The 2023-2024 Bryn Mawr Varsity Squash team has made strides over the last couple of years, establishing a formidable reputation within the squash world and achieving success on the court. On February 13th, they won their third consecutive championship since the 2021-2022 season by defeating Roland Park Country School 5-2 in the IAAM A Conference Championship. Following their triumph in the IAAM Championships, they went on to compete at the national level, where they faced strong competition from teams all over the country at the University of Pennsylvania. At that tournament, the Bryn Mawr Varsity Squash team secured a hard-fought 5-2 win in their final match against Lower Marion School District and the title of the U.S. High School Team Squash National Division III champions.

Current senior captain Sabina Sitwat and next year’s captain, Fionnoula Brandon, sat down for an interview with The Quill to reflect on their experiences during their exceptional squash season and their culminating success at nationals. 

How would you describe your team?

Sabina: Our team is characterized by a culture of fun. We don’t take it too seriously. Our morale is always extremely high; during matches, we gather on the sidelines, cheering each other on. It is the love and support we have for each other that is attributed to our win in nationals. 

Fionnoula: There is a good mix of freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. The upperclassmen offer wisdom and different perspectives, yet there is always a relaxed, light-hearted atmosphere.

What is your favorite part of the team?

Sabina:  It is really special that, even though we are all from different friend groups, we are able to blend together and form friendships that exist outside of squash.

Fionnoula: I love how we can distinguish when it’s time to focus, be serious, and give it your all in order to win, and when we can let loose and have fun. We also have an Instagram account where we create edits that highlight various players and hype each other up.

What were Nationals like?

Sabina: It was so fun! The atmosphere was supportive both inside and outside the tournament. It is definitely one of my favorite high school memories.

Fionnoula: It was definitely nerve-wracking and tense, especially towards the end. We were uncertain if we could secure the win - it was up in the air! All we needed was just one more win and we eventually pulled through at the end.

Were there any challenges the team faced along the way?

Fionnoula: Mostly due to the intense atmosphere of nationals, we faced internal struggles regarding sportsmanship. Certain players’ attitudes led to divisions within the team and as a result we almost didn't make it to finals. However, we gathered as a team and addressed the issues openly and honestly, which enabled us to persevere through that obstacle. The point of school squash is being a team and being together. You are not just playing for yourself; your actions reflect onto the whole team.

Regarding senior captains - what are their squash plans after graduation?

Sabina: I definitely plan on continuing squash; I want to play on a club or recreational team in college. I would like to keep up with squash as it has brought me a great community and a lot of fun. 

Fionnoula: Although the other senior captains were not able to make it, I know that Brigid will be continuing on the collegiate-level and Campbell will probably play squash recreationally.

What does the future of Bryn Mawr squash look like? 

Fionnoula: It will definitely be hard because of the number of talented seniors leaving. However, I am confident that the juniors will step up and take up the role as seniors. I am also optimistic about the next group of freshmen joining the Bryn Mawr Varsity Squash team. I am confident that we will win the IAAM Championships and possibly go to finals in Nationals Division III again next year.

From this insightful conversation, a deeper understanding of the Bryn Mawr Varsity Squash team can be gained: the passion they shared, the camaraderie they have developed, and the challenges they have faced throughout the squash season. Whether they plan to pursue collegiate-level or recreational squash in the future, we wish the senior squash players luck as they embark on the next chapter of their journey. As we eagerly await the 2024-2025 season, it is clear that the Bryn Mawr Varsity Squash team is a force to be reckoned with, hoping to continue a legacy of continued growth and success.