Ana Karen Botello Gaytan ’25 and Kamran Gwadry ’27 traveled to the University of Virginia November 9 to compete in their first Junior Championship Tournament, an elite event reserved for the nation's top thirty-two squash players. 

Mercersburg head coach Dominic Benacquista reported from the event that, "Botello, who is ranked number one in Mexico and committed to Drexel, has been steadily progressing through the U.S. squash circuit. These tournaments provide her with crucial exposure, helping elevate her game as the U.S. women's squash team is currently ranked second in the world. Following this event, Botello is expected to rise into the top 24 in the U.S., positioning herself well for the upcoming U.S. Junior Open."

On the boys' side, Benacquista said that, "Gwadry, who has climbed to 46th in the U.S. junior rankings, received a late call-up to the event and made the most of the opportunity. In his first-round match against the 11th-ranked player in the country, he took an impressive two-game lead but was unable to close out the final game for the win. Although he didn't secure the match, Gwadry's strong performance over the weekend demonstrated that he has the skill to compete with the nation's best. He gained valuable experience and positive takeaways that will aid his continued growth moving forward."