Philadelphia, Penn. - Former Colby College Men's and Women's Squash Coach John Illig will be honored in the 2026 College Sqaush Association Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony taking place this Saturday, March 7th in Philadelphia, alongside the CSA National Team Championships. 

John Illig embodied the very best of college squash as a coach, mentor and visionary. Across nearly three decades at Colby, Bates and Middlebury, he built thriving women's and men's programs and guided teams to success on the court with an emphasis on sportsmanship and positive team culture.

A respected leader nationally, Illig served as president of both the Women's and Men's College Squash Associations and helped lay the groundwork for the unified College Squash Association. Known for his creativity, warmth and adventurous spirit, he inspired hundreds of student-athletes and fellow coaches. The legacy of John Illig will endure for generations to come.

Illig began his coaching carer at Colby College and lead the Mules for five seasons accumulating a 143-141 record. In 1995, he helped the Colby men win the Barnaby Award, which is given annually to the men's team showing the most improvement from the previous season. Also in 1995, Illig coached CSA All-American Kate LaVigne to the Wetzel Award, which is presented to a senior woman who began playing squash in college and has progressed to a high level of skill, demonstrates sound understanding of the game, and exhibits good sportsmanship and a positive demeanor on the court.

CLICK HERE to read the full story on the CSA Squash website