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BLOG From The US Squad:
27 August 2006
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This past weekend, from August 25th to the 27th, the U.S. Junior Women’s Squad trained in Wilmington, Delaware with Assistant Coach Meredeth Quick, newly appointed Head Coach Jack Wyant and renowned sports physiologist Damon Leedale-Brown. Formerly part of England Squash, Damon trained three World Junior Championship teams and now resides in Wilmington and works with many of the US National Teams. The squad is preparing for the Junior Women’s World Squash Championships to be held in August, 2007 in Hong Kong.
The squad members in attendance were Samantha Beuchner (Newport, RI), Olivia Blachford (Brooklyn, NY), Julie Cerullo (Brooklyn, NY), Hanna Conant (Philadelphia, PA), Cece Cortes (Boston, MA), Logan Greer (Philadelphia, PA), Emery Holton (Philadelphia, PA), Natasha Kingshot (Greenwich, CT), Annie Madeira (Philadelphia, PA), Lexi Saunders (Wilmington, DE) and Sarah Toomey (Norwich, VT).
The Squad arrived Friday afternoon at the Reflex Squash & Fitness Club prepared to train intensely and improve many aspects of their games. They kicked off the weekend with conditioned games focusing on preparation and precision with the aid of target areas. Next up, Damon administered rigorous speed and endurance tests that drew blood—in the literal sense! Damon measured blood lactic acid levels before and after each test. Sesame Street band-aids and numbing spray eased the pain in their throbbing fingers enabling further training.
Friday night the Squad found inspiration in the legend of Vince Papale of “Invincible”, a film that recounted the success of a real life underdog. The final stop of the evening was Wawa, where the Philly girls introduced the rest of the squad to its mouthwatering delicacies. This included Logan Greer’s “Reeces Shake”, perhaps not approved of by the Wawa (or coaching) staff—but savored by the team!
During Saturday’s double sessions the squad trained, ran and endured a push-up test. The squad concluded Sunday with Damon’s customized Conditioning Circuit and challenge matches. The Stripes edged the Stars (intrasquad match) 4-2.
The went their various ways eagerly anticipating the next gathering, the Hunder Lott in Philadelphia in November 10-12.
Posted by Squash Webmaster.
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