The Colby Women's Squash program began in 1979 and belongs to the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), one of the most competitive Division III conferences in the nation. The team competes in the Squash Center located inside the Harold Alfond Athletics and Recreation Center. This facility features nine ASB International squash courts, including the Captain's Court (#7) and the Squash Court (#6), which were generously made possible through the Waldo Trust, as well as the Friends from the '70s Squash Court. Each of the nine courts are complete with a camera and scoring system for live streaming and statistics.
Colby Squash is led by Head Coach Chris Abplanalp who joined the program in 2018. In program history Colby Women's Squash has totaled 24 NESCAC awards including the 2022 Conference Co-Rookie of the Year and CSA All-American Andrea Lee '24. Kate LaVigne '95 was also named a CSA All-American in 1994.Â
The Colby Squash program is primarily geared to three things: fitness training, mental toughness, and improved shot-making ability.
As part of our fitness regiment the team runs a timed mile nearly every practice during the first half of the season. The runs are repeated occasionally during the second half of the season. The team also performs court sprints and star drills and has a weight lifting program. All of this training is done to ensure that every player is physically prepared for competition.
For mental toughness we discuss how to keep the correct frame of mind during critical times in a match. It is vital for all team players to understand the importance of keeping their cool under fire and to prepare for the competitive atmosphere Colby competes in. The approach is to have constant challenge matches and vigorous court drills. We believe that the more a player is kept under pressure, the more mentally tough that player will be when he or she needs it most.
Court strategy and shot-making ability is the center of attention during private sessions with the coach. Team discussions and court drills also play a major part in player development. Throughout the season the coaches will break down a player’s game by distinguishing strengths from weaknesses and chart an individualized course to better court strategy.
All of the strategies above are combined with a heavy emphasis on proper stretching and nutrition. The goal is to maximize endurance to attain a higher performance level, both physically and mentally, while avoiding injury.
Finally, the squash program has been a rewarding experience in the college careers of all the student athletes who have participated in it. It is structured to challenge us throughout the season and to give us a sense of accomplishment in the end.
Updated as of July 22nd, 2025
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