Women's squash finished 12th in the country under head coach Sakhi Khan, as the Mules got fine records from their second and third position players. Senior Emilie Slack went 19-10 at the second spot, and sophomore Nina Delano was the top winner for Colby with a 21-5 record at the third position. First-position player sophomore Stacy Petro won 10 matches and went to the National Individual Championships with Slack. First-year players Jessica Vogel and Catherine Monrad each showed promise with 14 wins apiece for the team, which finished the season 13-13.

The 2005-06 squash season should be another intense year with a minimum of 20 matches from November to March. Matches will be against the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) colleges, several ECAC schools, and a few Ivy League schools. Important weekend competitions include the Wesleyan Event (December 2-4), the Maine Event (January 6-8), the Yale Event (January 20-22), the Smith Event (January 27-29), the NESCAC Tournament (February 10-12), and the National Team Championships (February 24-26). Improving Colby's standing in the Colby-Bates-Bowdoin (CBB) rivalry is high among team goals.

The Colby squash program is primarily geared to three things: fitness training, mental toughness, and improved shot-making ability.

As part of our fitness regiment the team runs a timed mile nearly every practice during the first half of the season. The runs are repeated occasionally during the second half of the season. The team also performs court sprints and star drills and has a weight lifting program. All of this training is done to ensure that every player is physically prepared for competition.

For mental toughness we discuss how to keep the correct frame of mind during critical times in a match. It is vital for all team players to understand the importance of keeping their cool under fire and to prepare for the competitive atmosphere Colby competes in. The approach is to have constant challenge matches and vigorous court drills. We believe that the more a player is kept under pressure, the more mentally tough that player will be when he or she needs it most.

Court strategy and shot-making ability is the center of attention during private sessions with the coach. Team discussions and court drills also play a major part in player development. Throughout the season the coaches will break down a player's game by distinguishing strengths from weaknesses and chart an individualized course to better court strategy.

All of the strategies above are combined with a heavy emphasis on proper stretching and nutrition. The goal is to maximize endurance to attain a higher performance level, both physically and mentally, while avoiding injury.

Finally, the squash program has been a rewarding experience in the college careers of all the student athletes who have participated in it. It is structured to challenge us throughout the season and to give us a sense of accomplishment in the end.

» About the Dunaway Squash Courts