Drexel 5-4
(5) Drexel def. (4) Harvard 7-2
(3) Penn def. (6) Columbia 7-1
(2) Princeton def. (10) Virginia 7-2

1st Consolation
(9) Dartmouth def (12) Tufts 5-4
(7) Cornell def. (11) Western 7-2

Photo: Michael T. Bello

Howe Cup
Main
(1) Trinity def. (8) Cornell 8-1
(5) Yale def. (4) Penn 6-3
(3) Princeton def. (6) Stanford 7-2
(2) Harvard def. (7) Virginia

1st Consolation 
(9) Columbia def. (12) Tufts 6-3
(11) Dartmouth def. (10) Drexel 7-2

Photo: Michael T. Bello

Follow the draws and join the electric environment! Livestream is available through SquashTV.

2024 CSA National Collegiate Team Championships – Day 1 Recap

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The 2024 CSA National Collegiate Team Championships began today at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center in Philadelphia. This 4 day tournament features the top 12 men’s and women’s teams who are competing for the Howe Cup (Women) and Potter Cup (Men). The top 4 men’s and women’s teams had a bye today giving 8 men and 8 women teams their first matches. All results from today’s matches, plus links to the draws, are listed below.

Howe Cup 
(1) Trinity BYE
(8) Cornell def. (9) Columbia 5-4
(5) Yale def. (12) Tufts 9-0
(4) Penn BYE
(3) Princeton BYE
(6) Stanford def. (11) Dartmouth 9-0
(7) Virginia def. (10) Drexel 5-4
(2) Harvard BYE

Potter Cup
(1) Trinity BYE
(8) Drexel def. (9) Dartmouth 9-0
(5) Yale def. (12) Tufts 9-0
(4) Harvard BYE
(3) Penn BYE
(6) Columbia def. (11) Western
(10) Virginia def. (7) Cornell
(2) Princeton BYE

The tournament has only just begun. Follow the draws and join the electric environment! Livestream is available through SquashTV.

Stream the College Squash Team Championships Live on SquashTV!

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The College Squash Association (CSA) is thrilled to announce that the exhilarating end-of-season National Collegiate Team Championships will be streamed live on the SquashTV platform! This special agreement, specific to this year’s championships taking place at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center, promises to deliver all the action right to your screens, starting Thursday, February 29.

As the top 12 men’s and women’s teams prepare to battle it out for the prestigious Potter Cup (Men) and Howe Cup (Women), we are excited to bring our community closer to the sport we all love. This collaboration with SquashTV for the Team Championships allows us to highlight the incredible talent of our student-athletes and the excitement of college squash to a global audience, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the Team Championships.

What You Need to Know:

  • Live Streaming: Steams for all courts can be accessed through the SquashTV platform. While six courts will be streamed directly through SquashTV, the remaining 12 courts will be streamed through the CSA YouTube Channel. Viewers can easily navigate to all court streams directly from the SquashTV platform and this seamless integration ensures that fans won’t miss a moment of the action.
  • Expert Insights: Renowned commentator, Richard Millman, will be on hand to provide engaging and insightful commentary throughout the event.
  • Free Access for All: We are particularly excited to offer this streaming service for free. Simply create a SquashTV account by clicking here, and you’re all set to enjoy the championships without the need for a paid subscription.

“This is an incredible opportunity for the CSA, for our dedicated student athletes, and our college squash community,” said Harry Smith, Interim League Commissioner of the CSA. “Partnering with SquashTV to stream the Team Championships allows us to showcase the talent and hard work of our players while enhancing the visibility of college squash. It’s about bringing the excitement of college squash to fans everywhere and ensuring accessibility for all.”

Mark your calendars and join us from February 29 to March 3, as we celebrate the talent and dedication of the nation’s top collegiate squash players. This is your chance to be part of the excitement, no matter where you are in the world.

 

Tournament information and updates through the weekend can be found on the 2024 National Collegiate Team Championships page.

Rob Dinerman’s Latest Book A Century of Champions: 100 Years of College Squash

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The College Squash Association is excited to announce the publication of racquet-sports historian Rob Dinerman’s latest book, A Century of Champions: 100 Years of College Squash (Millennium Printing Corporation, 2024). Coinciding with squash marking its centenary in college athletics, A Century of Champions chronicles the history of men’s and women’s college squash from its very first match between Harvard and Yale at New York’s Racquet & Tennis Club in February 1923 through its 100th season in 2022-2023.

“We are thrilled to present A Century of Champions to our devoted community of squash enthusiasts, parents, alumni, and friends,” remarked Margaret Gerety, current chair of the CSA. “This book honors all of the athletes, coaches, and supporters who have contributed to the enduring legacy of collegiate squash.”

Filled with over 600 photographs, Dinerman’s book provides a rich tapestry of clutch performances, unlikely heroes, and great champions that showcase the evolution of the college game through the decades. John Nimick, a collegiate champion (Princeton ’81) and inaugural CSA Board member, served as the book’s editor and wrote its Foreword, offering a poignant tribute to the teams and players who rose to the top of varsity squash over the last century and the power of the sport to bind athletes for life. Thanks to Nimick’s leadership and generosity, the CSA will provide a complimentary copy of A Century of Champions to the offices of every varsity program.

The realization of this incredible chronicle would not have been possible without the generous support of individual and foundation donors who shared a passion for preserving the history and heritage of collegiate squash, including Russ Ball Jr., Frank Brosens, Keen Butcher, Joe Dowling, Bill Fisher, Bob Fisher, John Fisher, John Nimick, and Jack Wyant.

“This is my fifth college squash history,” noted Dinerman, who has published 16 squash-related books. “While it has been tremendously fulfilling to write each of them, for me the privilege of writing a history that details the entirety of college squash through its first 100 years is the ultimate, and I will forever be grateful to the CSA Board for honoring me with that opportunity and allowing me to have such an exciting experience.”

Copies of A Century of Champions: 100 Years of College Squash will be available to CSA@100 patrons and for purchase at the upcoming CSA@100 reception, to be held at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center on Friday, March 1 at 5 pm, immediately following the 2024 CSA National Collegiate Team Championships quarterfinal matches. Dinerman will be present and available to sign copies. For those unable to attend but interested in acquiring a copy, books are available for purchase online.

Final Rankings Set for Upcoming CSA National Team Championships

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The College Squash Association (CSA) has released the last ranking update for men’s and women’s college squash teams prior to the National Collegiate Team Championships. The tournament, commencing on Thursday, February 29, introduces a significant format update by featuring both the top-12 men’s and women’s teams competing over the same weekend. This adjustment aims to provide a more unified and exhilarating championship experience, promising to bring the 2023-2024 college squash season to an exciting finale.

Women’s Rankings Highlights: The competition on the women’s side is led by top seeds who are poised to bring their best to the court. Trinity College leads the pack, followed by a strong lineup of contenders aiming to make their mark:

  1. Trinity College
  2. Harvard University
  3. Princeton University
  4. University of Pennsylvania

Men’s Rankings Highlights: Similarly, the men’s competition is stacked with talent and determination, with Trinity College taking the top seed. The lineup promises fierce competition and exciting matches:

  1. Trinity College
  2. Princeton University
  3. University of Pennsylvania
  4. Harvard University

Divisional Winners and Club Championships: The final team rankings for varsity teams ranked 13-34 and all Club Teams were determined by the outcomes of the CSA Divisional Team Championships and Club Team Championships which were contended last weekend. Congratulations to all division winners!

  • Varsity Teams:
    • Kurtz Cup (Varsity Women 13-20): Georgetown
    • Walker Cup (Varsity Women 21-32): Wesleyan
    • Hoehn Cup (Varsity Men 13-20): University of Rochester
    • Summers Cup (Varsity Men 21-28): Hobart College
    • Conroy Cup (Varsity Men 29-34): Wesleyan
  • Club Teams:
    • Women’s Division (Club Women 1-12): Boston College (CLUB)
    • Chaffee Cup (Club Co-ed 1-8): Brown University (CLUB)
    • Serues Cup (Club Co-ed 9-16): Dartmouth College (CLUB)
    • Hawthorn Cup (Club Co-ed 17-24): Cornell University (CLUB)
    • D Division (Club Co-ed 25-32): Northwestern University (CLUB)
    • E Division (Club Co-ed 33-36): Ohio State University (CLUB)

The full set of updated rankings can be viewed here below, while fans can also find the current rankings on the College Squash Team Rankings page all season.

Woman’s Varsity Team Rankings as of 2/25/24
Varsity Rank Overall Rank Team Name Previous (2/12/24)
1 1 Trinity College 1
2 2 Harvard University 2
3 3 Princeton University 3
4 4 Pennsylvania, University of 4
5 5 Yale University 5
6 6 Stanford University 6
7 7 Virginia, University of 7
8 8 Cornell University 8
9 9 Columbia University 9
10 10 Drexel University 10
11 11 Dartmouth College 11
12 12 Tufts University 12
13 13 Georgetown University 15
14 14 Williams College 16
15 15 Middlebury College 13
16 16 William Smith College 14
17 17 Amherst College 17
18 18 Bowdoin College 18
19 19 Dickinson College 19
20 20 Bates College 20
21 21 Wesleyan University 21
22 22 Franklin and Marshall College 22
23 23 Chatham University 23
24 24 St. Lawrence University 25
25 25 Colby College 24
26 26 Connecticut College 26
27 31 Denison University 27
28 32 Hamilton College 28
29 33 Haverford College 29
30 36 Vassar College 31
31 37 Mount Holyoke College 30
32 43 Bard College 32
Final Woman’s Club Team Rankings as of 2/25/24
Club Rank Overall Rank Team Name Previous (2/12/24)
1 27 Boston College (CLUB) 2
2 28 New York University (CLUB) 1
3 29 Chicago, University of (CLUB) 3
4 30 Washington University in St. Louis (CLUB) 4
5 34 Brown University (CLUB) 6
6 35 Northeastern University (CLUB) 5
7 38 Boston University (CLUB) 7
8 39 Uni. of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (CLUB) 9
9 40 Bucknell University (CLUB) 8
10 41 Fordham University (CLUB) 10
11 42 Wellesley College (CLUB) 11
12 44 Smith College (CLUB) 12

 

Men’s Varsity Team Rankings as of 2/25/24
Varsity Rank Overall Rank Team Name Previous (2/12/24)
1 1 Trinity College 1
2 2 Princeton University 2
3 3 Pennsylvania, University of 3
4 4 Harvard University 4
5 5 Yale University 5
6 6 Columbia University 6
7 7 Cornell University 7
8 8 Drexel University 8
9 9 Dartmouth College 10
10 10 Virginia, University of 9
11 11 Western Ontario 11
12 12 Tufts University 12
13 13 Rochester, University of 15
14 14 Williams College 13
15 15 Amherst College 16
16 16 MIT 19
17 17 Franklin and Marshall College 17
18 18 Colby College 14
19 19 Middlebury College 18
20 20 Chatham University 20
21 21 Hobart College 21
22 22 Naval Academy 22
23 23 St. Lawrence University 23
24 24 Bowdoin College 24
25 25 Bates College 26
26 26 Hamilton College 28
27 27 Dickinson College 25
28 29 Denison University 27
29 30 Wesleyan University 29
30 31 Connecticut College 30
31 32 Haverford College 31
32 33 Vassar College 32
33 34 Fordham University 33
34 47 Bard College 34
Men’s/Co-Ed Club Team Rankings as of 2/25/24
Club Rank Overall Rank Team Name Previous (2/12/24)
1 28 Brown University (CLUB) 1
2 35 Chicago, University of (CLUB) 2
3 36 Pennsylvania, University of (CLUB) 4
4 37 California-Berkeley, University of (CLUB) 6
5 38 Georgetown University (CLUB) 3
6 39 Boston University (CLUB) 8
7 40 Michigan, University of (CLUB) 5
8 41 Northeastern University (CLUB) 7
9 42 Dartmouth College (CLUB) 10
10 43 Duke University (CLUB) 9
11 44 Yale University (CLUB) 11
12 45 UCLA (CLUB) 13
13 46 New York University (CLUB) 15
14 48 George Washington University (CLUB) 12
15 49 Stanford University (CLUB) 14
16 50 Harvard University (CLUB) 16
17 51 Cornell University (CLUB) 19
18 52 Indiana University Bloomington (CLUB) 21
19 53 Washington & Lee University (CLUB) 24
20 54 Princeton University (CLUB) 23
21 55 Washington University in St. Louis (CLUB) 22
22 56 Carnegie Mellon University (CLUB) 20
23 57 Bucknell University (CLUB) 18
24 58 Connecticut, University of (CLUB) 17
25 59 Northwestern University (CLUB) 28
26 60 Boston College (CLUB) 26
27 61 Richmond, University of (CLUB) 27
28 62 Tufts University (CLUB) 25
29 63 Johns Hopkins University (CLUB) 30
30 64 UNC Chapel Hill (CLUB) 29
31 65 Drexel (CLUB) 31
32 66 Vanderbilt University (CLUB) 32
33 67 Ohio St University (CLUB) 33
34 68 Naval Academy (CLUB) 36
35 69 Kenyon College (CLUB) 35
36 70 Colgate University (CLUB) 34
37 71 Washington, University of (CLUB)* 37
38 72 Virginia, University of (CLUB)* 38
39 73 Southern California, University of (CLUB)* 39
40 74 Notre Dame, University of (CLUB)* 40
41 75 Arizona State University (CLUB)* 41
42 76 Clark University (CLUB)* 42
43 77 Illinois, University of (CLUB)* 43

 

 

 

The Finals! 2024 CSA Divisional Team Championships

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The atmosphere was electric at the 2024 CSA Divisional Team Championship Finals today at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center. This year, the College Squash Association introduced a new championship format and for the first time since 2016, men’s and women’s teams competed alongside each other. In a packed house, several men’s and women’s teams ranked 13th and below were crowned champions today.

Hoehn Cup (Men) – B Division
(3) Rochester def. (1) Williams 6-3
Rochester won the 2024 Hoehn Cup by a 6-3 score over top seeded Williams. This championship win comes just a week after the men clinched their 5th straight Liberty League title.

Summers Cup (Men) – C Division
(1) Hobart def. (2) Navy 5-4
Top seeded Hobart College won the 2024 Summers Cup over second seeded Navy in a nail-biting 5-4 match. The Hobart men fought with everything they had this weekend with 3 5-4 matches.

Conroy Cup (Men) – D Division
Wesleyan def. Conn College 6-3
The Wesleyan men made their way through the Conroy Cup round robin undefeated crowning them the 2024 champions. This marks the first Conroy Cup title since 2017 and 4th overall.

Kurtz Cup (Women) – B Division
(3) Georgetown def. (4) Williams 7-2
After taking down second seeded William Smith in the semifinals, third seeded Georgetown moved onto the finals where the won the 2024 Kurtz cup in a 7-2 match against Williams.

Walker Cup (Women) – C Division 
(1) Wesleyan def. (2) F&M 5-4
Top seeded Wesleyan narrowly clinched a spot in the finals with a 5-4 win over St. Lawrence. The Wesleyan women found themselves in another 4-4 fight against F&M in the Walker Cup finals. Today, the walked away Walker Cup Champions.

This weekend will be followed by the CSA National Collegiate Team Championships on February 29 to March 3, where the top 12-ranked men’s and women’s teams will contend for the Potter Cup and Howe Cup, respectively. This change in format set out to bring a fresh dynamic to these championships, highlighting the depth and diversity of college squash talent and it sure did! Through many intense matches, players demonstrated fair-play and good sportsmanship setting a great example for tournaments to come.

2024 CSA Divisional Team Championships – Semifinals Recap

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Teams ranked 13-34 competed in divisional and consolation semifinals throughout the day at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center. The atmosphere was energetic with a buzzing crowd. After a long day of competition, teams are resting up for the CSA Divisional Championship finals tomorrow starting at 9:00 a.m. All results from today’s matches, plus links to the draws, are listed below.

Hoehn Cup (Men) – B Division
Semifinals
(1) Williams def. (4) Amherst 6-3
(3) Rochester def. (7) MIT 7-2

1st Consolation 
(5) F&M def. (8) Chatham 5-4
(2) Colby def. (6) Middlebury 6-3

Summers Cup (Men) – C Division
Semifinals
(1) Hobart def. (4) Bowdoin 5-4
(2) Navy def. (3) St. Lawrence 6-3

1st Consolation 
(8) Hamilton def. Dickinson (5) 5-4
(6) Bates def. (7) Denison 7-2

Conroy Cup (Men) – D Division
Vassar def. Fordham 6-3
Wesleyan def. Fordham 9-0
Conn College def. Bard 9-0
Haverford def. Bard 8-1
Conn College def. Haverford 6-3

Kurtz Cup (Women) – B Division
Semifinals
(1) Middlebury def. (4) Williams 5-4
(3) Georgetown def. (2) William Smith 9-0

1st Consolation 
(5) Amherst def. (8) Bates 7-2
(6) Bowdoin def. (7) Dickinson 6-3

Walker Cup (Women) – C Division 
Semifinals
(1) Wesleyan def. (5) St. Lawrence 5-4
(2) F&M def. (3) Chatham 5-4

1st Consolation
(9) Haverford def. (11) Vassar 9-0
(10) Mount Holyoke def. (12) Bard 7-0

2nd Consolation 
(4) Colby def. (8) Hamilton 9-0
(6) Conn College def. (7) 6-3

View all photos here.

2024 CSA Divisional Team Championships – Day 1 Recap

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The Arlen Specter US Squash Center was packed for the kick off of the 2024 CSA Divisional Team Championships. Men’s and Women’s teams ranked 13-34 competed for a spot in the semi-finals. With several 5-4 matches, the energy was consistent from the start to finish. All results from today’s matches, plus links to the draws, are listed below.

Hoehn Cup (Men) – B Division
(1) Williams def. (8) Chatham 7-2
(4) Amherst def. (5) F&M 5-4
(3) Rochester def. (6) Middlebury 6-3
(7) MIT def. (2) Colby 5-4

Summers Cup (Men) – C Division
(1) Hobart def. (8) Hamilton 5-4
(4) Bowdoin def. (5) Dickinson 6-3
(3) St. Lawrence def. (6) Bates 7-2
(2) Naval Academy def. (7) Denison 7-2

Conroy Cup (Men) – D Division
Wesleyan def. Vassar 9-0
Connecticut College def. Bard 9-0

Kurtz Cup (Women) – B Division
(1) Middlebury def. (8) Bates 5-4
(4) Williams def. (5) Amherst 6-3
(3) Georgetown def. (6) Bowdoin 9-0
(2) William Smith def. (7) Dickinson 5-4

Walker Cup (Women) – C Division 
(8) Hamilton def. (9) Haverford 8-1
(1) Wesleyan def. (8) Hamilton 7-2
(5) St. Lawrence def. (12) 9-0
(5) St. Lawrence def. (4) Colby 5-4
(6) Conn College def. (11) Vassar 9-0
(3) Chatham def. (6) Conn College 6-3
(7) Denison def. (10) Mount Holyoke 9-0
(2) F&M def. (7) Denison 9-0
(9) Haverford def. (12) Bard 9-0
(11) Vassar def. (10) Mount Holyoke 5-4

View all photos here.