This year’s girls varsity squash team will be a blend of something old and something new, as the team brings back almost all of its top players from last season, under new leadership.

Six of the Bearcats who competed in last year’s New England tournament return to this year’s roster, which will be led by new head coach Maja Clark. The blend of experience and new enthusiasm, including four new players, could be a potent recipe for success.

“They’re great girls – terrific athletes and great squash players,” said Clark. She added that this year’s roster features players with several different styles, which could pose an extra challenge for opponents.

For the players, the beginning of the season under Clark has been an empowering experience. “Coach Clark has been an amazing coach this season,” said co-captain Mitra Kardestuncer ’20. “She encourages everyone to try their best, regardless of the numerical outcome of a match.”

Fellow captain Ellie Burke ’20 echoed these sentiments, adding that Clark has made a concerted effort to incorporate new drills and training techniques into the team’s routine. “Overall, she has made the start of the season fun and enjoyable for the whole team,” she said.

Having such a strong returning group of players has helped maintain the culture of the program, and helped make it easier to integrate the four new players, said Clark and the captains. The older players have taken to acting as mentors for the newer, younger players, said Burke.

Clark was effusive in her praise for her two captains. “They’re phenomenal,” she said. “They rise above and beyond what I expect them to do.”

Kardestuncer and Burke both agreed that if all goes well, the team has its sights set on a strong finish at this year’s U.S. high school championships and the New England tournament.