Princeton University Athletics
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Women's Squash Welcomes Skilled, Highly Ranked Trio Into Class Of 2019
July 01, 2015 | Women's Squash
The Princeton women's squash team had a thrilling end to its season, winning twice during the Howe Cup to move to third in the final team standings. Head coach Gail Ramsay is excited to introduce a new trio of players she hopes can even further build upon the already strong tradition in Jadwin.
Samantha Poor Chai, Kate Feeley and Isabel Hirshberg will be joining the Tigers next season. Each has been consistently ranked within the Top 10, and oftentimes in the Top 5, in their age group; they have experienced both national and international successes, as well as titles at both the individual and team level.
You can read about the incoming class below:
Samantha Poor Chai
Norwell, Mass. • Deerfield Academy
Before Princeton — ranked among the top eight at every age level from GU13 through GU 19 … placed in the Top 10 in both the 2013 and 2015 U.S. Junior Closed Championships … helped the U.S. win the “Battle of the Border” competition in Ontario at the GU17 level … played at both Deerfield Academy and at the University Club of Boston; Deerfield was national runner-up twice and never finished outside the top four … served as team captain and played at top of the ladder … also lettered in soccer … three-time US Squash Scholar-Athlete … 2015 Bayne Bowl recipient as Deerfield's most outstanding female squash player … AP Scholar.
Personal — born Jan. 10, 1997 … daughter of Jessie Chai and Tom Poor; mother played professional squash for more than a decade … has two older sisters, Morgan and Catherine, and a younger sister Maddie … enjoys running road races, hiking and traveling … undecided on course of study at Princeton.
Ramsay on Chai: We are excited about having Sam Chai join the team this fall. She has shown great determination over her years in the juniors and high school. She finished in the Top 10 in the country this past year and all considered I think it was an excellent year for her. She is a very hard worker and has been developing steadily particularly over these past two seasons. She will add depth to the program and a competitive mindset that will challenge her opponents.
Kate Feeley
Greenwich, Ct. • Greenwich Academy
Before Princeton — consistently ranked in the top eight of her age group, including a No. 7 ranking at the GU19 level … played at Greenwich Academy all four years and individually out of the Apawamis Club … won two national championships with Greenwich Academy and reached finals as a senior captain; team also won New England Championship and FAA title all four years … all-league honoree … placed in the Top 10 at the 2015 US Junior Championships and fifth at the 2014 Mid-Atlantic Championships … won her individual bracket at the 2013 New England championships … 2015 US Squash All-America honoree … named team's Most Improved Player (2013) … AP Scholar … four-time US Squash Scholar Athlete.
Personal — born Oct. 20, 1996 … daughter of Maryellen and Ed Feeley … has two older sisters, Caroline and Ellie, and a younger brother Patrick … Caroline played squash at Princeton and graduated in the Class of 2014 … sang in middle school and high school; part of the “Madrigals” at Greenwich Academy, which sang on a 2014 tour of Scandinavia … also enjoys lacrosse … undecided on course of study at Princeton, but interested in math and considering the Woodrow Wilson School.
Ramsay on Feeley: It will be great to have another Feeley playing on the courts at Jadwin, following Caroline '14. Kate has made some huge leaps with her game and as a competitor. I feel she is going to really develop her game while here at Princeton. She is so excited to start her freshman year and take advantage of all that Princeton offers both on and off the court. Kate also finished in the Top 10 of the US rankings this year. She made a big jump in skill level this past season through hard work and athletic ability. She will also bring a great work ethic and will help motivate her teammates to push themselves to improve.
Isabel Hirshberg
Philadelphia, Pa. • William Penn Charter School
Before Princeton — ranked as high as number two at the GU17 level … ranked fourth at GU19 as a senior … two-time All-America honoree … played for the USA in the “Battle of the Border” in both GU15 and GU17 … won junior national doubles title … consolation draw winner at the GU17 Dutch Open … five-time All-Inter AC and All-MASA honoree … MVP and captain of squash team … also played at the Germantown Cricket Club … also lettered in tennis and lacrosse … earned MVP honor of tennis team … member of the Cum Laude Society … recipient of school's Williams Shields Memorial Prize, Henry A. Dresser Memorial Prize and Class of 1897 Prize.
Personal — born Sept. 22, 1996 … daughter of Jane and Steve Hirshberg … has an older sister Marion … enjoys figure skating, fly fishing and bee keeping … undecided on course of study, but considering both computer science and economics.
Ramsay on Hirshberg: Izzy finished her junior career as one of the top players in the U19. On the way she finished each age group ranked among the best. Izzy has a skilled style of play, is gifted with a wide range of shots and the confidence to play them successful when it counts. Her opponents find themselves under a lot of pressure and often limited on their shot selection. Izzy will bring those racquet skills and a great determination to the program. She will be a great addition and a wonderful team player.