Andover Girls Squash, led by Head Coach Jenny Elliott and Co-Captains Adèle Bernhard ’14 and Madeleine Mayhew ’15, is optimistic about its prospects for the upcoming season. The team finished out last season just above .500, posting a 7-6 record. “I see a lot of potential in this team. It is a great group of hardworking girls, ready to challenge themselves both on and off the court… I think our record is going to be successful,” said Mayhew. The team will enter this season with seven returning players and two newcomers: Susan Yun ’17 and Reagan Posorske ’17. The pair hopes to add to the very experienced roster’s great depth. Bernhard and Mayhew will be leading a team that already features two Seniors, four Uppers and one Lower. Returners include Misha Hooda ’14, Camille Price ’15, Emma Crowe ’15, Hannah Burns ’15 and Claire Kister ’16. “It is a lucky scenario when you can place any combination of players on the court and feel confident that they will work hard and demand much of each other,” said Elliott. Th players on the team have pushed themselves far beyond the norm, practicing not only amongst themselves but also with players on Andover Boys Squash and even John Palfrey, Head of School. “I would say our greatest asset is our determined work ethic and our ability to push each other in every drill every day,” said Elliott. “The returning players love and respect each other, and they are eager to welcome our two new players into the mix,” she continued. Bernhard and Mayhew have led by example in practice, working hard day in and day out. They will sit atop the ladder to start the season, which Elliott described as having “strong potential for mobility,” made possible by the depth and talent of the team. In each of its last four seasons, the team has improved its record, with much of the success credited to Elliott. Under her, the team is confident that trend will continue. “[Coach Elliott] pushes us, while supporting us. She has the most energy out of anyone I know, and it is infectious,” said Mayhew. “I can’t describe Coach Elliott [briefly] just because it wouldn’t give her justice.” The team looks to complete unfinished business with Milton, Brooks, Middlesex, St. Paul’s and Choate this season after reporting close losses last year. Andover will open its season this weekend at Groton, with hopes to live up to its potential and start the season off on a strong note.
