The Fords Squash team has historically been a strong program, usually ranking top three in the nation. The team always fields a talented roster with lots of depth, and this year is no different.
As they came off an unusual 2020-2021 season, the squash team was hungry. Despite being clear favorites to win the Inter-Ac, the Fords knew not to be complacent and continued their strong work ethic throughout the season.
“We know that it will be a challenge every year,” said Sixth Form Captain Mitav Nayak, “when you’re one of the best teams in the area, everyone is trying to beat you.”
Indeed, their hard work paid off. With four upperclassmen and five underclassmen in the varsity starting lineup, Fords Squash dominated league play once again, going undefeated on their way to another Inter-Ac Championship. Outside the Inter-Ac, the Fords also went undefeated, never looking back after a massive win against The Brunswick School (whom they hadn’t beaten since 2017) early on in the season.
“I’m very proud of how the team rose up to the challenge, and we really stepped up when the pressure was on.”
Mitav Nayak ’22
“Brunswick was our most difficult match for sure; they were number two in the country, we were number three,” Nayak said, “I’m very proud of how the team rose up to the challenge, and we really stepped up when the pressure was on.”
Now, the team is preparing for their toughest challenge yet. From February 25-27, Nationals will be held at the Arlen Specter Center in Philadelphia. It will be the team’s biggest tournament of the year, with the best teams across the Northeast. In preparation for Nationals, the team will put in more work in the gym and the squash court, making sure to keep in shape and maintain their skills with the racket.
In recent years, the Fords have had strong showings at nationals, usually placing second or third; the team even won Nationals in 2017. Brunswick has won every year since then, but with their prior win fresh in the team’s minds, the Fords are looking forward to a potential rematch against the defending champions.
“We really want to win nationals,” Nayak said, “and this year might be the year.”
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