Athletes of the Week: Girl’s Squash

By: Henry Liu

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the Varsity Girls Squash captains, Seniors Emily Baxter and Catherine Fortin, have been ensuring that the team maintains their team unity and fitness in preparation for when Big Red steps onto the squash courts in February. 

Fortin got her start to the sport her prep year, although she had experience playing tennis before arriving. “I had played tennis prior to arriving at Exeter, however I had never played squash until my prep year when I decided to try out. The team was extremely welcoming, and squash has been one of the highlights of my Exeter experience,” she said.

Baxter also started playing squash her prep year. “I grew up in Los Angeles and had never even heard about the sport before. Honestly, I began to train a couple weeks before tryouts my first year to avoid winter prep spaz that consisted of fencing, skating, diving, and wrestling (none of which I can do). I continued to play because of the people and coaches on this team.” 

With the similarities between the sports of tennis and squash, it served as no surprise that experienced tennis players like Fortin and Baxter would quickly pick up squash and move up the ranks. 

Upper teammate Dorothy Baker praised Fortin. “Catherine is very good at helping people with technical issues such as form or drill work, and she is good at communicating with teammates and linking them to coaches,” she said.

Baker also praised Baxter’s leadership skill: “Emily is very good at commanding the room, creating connections between teammates, and being a positive influence on us all.”

Baxter and Fortin are both caring individuals who not only contribute their talents for squash, but also foster a spirited atmosphere at practices. “Emily and Catherine bring a contagious enthusiasm and excitement for squash to every single practice, both in person and virtually over Zoom,” lower Isabella Vesely said. “They consistently develop positive relationships in our team and, even on the most challenging days, help us persevere and put in our best efforts by leading by example.”

One way Baxter and Fortin have maintained the team’s close relationships this term is through giving the team opportunities to keep in touch virtually. Lower Elizabeth Lavin mentioned, “We connect over Zoom 1-2 times a week, and have a team snapchat story where we post daily updates. We’re also working on updating the @exeter_girls_squash instagram account. Emily and Catherine are very active on all of those forums.” 

Baker added to Lavin’s compliments. “They've done a good job with checking in on us individually to see how we're doing and also connecting us together via Zooms with the coaches.”

Despite all of these methods of staying connected, there are certainly difficulties the team faces in the remote situation. “It is difficult to stay connected as a team as we are all remote and living in different time zones. However, our wonderful coaches, Coach Lovey and Coach Carbonell have helped to organize weekly zoom meetings with the team. Here, we are able to connect with each other,” Fortin noted. 

Being a leader during these unique times poses several challenges, but despite the challenges, the two captains have continued to thrive in their leadership roles, keeping in mind what their teammates need and constantly providing support. “Emily and Catherine have heavily impacted our team both in our concrete results by helping us improve on the court as well as the mental aspect of the game. They encourage the team to think more positively and constructively and always push us to become both better squash players and, in general, better team players.” Vesely said. 

Baker added, “They lead by example how to have healthy and positive relationships between teammates/competitors, and they show us their work ethic on and off the court.”

Despite the individual nature of squash, Fortin believes that it is very much a team sport: “During matches, we cheer each other on and everyone is very supportive. Our ladder consists of about twenty-one players, so there are a variety of skill levels. Though sometimes we play different schools, we all practice together. This creates a unified team, and we all learn from each other.”

Both captains also consistently bring positive attitudes during practices and share their mindsets of healthy competition. Vesley said, “Regardless of the day, Catherine always manages to bring a smile to our faces during practice. She communicates well with the team members and makes us feel welcome.” 

She continued on to describe Baxter. “Having faced Emily on the court in practice more times than anyone else on the team, I can always count on the challenge and the intense focus she brings to the court. Emily is also able to analyze players' games well and can recognize key areas for improvement.” 

But outside the competitive scene, the captains foster a positive and inclusive environment for the team both on and off the court. Lavin pointed out, “My favorite thing about Emily and Catherine is their attitude. They are so much fun at practice, games, and team dinners.” 

Baker agreed. “I love how friendly and inclusive Emily and Catherine are. They are always doing drills with other players regardless of skill, and making each practice an enjoyable experience for all. They're awesome. They create a really nice environment that makes everyone on the team enjoy going on Zoom and they make the team proud to be members of PEA Squash.”

When asked about how squash had impacted her time at Exeter, Baxter responded, “I would say that this team has really shown me true teamwork: how to foster a community that is open to collaboration and competition. Since day one, the team and coaches have always created such an amazing and supportive atmosphere that allows for everyone on the team to rapidly improve.” 

These feelings were reciprocated by Fortin, who said, “The squash team at Exeter has been a very impactful experience for me, which I will miss dearly next year. One of my fondest memories is from last season when Coach Lovey invited the team to her house for dinner. ”

Overall, the leadership and compassion that Baxter and Fortin exhibit make them the best captains for PEA Squash. In the words of Baker, “Best captains ever!”