The team ended last year with a 13-11 overall record and number 12 national ranking from the College Squash Association (CSA), an impressive feat since the team primarily competes against Div. I schools. Head Coach Jackie Bagwell is not intimidated. "The Ivies have always been strong but now many of the NESCAC schools have built excellent facilities and have squash coaches that just coach squash, so that means they are focusing all their energies on recruiting and developing squash players," she said.
Bagwell, who also heads the women's tennis team, kicks off her 14th season as the squash team's head coach. Last year she was appointed to ranking chair of the CSA Women's Executive Board.
This year's squad is geared to keep the pattern going. "I think yes, this team is ready to carry on tradition," said Bagwell.
The team's number one slot is likely to go to Ashley Harmeling '05. After a sweet-16 soccer finish and the NESCAC Women's Soccer Player of the Year award, Harmeling transitions to a new sport where she hopes to be equally triumphant. Harmeling finished last year with numerous accomplishments, including a second place finish at the WCSA Individual Championships. But the rest of the Jeffs have a lot to offer as well, according to Coach Bagwell. "Caroline Shannon '07, Liz Martin '04, Ali Gibbs '05 and Emily O'Brien '07 should give Ash some stiff competition."
Senior tri-captains Annie MacRae, Emily Stark and Liz Martin lead the team, with each contributing her own individual strengths to the squad. "Annie MacRae is the great team organizer; if I need help getting a recruit housed for the weekend or fundraising activities set up, Annie is always the one who gets it done," said the veteran coach. "Emily is a good person to go to if you really want to know what is going on, she doesn't sugar-coat things." Martin, a key player on the NCAA champion women's lacrosse team as well, will join the team after taking the fall semester off.
The first-years are coming into their own as vital members of the team. "I am pleased with the freshmen, they are the type of athletes who are just going to keep improving. I have already labeled Shannon as the most competitive woman on earth," said Bagwell.
The team kicks off the season on Dec. 6 at the Wesleyan Invitational. The rest of their schedule takes place during Interterm and second semester. In the meantime, they will continue with intensive preseason training.