The fact that it is a one-player sport made it so that weekly we played either the player ranked higher or lower to fight for our position. It built grit and confidence to be solely responsible for the outcome—be it win or lose, we could only attribute that to ourselves. The team at the time was relatively inexperienced so was very top-heavy in skill and very imbalanced throughout the ladder. This also taught us all, as we would sometimes play schools that had a much wider breadth and depth to their team, and consequently that sometimes people are just better but to give it your all no matter what.
Ryan Wilde '06
I played squash at Amherst and was the co-captain of the team my senior year. I then was an assistant coach for the varsity team at Woodberry Forest, where I worked for three years after graduating from college. I then continued playing while going to law school at the University of Houston Law Center and volunteered as a coach for Mission Squash, Houston's urban squash and academic mentoring program.
Lee Banta '06
I still play several times a week in Washington, D.C. I often play with clients and have been lucky enough to develop and foster a new community of friends in D.C. as a result of playing squash. Additionally, because of the demands of work, squash is my primary source of exercise and fitness presently. The sport was and remains a huge part of my life. My introduction to squash while at Mercersburg was one of the greatest gifts the school gave me.
Luke Griffin '08
Squash taught me how to lead with enthusiasm. I strived to be myself at practice, matches, and in the van on road trips, even when going through tough matches or practice. I also learned how to support my teammates. We watched each other in matches and would give advice, but I found that the motivation and words of encouragement were more impactful to my teammates.
Daniel Zhong '23