After a 2024 season that was marked by learning, the KO girls varsity squash program looks forward to getting back on the court and competing.
Finishing up last season with a record of 5-10, the girls learned a lot and look to carry over those lessons into the new season. Led by Head Coach Cameron Biondi the girls will compete against a tough slate of Founder’s League opponents. Biondi, a seasoned coach will look to get his young but experienced teams ready for the year.
A team with just two seniors on it, the underclassmen will have to carry a lot of the weight if matches are to be won. “ Even though our lineup looks different this year, we have a core group of players who are already stepping up in meaningful ways,” senior co-captain Sanya Sadiq said.
“ Our number one player, freshman Valerie Perkins, brings an incredible level of athleticism and competitiveness that raises the standard for everyone. Junior Clara Toomey at number four is another key contributor. Over the past year, Clara has remained a steady, determined, and valuable presence both on and off the court,” Sadiq said.
The girls started the year out competing in the annual WALKS tournament, where they were able to match up in scrimmage matches against Westminster school, Loomis Chaffee, and Suffield Academy.
“ The WALKS event was great to play in to get us back on the court, and shake off the rust some of us had after not playing for a while,” freshman Valerie Perkins said. “ I am really excited for this year to get away and play some really competitive matches and continue to grow as a player,” she said.
The girls opened up their 2025 campaign on Friday, December 5, against the powerhouse Hotchkiss school. With a number of close matches being contested, none fell in favor of the Wyverns resulting in a 7-0 loss.
They took the experience from match one and came prepared on Saturday, December 5, to take on the Ethel Walker school. Perkins took care of business in her match in three games with scores of 11-0, 11-1, 11-2. Along with that
Looking into the year, the girls will face off against Millbrook on Saturday, Jan 10, and later, Canterbury, Westminster, and Choate. On January 14, 16, and 21, respectively.
“I am especially looking forward to matches against Suffield, Pomfret, and Millbrook. Each of these were fairly close and tough losses last season,” Sadiq said. “ I’m interested to see how we stack up against these teams. I believe we have a real opportunity to flip those results and show that we have grown as a team, as well as individual players,” she said.
