Anna Kourides '09

The women's varsity squash program at Williams has been one of the top programs in the country since its inception in 1973. The squash team is perennially ranked in the top ten in the country, with its best finish ever coming in 1994-95 (5th).

Under the guidance of Zafi Levy '01 the Ephs finished the 2006-2007 season with a 12-9 record, winning a seventh consecutive Little Three Championship, recording a second-place finish at the NESCAC Championships, and a #6 national ranking.

The team plays a four-month schedule that runs from November through mid-March. The women's team plays all of the nation's best teams in dual matches including Ivy League powerhouses Yale, Princeton, Harvard,  the University of Pennsylvania and top NESCAC teams Trinity, Bowdoin, and Bates.

In February, the team competes against Amherst and Wesleyan for the coveted Little Three title as well as the NESCAC Championships, which debuted in the 2005-06 season. The culminating tournament of the season is the Howe Cup, during which the final national team rankings are determined. The program's top players will often compete in the Individual Championship, which follows the conclusion of the regular season. Throughout the history of the program, many players have earned All-American status. The most recent Ephs to be named to the All-American teams are Adrienne Ellman '03 and Toby Eyre '10.

Claire Hsu '09

The squash facility at Williams, the Simon Squash Center, officially opened in October of 1998 and is recognized as one of the best college venues in the United States. It features twelve courts, nine of which are glass-back, and represents the college's commitment to the men's and women's squash programs. The facility is very popular with college and community members, which has ensured a growing fan base for the women's team.

During the season, athletes are expected to play six days each week. Typical in-season practices include daily two-hour workouts focusing on a combination of on-court drilling, competitive match play situations, and fitness. While no formal practice occurs in the off-season, players are encouraged to maintain their aerobic endurance, strength training and flexibility in combination with on-court play.

The Williams team represents a mix of top national-caliber players with
years of experience, players who are newer to the game but played seriously before college, and gifted athletes who learn the game at Williams and climb through the ranks.

What really makes the Williams squash experience special, however, is the team dynamic. A unique combination of intense play, off-court fun, and true camaraderie with the men's team characterizes the Williams squash experience. The friendships developed during the season are as much a part of the experience as on-court achievements