3 Day Training Squad at Trinity College

On June 20th, the Men’s and Women’s National Teams joined the Junior Boys and Girls National Teams for a 3 day training squad at Trinity College. It was the first time that most players could remember all the National Teams training at the same location at the same time. Led by Head National Team Coach Paul Assaiante, Men’s Coach Chris Walker, Women’s Coach Natalie Grainger, and Junior Womens Coach Jack Wyant, the players trained hard for 3 days competing against the members of the other national teams.

These three days of training were a step in the right direction for many reasons. First and foremost, these three days allowed all the players at each level to interact and learn from one another. The Junior Boys and Girls were able to see how the Men’s and Women’s teams train on a daily basis and received added on court knowledge by being able to hit with these players on a one on one basis. It also created a family atmosphere and the idea that the National Team, even though divided into four teams, is one big team looking out for each other. Relationships and bonds were formed thus allowing for players to learn from each other and become more comfortable with their compatriots. Finally, the three-day squad provided us with great training. Each team is preparing for big events, with the Women preparing for the World Junior Championships held in Boston at the end of July, the Junior Boys Team competing at the World Junior Individuals in Belgium, the Mens National Team competing in Germany in August at the World Team Championships, and the Men and Women both aiming for Gold medals in October at the Pan American Games in Mexico.

The coaches pushed us hard for three days with every player gaining valuable experience and coaching throughout the process. With many more of these squads to come, you will begin to see a rapid maturation of the younger national team players, as well as a cohesive and family oriented US National Squad. Every player in the National program is looking forward to the next training squad in order to continue their development as a squash player and to gain valuable experience that will help bring medals back to he US!
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Gilly Lane
PSA World #53
Assistant Squash Coach at The University of Pennsylvania
(c) 215-740-4645