Launched a year ago in tandem with the return of badminton, the middle school squash program has expanded significantly in its second year. Serving 34 athletes, the program grew into two teams this year and has 10 trips scheduled to collegiate squash facilities. Before winter break the team took four trips to Havard, then traveled to MIT this week and will do so again next week. Finally, there are four trips planned at Brandeis to finish off their season. “The ability to expose our athletes to a new sport has been really exciting,” notes head coach Abbey Nyland. “The athletes continue to improve each time we step on the court and some of them are showing some real potential.” With growth like this, there’s the potential that squash could become an interscholastic offering in the future. For now, athletes will continue to refine their skills, improve their fitness, and have some fun along the way. The badminton/squash team is led by a handful of eighth grade athletes including, Melisa Adhikari, Adam Ahmed, Isla Smith, Griffin Targum, Jack Ward, and Ethan Zipkin. Adam Ahmed actually competes internationally and has helped spread his passion for the sport to his peers who are just beginning.
- Team veterans Frankie Dowers and Ella Kamenski teamed up with newcomers Julia Popa and Josie Stevenson to brave the cold on a pair of winter hikes for the climbing team this week.
- The wrestling team welcomed alum Xander Lightbody to the coaching staff this week. An accomplished high school wrestler, Xander is currently a freshman at UMass Amherst.
- The fencing team remains undefeated (3-0) following a hard-fought 15-12 win over BB&N this week. Vatche Balikan won both of his sabre bouts. Jordan Levine shined for the foil squad.
- Kaia Wentzell and Maryanna Lindstrom-Chalpin have shown steady improvement for the intramural basketball team. The team is looking forward to some Blue vs Gold competition.
- Mackenzie Ekechkwu poured in a game-high 14 points during girls’ varsity basketball’s 42-32 win over BB&N. Lila Green shut down the Knight’s best player with stingy defense all game.
- Fatoumata Bah, Anna Bantham Livermore, Eileen Luo, and Rowan McCoy all provided valuable minutes during the girls’ varsity basketball’s win over BB&N. Bella Tan was strong on the ball.
- The boys’ basketball teams lost to BB&N. Mylo Rosenfeld (varsity) and Silas O’Brien (JV) provided sparks off the bench for their respective teams with energy and timely scoring.
