Athletes of the Week: Caroline Matule, Chandler Jean-Jacques, Ursula Sze

Described as champions of camaraderie and dedication, girls’ varsity squash captains and seniors Chandler Jean-Jacques, Caroline Matule and Ursula Sze are the leading forces behind this undefeated team. 

Head coach Bruce Shang lauded the three captains’ united effort to kick off another exciting season. “I have amazing captains this year,” he said.“They all want what’s best for the team.”

Shang elaborated on each captain’s individual attributes, saying, “Caroline is a great organizer and brings the team together. Ursula is a great teacher and also looks for ways to keep the team dynamic tight. Chandler brings that competitive spirit and winning attitude.”

This winter marks the fourth and final squash season for all three captains, who agree the team has been a highlight of their Exeter experience. “The team is very special to me, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything else,” Matule said. “My favorite thing about Exeter athletics is how close teams grow over the course of the season, and I feel this especially with the squash team. I feel really lucky to be able to spend almost every day with the team.”

Sze expressed her gratitude for her teammates. “I know it’s only high school squash and not professional, but I get so into team spirit,” she said. “I love being captain and leading the team. I’m so thankful.”

When asked about her favorite part of being on the team, Jean-Jacques emphasized the team’s positive dynamic. Acknowledging the toxic atmosphere that can sometimes emerge on competitive teams, she described her own experience as “the exact opposite.”

Jean-Jacques added, “Upholding a respectful yet competitive environment is something Ursula, Caroline and I encourage and expect.” Their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Senior and squash player Euwie Park credited the team’s positive atmosphere to the collaborative spirit amongst the captains, saying, “They build off of each other’s energy extremely well.”

Another teammate, lower Catherine Fortin, expressed her appreciation for the captains’ attentiveness to each individual player. “Although our team has many different levels of players, they make an effort to interact [with] and help each person on the team,” Fortin said. 

Sze described this recognition of the individual as well as the group to be one of her favorite parts about Exeter girls’ squash. “I love the fact that although we are a huge team, we do our best to integrate varsity, junior-varsity, and thirds together,” Sze said. “I love teaching them and helping everyone improve.”

Fortin added that the captains are effective motivators. “We never go on a warm up run without a speaker to pump us up,” she said. Park similarly described bus rides to away games as filled with loud music, rousing excitement and positive energy for the upcoming match. 

Senior Katie Yang, who has known the captains since prep year, noted that Jean-Jacques, Matule and Sze bring the same passion and dedication to their endeavors beyond the squash court. “[Their] work ethic outside of [squash] really works as captains,” Yang said.

Senior and player Francie Treadwell voiced similar sentiments. “On and off the squash court, Ursula, Caroline and Chandler are all hilarious, supportive and loyal friends,” she said. “I think that our team as a whole is a lot closer this season, which can be credited to the environment the captains have fostered.”

“This is definitely one of the best squash teams I’ve been on at Exeter,” Jean-Jacques concluded. “We are going to be a very strong team this year, and I can’t wait for our success!”

Shang agreed, expressing high expectations for the team in the remaining season. “This is the year! How they lead this team is how we will finish.”