Women’s Squash Announces Annual Award Winners, Names Captain

Pictured: Alisha Mashruwala
Photo courtesy: Gil Talbot Photography

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- The Harvard women’s squash team recently handed out its team awards at the annual season-ending banquet April 9. The team passed out three awards and announced the captain for the 2010-11 season.

Freshman Laura Gemmell was the recipient of the Most Valuable Player Award. Gemmell capped off a perfect season by winning the CSA Individual National Championship, capturing the “A” Division crown, as well as the Ramsay Cup, as she became the 11th Harvard player to claim the trophy. The rookie posted a record of 16-0 on the season, going 11-0 in dual matches and 5-0 at the CSA Individual Championships. The native of Toronto, Ont., claimed numerous postseason awards. Gemmell was named the Ivy League Player of the Year as well as the Rookie of the Year. She was tabbed to the CSA All-America first team and the All-Ivy League team.

Senior co-captain Johanna Snyder was presented the Most Improved Player Award and the Coaches’ Award. Snyder posted an overall record of 14-1 on the year, after claiming two victories at the CSA Individual Championships.  She was 6-0 against Ivy League opponents during the regular season and went 5-0 at the No. 7 slot and 3-0 at the No. 6 position. The Darien, Conn., native was named to the CSA All-America second team for the first time in her career.

Junior Alisha Mashruwala was introduced as the team captain for the 2010-11 season. Mashruwala boasted a 10-5 overall record and won two matches at the CSA Individual Championships. The Mumbai, India native also won two matches at the CSA Team Championships to help Harvard to a 12-0 record and capture the team national title for the 12th time in program history. Mashruwala earned a spot on the CSA All-America second team, marking the third straight year that she has garnered All-America honors.