ROAR! In an impressive display of skill and resilience, Oscar Okonkwo ’25, a talented student-athlete at Hotchkiss, claimed his first Junior Championship Tour (JCT) title this past weekend in Charlottesville, VA. The Mid-Atlantic JCT, a prestigious event in the US Squash calendar, witnessed Okonkwo's ascent as he conquered the nation's best in the Boys Under 19 category.

Ranked fifth nationally, Oscar's performance at the tournament was nothing short of spectacular, as he conceded only three games across five matches, showcasing his dominance and strategic prowess on the court.

The highlight of the tournament came in a nail-biting semi-final against Nathan Rosenzweig, the top player from St. Paul's and the 6th ranked player in the BU19 category. Overcoming a 1-2 deficit, Okonkwo's comeback was a testament to his tenacity, eventually triumphing in the fifth game to secure his spot in the final.

This triumph in Charlottesville holds special significance for Oscar, who has committed to the University of Virginia (UVA) as their top squash recruit for the class of 2029. His win not only adds to his personal accolades but also continues the legacy of squash excellence at Hotchkiss. Oscar is now the third Bearcat to win a JCT title, following in the footsteps of Tyler Mackesy ’19 and Emily Rose ’18.

Oscar Okonkwo vs. Deerfield on Dec. 2, 2023. Photo: Chrys Yue ’26

With this latest achievement, Okonkwo has firmly established himself as a rising star in the squash circuit, and his journey towards the top of the national rankings seems more promising than ever. All eyes are on this remarkable young athlete, whose career is on an impressive upward trajectory.

Cheers!