Squashing the Competition

Princeton's Todd Harrity will be the player to watch at this year's College Squash Association National Team Championships at Princeton University.

Posted January 16, 2012 by Robert Strauss

Princeton University junior Todd Harrity strives for long rallies that wear down his opponents’ resistance.

Photo by Beverly Schaefer.

When the College Squash Association National Team Championships return to Princeton University this month, perennial champ Trinity College will be the team to beat, but Princeton’s own Todd Harrity will be the player to watch.

Harrity last year became the first American-born player to win the national intercollegiate singles squash championship since 1990. He has gained a reputation for aggravating opposing players by returning every shot they dish out, wearing down opponents with his heady play.

“I am mentally tough and like to stick in there, have long rallies,” says Harrity, a Princeton University junior majoring in—what else?—psychology. “I don’t self-destruct and I don’t defeat myself. I am conservative, I guess, but that is what has worked for me.”

Princeton is a perennial contender in college squash, but the real power is Trinity. The Hartford, Connecticut, college—which has won 12 straight national titles—will be among the 40 to 60 schools coming to Princeton’s Jadwin Gymnasium February 17-19 for the championships. Princeton hosts the event every three years.
Harrity has been playing squash since age five at the Merion Cricket Club near where he grew up on Philadelphia’s Main Line. His sport is typically dominated by international-born players.

“Todd really is the first breakthrough American in a generation,” says Princeton coach Bob Callahan. “He is remarkably gifted in many ways. He has terrific hand-eye coordination and is very fit; he was a cross-country runner in high school. He has a low-key mild manner, but that only conceals a deep burning desire to succeed. He has big concentration and focus. Put that together, and that is a good package.” 
 

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