The Rye High School Girls’ Squash program is off to an impressive start this season as the Rye 1 varsity team continued their winning ways against New Canaan High School (7-0), City Squash (7-0), Thurgood Marshall (4-3) and Hackley (5-2).
By Georgetta L. Morque
The Rye High School Girls’ Squash program is off to an impressive start this season as the Rye 1 varsity team continued their winning ways against New Canaan High School (7-0), City Squash (7-0), Thurgood Marshall (4-3) and Hackley (5-2).
With 35 girls across three teams — Varsity (Rye 1 and 2) and JV (Rye 3) — Rye may have the largest secondary school girls’ squash program in the country, according to Coach Tony Campbell. The teams represent a range of talent from underclassmen new to the game to nationally ranked juniors. “The program both competes at a high level and introduces girls to a lifelong game and full body workout,” said Campbell.
All of the practices and home matches once again take place at Life Time Fitness which head pro Mike Callaway calls the “Home of Rye Girls’ Squash.” “This has been great for us to have a consistent practice venue and a continuum in professional coaching,” said Campbell.
Five freshmen made the varsity squad this season, four of whom actively compete in US Squash tournaments year-round. Two of the freshmen, Sophie Barber and Beatrice Flynn, round out the top seven of the Rye 1 team. Last year at the U.S. High School Team Squash Championships, the Garnets lost in the semifinals in Division II. “This year, with the addition of these two freshman and five returning players to our top seven, including captains junior Caroline Neave and senior Ellie O’Callaghan, we are hoping to build on last season’s success,” said Campbell.
The Fairwest Public School Squash Association’s Girls’ division has grown to include seven programs: Darien High School, New Canaan High School, New Haven High School (Squash Haven), Westport High School, Thurgood Marshall Academy (Street Squash), City Squash and Rye High School. With some schools fielding A and B teams, the league, which US Squash has referred to as “the first successful public school squash league in the country,” has 11 squads. The Fairwest season culminates in a team tournament at Life Time Fitness on January 31. Rye 1 has been the defending champion for two years running.
The Garnets will also play matches against Holy Child, Rye Country Day, Hopkins, Poly Prep, St. Luke’s, and Riverdale Country Day. Varsity players will travel again to the U.S. High School Team Squash Championships in Philadelphia in February.
