With New Changes, Darien Squash Looks Forward to a Successful Season

By Holly Gordon

            As Darien High School’s athletic winter season quickly approaches, DHS’s very own squash team anxiously awaits. Among one of the newer sports to be offered at DHS, squash may not receive the yearly hype of Boys Hockey or Girls Basketball. However, with over 60 students trying out for the team this year, there is definitely something to be excited about. Since its existence, DHS squash has shown impressive growth, each year with more players and greater strength. The once 12-person team has now grown five times the size in a span of seven years. For all DHS squash players, this season includes some new changes and even greater opportunities.

            Due to limited court space, members of the squash team do not practice in unison, but are rather split up into practice groups who practice at different times. In previous years, the squash team has solely practiced at Squash Alley, a Stamford squash facility with 3 courts. However, this year, practice groups are split between two facilities, Squash Alley and Chelsea Piers in Stamford, a facility with far more courts than Squash Alley. With an additional practice facility, players will now be able to practice about a third more time than players last year. With significantly more practice time, players are looking to greatly improve their skills and lead the team to a successful season.

            DHS squash also welcomes a new addition to the team: Simon Little, the new official coach. This will be the first year DHS has had an official squash coach. In addition to coaching provided by fellow players and parents experienced with the game, players will be coached by Mr. Little at away games.

“I am so excited to finish my final season knowing there is a great legacy behind me,” said senior and Girls Squash captain Althea Perley.

            The team has already held one week of tryouts prior to Thanksgiving break and is now in the midst of another tryout week. Come cheer on the team at their first competition, the Fairwest Jamboree, held at Yale on December 15^th at 9:00AM!

Photo Caption: 2011 Girls Squash team at the biggest tournament of the year, High School Nationals.