Harvard women's squash team at Chennai

The Harvard women’s squash team is traveling to India for 11-days accompanied by coach Satinder Bajwa 14 talented players from areas spanning the globe and the United States. The team currently holds a 4-0 record and a place atop the national College Squash Rankings.

The team views the international trip as an opportunity to learn and develop. “There are many things the entire team will take away from this trip,” said co-captain Johanna Snyder. “Most importantly, I think we will learn a lot about each other, about the flourishing and beautiful culture of India, and hopefully a few new squash tips.”

In India, the team will travel to Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, and Chandigarh, playing matches against the top local players as well as working with and teaching squash and doing academic tutoring to underprivileged children. The significant portion of the trip dedicated to community service—four days out of the 11—is what makes the journey especially noteworthy; the Harvard team’s purpose in India reaches far beyond simply playing squash for themselves. The team is already making a difference in India since the coaches packed up a lot of our squash gear and clothing from the equipment room and sent it over to the children we will be working with. “I’m really excited to play squash and do some academics with the kids from India,” said co-captain Katherine O’Donnell. “Playing squash is something that has so positively impacted my life, and will hopefully do the same for them.”

However, along with this excitement can come some tough realizations and adjustments to make. Among the various team members’ concerns are the challenge of meeting and interacting with others of different socioeconomic backgrounds, though this can ultimately lead to a greater acknowledgement of present opportunities and also an appreciation for Indian culture. “I imagine it is very different from here,” said freshman Eliza Calihan. “I can’t wait to be immersed in such a different place.”

Largely, team members anticipate the fact that being in a foreign country for the first time together will create a greater sense of solidarity. “I think this trip will bond Harvard omen’s squash in a way that we could not have achieved staying in Boston for the break,” said Snyder. “Not only will we be together every day but we will be in a situation where we must rely and learn from each other.” From a squash standpoint, as well, the exposure to different venues will be key in developing the team’s resilience and adaptability to different circumstances.

And in fact, adaptability will be a necessary skill in order to adjust to the new environment. Bearing this in mind, team members are ready to welcome the cultural differences with open arms—in fact, the local cuisine is one of the greatest sources of excitement across the board, though potentially one of the greatest adjustments as well.

There are 2 Indians in the Harvard squash team Alisha Mashruwala & Vidya Rajan. Alisha a former junior national champion is from Bombay while Vidya’s parents are originally from Chennai, and her extended family currently lives here.

The team arrive is Chennai on Sunday 10 January 2010 and will play a match against the Indian Squash Academy at 1400hrs on Monday 11 January 2010.

Please do come to the ISA and meet with the Harvard women’s squash team.

Cyrus Poncha

National Coach

http://coachcyrus.wordpress.com/