In addition to being one of the top players in the country, Burke is also the front runner for the Ann Wetzel Award, a national award given to a player who did not begin playing squash until college and has shown significant improvement throughout her college career.
The 2002-2003 women's squash team will benefit from seasoned veterans and key transfers who should make an immediate impact in the lineup. Last year's number two, Roopali Agarwal '03, is coming off her best tennis season ever in the fall and, according to Coach Jackie Bagwell, "she is fitter and stronger than ever."
In addition to Agarwal, Ali Gibbs '05 and Emily Stark '04 should play key roles this year. Bagwell believes that both should play in the top nine when the season begins in two weeks.
Two recent transfers should also see considerable court time during the season. Junior Liz Martin, who transferred last January from the University of Virginia, has looked solid during the preseason and should challenge for a top spot this year. According to Bagwell, Harvard transfer Ashley Harmeling '05 will also make an impact and should be a top three player when the season begins.
Amherst begins the season Dec. 3 when they host NESCAC rival Tufts University. The season continues on Dec. 7 when they travel to Yale University to play against the University of Pennsylvania and other Ivy League schools. Squash is unique in that all schools, regardless of size, compete in the same division.
"Team goals include staying injury-free, improving shot selection and tactics [and] staying fit enough to pull out the close matches," said Bagwell. Freshman Lauren Coape Arnold also said, "The team has bonded amazingly well although we have only been practicing for a few weeks."
Loftier goals for the 2002-03 squad include improving on last year's second place finish at the Little III and defeating perennial national power and NESCAC rival Trinity College. With many top players returning from last year's successful team, the Jeffs have set high goals for the 2002-03 campaign.