In the realm of Colgate University’s campus athletics, the club squash team stands out for its skill, dedication and strong sense of team spirit. Club sports offer students the chance to engage in structured athletic competitions and training sessions, providing an alternative to the rigorous time demands of varsity programs. They also serve as an excellent opportunity for students to form relationships with one another, especially for first-years who are new to campus. The club squash team is an inclusive organization that provides an outlet for any student to turn a hobby into a competitive activity.
The current club squash members can be found at the Club Sport Fair that is held annually each fall. Prospective members should be passionate and driven students who are looking to join a team which prides itself on fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. This is why the current team makes it so easy to join, by only asking students to simply send an email expressing interest.
Sophomore Kat Fechner discussed her unique introduction to squash that led her to join the team as a first-year.
“I played varsity tennis in high school, so I had some experience with racquet sports, but squash kind of fell into my lap,” Fechner said. “After the club sports fair, one of my friends was interested in joining the club, so I went along with her to the first meeting, and after the first practice, I was hooked.”
Junior and club squash captain Zach Amendola first learned to play squash in middle school, where he quickly developed a passion for the sport. When he discovered that there was an outlet to further his passion at the collegiate level, he jumped at the opportunity to join.
“Being a part of club squash, along with the other club sports I have chosen to join, has given me a fun, active outlet to dedicate my time to when I’m not doing work. I have met tons of great people doing so, who I know I will be friends with long after I graduate,” Amendola said.
In addition to squash, Amendola is also a leader of other club sports teams, including tennis and spikeball. He represents the essence of club sports, which aim to provide competitive opportunities and cultivate team camaraderie without imposing overly demanding time requirements. This allows participants to pursue diverse interests alongside their athletic endeavors, fostering a balanced and fulfilling college experience.
During their competition season in the winter months, the team follows a schedule that includes two organized practices per week. They travel to various cities, like New York City and Philadelphia, for matches and tournaments, offering members the chance to venture beyond Hamilton, N.Y., and explore new places together. These trips not only facilitate team bonding but also include off-the-court highlights, such as group dinners and pre-game activities, enriching the overall experience for all involved. The team also normally hosts a match on campus, in addition to traveling to other universities for smaller matches with two to three teams.
First-year Susie Dixon emphasized the significance of these outings, highlighting their role in fostering team unity. She credited the team for introducing her to some of her closest friends since joining as a new student. Her perspective emphasizes the inclusive atmosphere that club sports offer to students beyond the confines of academic classes.
“It really is such a loving, supportive and fun environment,” Dixon said. “We truly all have so much fun together and [club squash] remains one of the best parts of my week.”
The club squash team, alongside Colgate’s array of other club sports teams, help to create an environment that is both athletically and socially engaging for students.
