This winter is certainly shaping up to be a great one for Kent Boys Varsity Squash. With Coach Nikhil Seth as the head coach, and Coach Charles Shotton as the new assistant coach, the team has hit the ground running and has a winning season so far.
This season has been one of growth for the team, with Coach Shotton as the new assistant coach, graduating seniors, and new additions to the team.
Some big highlights for the team this season were their big wins against Hotchkiss and Choate. When asked about the win against Choate, a very competitive school for squash, Coach Seth shared, “It was supposed to be a really close match, but we ended up winning 6-1.” Coach Shotton added, “Even though squash is an individual sport, we are a team.” The art of teamwork is vital to this team. They often give each other advice between matches, and support each other both on and off the court.
The key factors that contribute to the team’s success at this level of competition are skill level, practice, and understanding of the dynamics of the court. As Coach Shotton put it, “Another big piece of it is attitude and mental fortitude. If you’re down a few points, it’s important to not get disheartened. Refocusing and coming back is really important as well.”
One of the team’s ongoing goals is to improve their fitness; they have been working very hard, not only for themselves but for the team as well. Beyond practice, the team has been bonding over team dinner and has had fun going on various field trips.
With many seniors graduating, the team is already focused on recruiting athletes for next year. There are a lot of prospective squash players looking into Kent. The team hopes to attract a group that will continue the legacy of Kent Boys Varsity Squash.