Reflecting on the 2024-2025 Boys Varsity Squash season, I’m filled with pride for the dedication, resilience, and growth demonstrated by every member of the team. It was a season defined not only by competitive spirit but also by the strengthening of our team bond and the outstanding character displayed by our players, both on and off the court.
We navigated a demanding schedule, competing in 19 matches throughout the season. While our final record stood at nine wins and 10 losses, this tally doesn’t fully capture the intensity of our matches or the significant progress made. The boys consistently brought fierce determination to every contest, pushing opponents and learning valuable lessons with each point played.
A major highlight was successfully hosting the third annual MICDS Ashes tournament right here on our home courts. Welcoming five teams provided a fantastic opportunity for our players to showcase their skills, competitive drive, and outstanding sportsmanship in front of our community. The tournament’s successful execution has continued to foster great competition and further solidified our program’s presence in the regional squash scene.
Our season culminated with a trip to the U.S. Squash High School Nationals Tournament, competing in Division 5. This experience is always invaluable, exposing our players to a high level of competition and the unique atmosphere of a national event. The team performed exceptionally well, highlighted by defeating the number one seed in a thrilling 4-3 opening round match and ultimately securing a fourth-place finish in the division. The pressure was immense in that first round, tied 3-3, but Nolan Ma ’28 stepped up and delivered the decisive victory, earning him MVP honors at Nationals. Ma demonstrated remarkable consistency and delivered crucial wins throughout the tournament.
Leadership was a cornerstone of our season, expertly provided by our captains Taha Syed ’25, Zach Withington ’26, and Hawk Bergquist ’27. They set the tone with their commitment and guided the team through both victories and hard-fought losses.
Beyond the results, individual growth and outstanding contributions were evident across the roster. Withington earned the Most Valuable Player award for the second consecutive year. His outstanding performances, skill, determination, and ability to pull through in tough matches made him instrumental to our success, and his positive attitude and support for teammates set a high standard. Furthermore, Withington’s dedication to both academics and athletics was recognized with the prestigious Oliver Langenberg Squash Cup, embodying the spirit of a true scholar-athlete.
We celebrated significant development, particularly from Cam Cozad ’27, our Most Improved Player. Cozad’s remarkable growth stemmed from his dedication to refining his game, his resilience, and a relentless drive that inspired those around him. The engine room of improvement often runs on pure effort, and Bergquist exemplified this as our Hardest Worker. His commitment in practice, during fitness, and in the extra time spent honing his craft was unmatched and set a powerful example.
The spirit and values of our program were brilliantly represented by Jonathan Weiss ’27, recipient of the Coaches Award. Weiss consistently demonstrated what it means to be an MICDS squash player: working hard in every practice, giving his all in matches, providing unwavering support for teammates, and acting as a true ambassador for the program with his love for the game and integrity.
This season taught us crucial lessons about perseverance, the importance of mutual support, and the impact of character alongside skill. The experiences gained, exemplified by these award winners and the efforts of the entire team, lay a solid foundation for continued development and success.
As we close this chapter, the team bids a heartfelt farewell to our departing seniors: Syed and Aniket Joshi ’25. We thank them for their invaluable contributions and dedication and wish them all the very best in their future endeavors.
Finally, a successful season is never solely the effort of the players and coaches. It requires a dedicated community. A huge thank you goes to the parents for their unwavering encouragement, commitment, and support throughout the season. Your presence and backing truly make a significant difference for the players and the program. I am incredibly proud of this team’s effort, character, and the way they represented our school. Well done, Varsity Boys!
