Hope Worcester ’23 is number one on the ladder for the women’s squash team as a freshman. Hope is ranked 493 of all women on U.S. Squash and has a player rating of 4.22. This past weekend at the NESCAC Championship, she won her match against Connecticut College’s Denise Bonilla in a three-game sweep, only giving up 12 points total.
Hometown:
Old Lyme, C.T.
Position:
#1.
Favorite Professional Athlete:
Serena Williams.
How did you get introduced to squash?
My dad used to play with a friend at a court near our house, so I started playing with my siblings. My dad’s friend became our first coach and stuck with us until we all went off to high school.
What is your favorite thing to do on campus besides your sport?
I love walking the glen because it helps me clear my head and relax, and it’s so beautiful, especially in the fall.
What has been your favorite sports moment at Hamilton?
The highlight of my season was our nail-biting win against St. Lawrence over winter break. We were down 4–0 and came back to win the match 5–4.
What attracted you to Hamilton’s squash program?
I chose Hamilton because I really loved meeting the team and Coach Kinger. Unlike a lot of other coaches, Kinger never pushed me and always encouraged me to choose the school that would be the best fit for me. I felt that spoke not only to the character of Kinger, but to the character of Hamilton in general.
What is the toughest obstacle you have had to ovecome in your athletic career?
I have been struggling with a bad shoulder injury the last couple of years that has forced me to alter my game. I used to rely a lot on power; however, due to my injury, I was unable to rely on power anymore. Although the injury has been really tough, it forced me to expand my game in ways that I would not have otherwise.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
We are coming towards the end of our season, with NESCACs this past weekend and Nationals next weekend. We have the potential to do well at nationals, so I am really excited to watch everyone play their best and fight for the team.
If you weren’t on the squash team, what Hamilton sports team would you want to be on and why?
I would want to be on women’s lacrosse team because I have played lacrosse my entire life, and it helped shape who I am today.
