Junior captain Leah Puklin was recently named to the All-NESCAC Women’s squash second team after a successful season playing at the #2 spot. Being viewed as a key player by fellow NESCAC coaches, Leah not only succeeds on the squash courts but also in the classroom, as she was also named as a CSA Scholar Athlete. With a 12-10 record for the season, Leah topped off her season last weekend at the College Squash Association National Team Championship.
Hometown: Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania
Major: Environmental Studies, Mathematics Minor
What got her interested in squash: I was introduced to squash at a young age from my grandfather who took me to play at the courts in the famous Payne Whitney gymnasium at Yale University. I have been playing squash competitively since high school. My high school was the first public school in the nation to have a squash team.
Favorite in-season moment: My favorite in-season moment was when we had a three match winning streak against Haverford, Smith and Northeastern. Everyone really came together and played some of their best matches of the season. It was fun to watch and to be a part of.
Pre-match routine: It usually starts with me watching some of my teammates’ matches since I usually don’t play in the first round of matches. I then go off on my own to find a quiet hallway where I can do some sprints, lunges and stretches. I like to be around people before I play to get pumped up so I don’t usually go off on my own and warm up for very long. I also like to get a pep-talk before my match from either my coach or one of my teammates.
Reaction to All-NESCAC Award: I was really surprised and honored to receive the All-NESCAC award. It felt great to be acknowledged by other coaches for my dedication to the team and love of the sport. Receiving this award is a major accomplishment and it feels great to be acknowledged for the hard work and dedication I have put in to this team for the past three years. I am also happy to help get Connecticut College Women’s squash team out in the public because I think we have great potential in the coming years to move up in the rankings.
