Clayton Palumbo ’29

Executive News Editor

On Sept. 28, the United States Senate voted to pass the Protect College Sport Act by a 77-22 vote. This marks a major moment in the ever-shifting landscape of college sports, with constant conference realignment, playoff expansion and unregulated NIL deals and player transfers. 

When asked about his initial reaction to the bill, Trinity Athletic Director Gavin Viano said, “I don’t think it’s controversial to say that this is being written for the 20 to 80 largest, most lucrative athletic programs in the country, and the NCAA is made up of over 1,100 programs. So we have a very, very public bill, which essentially is trying to legislate one percent — or less than one percent — of the association.” Viano went on to argue that there are more Division I and Division II schools that resemble Trinity than they do Ohio State. When asked whether or not he believed the bill would pass the House, Viano said, “In the two-ish weeks since the Senate passed it, we haven’t heard a word from the house. The speculation was that, as written by the Senate and passed by the Senate, it probably wouldn’t be passed as written by the House. The period of time between the election and the end of the congressional cycle is likely going to be a lot more telling than where we are right now.” Viano reiterated that the issues which may be important for the largest, wealthiest athletic programs in the country — the elimination of waivers, regulations for judges ruling on cases related to the NCAA and increasingly convoluted eligibility rules — are not issues that affect Trinity, or “95 percent of the NCAA” on a daily basis.

Instead, the most important issue regarding the NESCAC right now is whether or not to adopt the NCAA’s new “5-in-5” eligibility rule, which eliminates the traditional red-shirt system and medical hardship waivers, instead giving every student-athlete five years to play five competitive seasons. However, each division has autonomy over their own governance, and Viano shared that at the most recent NESCAC Athletic Director’s meeting, the main focus was whether or not the conference should adopt the “5-in-5” rule, because, as Viano put it, “we don’t have to, and Division III just voted against red-shirting last year, so in a way it feels like we’re basically voting on it again.” The official vote will be cast at the NCAA convention in January.

ESPN mentioned that if the PCSA was passed, the number of roster spots for Division II and III teams would increase, however, Viano stated that “Division III has always had unlimited roster limits,” and that this perceived increase would be purely arbitrary. The only sport in the NESCAC which does not currently operate with unlimited roster limits is football, which enforces a limit of 84 players during the season. This has been the subject of much discussion and controversy; Dan DiCenzo, the Head Football Coach at Wesleyan University, stated in a video posted to The Third Division’s social media pages that enforcing this limit for only one varsity sport “goes against all of Division III’s philosophy and goes against our NESCAC core values.” When prompted on his view of the football roster limit, Viano declined to comment.

Viano reiterated that the true impact of the bill will not be known until it passes through the House, which is unlikely to happen before the midterm elections. He guaranteed that the College and the athletics department remain fully committed to supporting student-athletes and will adapt to fit the current rules and regulations as outlined by the NCAA, Division III and the NESCAC. He added the College will always support student-athletes’ ability to profit from their name, image and likeness if the opportunity is presented to them, while emphasizing that the College has never, directly or indirectly, paid a student-athlete to compete in any way.

Annika Haley ’26

Sports Editor

The Trinity College men’s ice hockey team has built steady momentum during the 2025–26 season, combining balanced scoring with disciplined play as they continue to compete in the challenging NESCAC schedule. Several strong performances, including dominant non-conference wins and competitive in-conference victories has highlighted the team’s development and unity.

The Bantams earned their first victory of the season on Tuesday Nov. 25 with a 6–1 victory over Plymouth State University at the Koeppel Community Sports Center. Trinity controlled the game early by scoring just over three minutes into the first period. Forward Blake Cotton ’29 led the Bantam offense and recorded the first hat trick of his collegiate career, while goaltender Devon Bobak ’26 made an impressive 31 saves. The victory showcased Trinity’s strong offense and defensive structure.

That confidence carried into the new year with a 8–0 shutout against Western Connecticut State University on Sunday Jan. 4 at the Koeppel Community Sports Center. Trinity posted season highs in goals, assists, points, and shots, demonstrating offensive power throughout the lineup. Goaltender Jack Fialkoff ’29 earned his first career victory and shutout, stopping all 17 shots he faced, as the Bantams controlled all three periods of the game.

A defining moment of the season came on Friday Jan. 9, when the Bantams defeated Middlebury College, 5–2, in a NESCAC matchup that marked Head Coach Matthew Greason’s 250th career victory. The Bantams scored late in the first period on the power play and then built their lead by staying composed and capitalizing on transition opportunities. Despite a brief Middlebury rally in the third period, Trinity closed out the game and sealed both the win and a milestone achievement for the program.

Following the victory, Greason reflected on the significance of reaching the 250-win mark after 14 seasons at Trinity. Greason said, “I have a little different view on milestones. Some people like to brush it aside and keep moving on, and to an extent, I do too. But milestones allow me to pause, albeit briefly this time of year, and think about all the players and coaches who worked hard and sacrificed so much to help our program find the win column.”

Building on that perspective, Greason emphasized how the current team embodies the values and expectations that have defined Trinity men’s hockey during his tenure. Greason said, “winning matters. Working hard and finding success is an important development tool for our athletes. Adversity always happens, and we need to deal with that as it comes, but we also need to strive for greatness and find happiness in that when we accomplish what we set out to do. Guys come to our program to win. That’s a huge responsibility for me and for those who wear the jersey.”

Looking beyond individual seasons and results, Greason pointed to the long-term impact of the program as the true measure of sustained success. Greason said, “there is nobody who believes in Trinity College and the life lessons taught through Trinity Hockey more than me. We attack each day trying to maximize our potential on and off the ice. That mindset should lead to wins, but it should lead to long term success long after the final buzzer sounds on their final games. I’ve been fortunate to coach long enough to see the high achievement of our players in their professional life. We have an alumni group filled with driven professionals who carry the lessons learned in the program onto success after. That means more than the wins. Trust me.”

Following Greason’s milestone, the Bantams have continued to fight within the NESCAC, with an overtime win against Colby College on Saturday Jan. 17 and a shootout victory over Middlebury College on Friday Feb. 6.

Ashley McDermott ’26

Executive Sports Editor

Over the course of two games, the No. 1 Trinity College men’s squash team has maintained their nine game win streak. 

The men’s squash team hosted their senior game on Friday, Jan. 30 at the Kovas Squash Center in Hartford, CT. They went head to head with No. 2 Harvard University, finishing with a 7-2 victory. 

The game honored seniors Benedek Takacs ’26, Joachim Chuah ’26 and Daniel Simon ’26. The Bantams achieved a collective 15-4 in their sets. Notably, Chuah ’26 claimed his second and fourth sets against Havard’s David Costales ’26, ending with a 12-10 score and holding his No. 1 position on the courts. Senior Daniel Simon ’26 beat his opponent in a straight set, while senior Takacs ’26 lost during his five-set match.

The second victory over an Ivy League was on Sunday, Feb. 1 at Dartmouth College’s Berry Squash Courts in Hanover, New Hampshire.

Leading the Bantams to a 9-0 season sweep, the squash team remains as No. 1 within the College Squash Association (CSA). This game held seven straight-set wins, with each player earning 3-0 wins. The players included Joachim Chuah ’26, Muhammad Ashab Irfan ’29, Benedek Takacs ’26, Segundo Portabales ’29, Eyad Awad ’29 and Javier Emilio Romo Lopez ’28. Senior Daniel Simon ’26 faced a difficult match in his opening game, falling to his opponent in the second game, and solidifying his win after the fourth game, 12-10.

The CSA has ranked a handful of players on the Trinity Squash team within the top twenty national squash players: no. 12 Dmytro Shcherbakov ’27 with a rating of 6.69 and a win streak of 6-0, and no. 16 Muhammad Ashab Irfan ’29 with a rating of 7.36 and a win streak of 4-0. There are also three players in the top ten ranking, no. 8 Eyad Awad ’29 rated 6.62, 7-0, no. 9 Andrik Lim ’27 rated 6.52, 7-0 and no. 10 Javier Emilio Romo Lopez ’28 rated 6.50, 7-0. 

For those unaware, some things to note about squash are as follows: The game takes place in an enclosed court, where two players positioned side by side hit a small ball against the front wall, aiming for it to land in opposite back corners. Players win “rallies” when their opponent misses the ball. These matches consist of best-of-five games played to 11 points, where the winner ends with a 2 point lead. The scoring is measured by a point-a-rally system (PAR) where every rally scores a point regardless of server. Also, the serve must hit the front wall between the service line and top line in order to be in bounds.

Athletic Director Gavin Viano commented to the Tripod, “Coach Hamada, his staff and players should be very proud of their efforts thus far during the 2025-26 campaign. The program has already achieved so much, including ending #1 Penn’s 30-match winning streak in front of a capacity crowd, to claim the top spot in the nation in the process. Both the men’s and women’s programs recently battled against some of the best players in the world in New York City recently, and I’m excited to see how both programs build towards the National Championships in Philadelphia next month.” 

Head Men’s Squash Coach Moustafa Hamada told the Tripod, “We had a great match against Harvard. We went into the match as the only two undefeated teams in the country, so we had to be at our best to win. It was senior day for a special senior class — Joachim Chuah, Beni Takacs, and Daniel Simon — and I’m proud of the team for making it one to remember. Now we’re heading on the road for a few tricky fixtures, and I’m looking forward to continuing the momentum.”

The next match will take place Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 5:30 pm at Yale University.

Ismael Irizarry ’26

Contributing Writer

On Saturday, Jan. 31, Trinity College’s Wrestling team faced off in a Quad meet against Hunter College and the University of Bridgeport on their home mats at Trinity’s Memorial Field House. From the first matchup to the last, the Bantams had full control against their opponents, winning with scores of 45-3 and 51-5, respectively. This is a strong result for the team on their home mats, after what has been a difficult season for the wrestling squad, who currently sit with a 6-9 record from the season. 

Along with the strong results, the team and families came together for senior day, to celebrate senior captain Matty Carrozza ’26 and senior Chase Ledbury ’26. Carrazzo and Ledbury began their wrestling careers at Trinity, having to stand out amongst a crowded freshman class. In an interview after the match, Coach Amato noted that “It’s very difficult to go through the training as a wrestler for four years, and getting to the finish line is not easy,” Amato told the Tripod. 

Throughout their four years, they had to endure the commitment and sacrifice it took to succeed at the collegiate level, and they did so successfully. Although the collegiate careers of Carrozza and Ledbury are coming to an end, Coach Amato also mentioned that it was important for the seniors to remember that the most important part of their four years are the memories and relationships made along the way. “Wrestling is one big family,” Amato said, and “these could be your buddies for the rest of your life.” 

As for the rest of the team, standout performances were had by Junior Captain Drew Pratt ’27, who had a big day against Springfield College the previous week, and followed it up, against Hunter College and the University of Bridgeport, with three wins and was considered the “Wrestler of the Weekend.” Along with Pratt, Ty Trickle ’28 as well as Carrozza made their mark by the time the final match concluded. 

As the season is coming to an end, there is hope that the Bantams will finish strong. The team has to carry a lot of “sacrifice and discipline throughout the season,”Amato said, the team understanding that message will be crucial for success in their remaining matches. Coming up, the team will travel to Bridgewater State University, where they will face the likes of Bridgewater State and Rhode Island College at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. respectively.

Kat Santelises ‘28

Contributing Writer

As the fall sports season comes to a close, the Tripod met with Brooke DiBiase ’27 to discuss her performance and growth this season. In the 2025 season, DiBiase was ranked in the top 20 players for goals scored in the NESCAC after finding the back of the net six times, setting a new personal record. DiBiase shared some insight on her off-season training and what led to her improvement. 

“This summer, I really committed to improving my shot,” she said. “My main goal was simply to get more shots off and become more consistent, especially on corners. I focused a lot on repetition, even if it meant taking just a few minutes each day to work on stick skills.”

 She scored two goals in Trinity’s 4-3 win in their first game at Smith College on Sept. 3, and one in their game against Springfield College on Sept. 17, which they also won 6-4. Despite the loss, she then scored a goal assisted by Fiona Murphy ’27 and Maeve Hymovitz ’26 in Trinity’s game against Tufts University on Oct. 4. It was the first goal of the game, initially putting the Bantams ahead. Shortly after, DiBiase almost got the Bantams up by an additional goal with another strong corner shot, but was blocked by the Jumbos’ defense. 

DiBiase named her father as another major assist in her growth this past season. “A huge part of that improvement came from training with my dad,” she told the Tripod. “We went to the field together, shot around and did drills. It’s hard to motivate yourself sometimes, but having someone there to push me helped a lot. The repetition translated into my play, and I think that’s what helped me this season.” Her father was also her biggest source of motivation while on the field the past few months. 

“I can be really hard on myself, especially after a tough practice or a game that didn’t go how I wanted,” DiBiase added. “He always reminds me why I love the sport in the first place. Instead of letting me get stuck on mistakes, he encourages me to find the fun in the game and trust my instincts again. Having someone who believes in me so consistently kept me grounded and motivated. He helped me reset when I needed it, and that made a huge difference in my growth this year.” 

DiBiase also broke down the team’s values and strategy. “As a group, we focus on playing our game,” she said. “It’s easy to get caught up in what the other team is doing, but when we stick to our system, we’re more cohesive and confident. Being able to mentally lock in helped me contribute to that team goal.” On what the field hockey team’s core values were, DiBiase responded with “​​Love this team,” a message which has endured through several years of Bantam field hockey. She elaborated, “To us, that means that no matter what happens, win or lose, we show up for each other. The relationships and support within the team matter more than the scoreboard. That value creates a culture where everyone feels invested in something bigger than themselves, and it drives us to play hard for each other every day.” 

DiBiase had incredible commitment to her growth and team this past season, and it was reflected in her overall performance. Looking forward, DiBiase wants to keep up the hard work. “This season made me realize how fast everything goes. Knowing I only have one year left feels strange,” she said. “You get four years of college athletics, and it goes by quicker than you expect. This year taught me to make the most of every moment, to work hard, enjoy the process and not take any of it for granted. Going forward, I want to keep that mindset and give everything I have, have fun and appreciate the experience while I still have it.”

Annika Haley ’26

Sports Editor

The Trinity College men’s track and field team closed out an impressive 2024-25 season with broken school records, All-Region honors and standout performances. With multiple athletes returning, the Bantams enter the 2025-26 season with high expectations.

Sprinter Zuri Johnson ’26 and jumper Donovan Koukal-Kollie ’27 stood out for the Bantams last season, earning the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) All-Region honors. Johnson collected his third straight outdoor All-Region selection, becoming one of the most decorated sprinters in program history. He broke the school record in the 200-meter dash (21.33) and helped set new program marks in both the 4×100 (41.99) and 4×400 (3:18.05) relays.

The Bantams displayed their talent and potential for this season at the Trinity Invitational on Saturday, Apr. 12th 2025. Trinity finished fourth out of twelve teams with 22 personal and season bests. Johnson’s record-breaking 200-meter performance and his win in the 400 meters (48.79) highlighted the day. Koukal-Kollie took first in the triple jump (13.76m), while Arinze Okigbo ’28 ranked in the top 100 nationally in the 100 meters.

On the field, Peter Passaro ’27 placed 13th in the shot put with a throw of 13.86 meters. Sam Benham ’27 also proved to be one of the team’s strongest distance runners, achieving a personal-best 3:58.33 in the 1500 meters.

By the end of the season, Trinity had athletes ranked among the top 100 nationally across several events and three school records were broken. 

The team’s mix of strong returners and promising underclassmen has created a strong foundation for continued success. As the Bantams prepare for the upcoming season, The Tripod got the chance to talk with key contributor, Johnson, regarding last season and his expectations and goals for the upcoming season.

Johnson  reflected on the factors that fueled both his personal and team’s success last season: “The biggest factors were definitely my teammates, especially my old teammate Nolan McKenna ’25 and Connor Quiet ’25. They were my best friends and we would push each other every practice. Some of the younger guys as well, like Liam Kelly ’28 and Okigbo really stepped up to the plate and played big roles that they had to fill last year. I think the biggest factors were my teammates regarding our success because although track is an individualized sport at times, the events come down to team chemistry and teammates having your back.”

Johnson also discussed how the preseason has unfolded and what the team is focusing on right now. He said, “For me personally, the preseason has gone absolutely amazing. I have taken on a leadership role by directing practice and lifts so personally it’s been going really well, and I’ve been working my tail off. For the team, everything has been working hard and everyone’s really excited and antsy to finally start running. Preseason has been great, everyone’s working hard and ready to get rocking and rolling.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Johnson outlined both his personal and team expectations: “My expectation for myself is that I want to go to nationals. I was four spots away from it last year so I was very close and that has been my motivation throughout the summer and preseason, and it will be my motivation for the entire year. I have a goal board in my room where I write all my goals in a checklist, so I check off each time I reach a goal and I am hoping to achieve all of them. I want to win the NESCAC as an individual and win New Englands as an individual, so I have a lot of stuff I want to accomplish before I graduate. As a team, I just want us to compete and do their best and that’s all I can ask for really. As long as everyone’s giving me 100% effort, that’s all I can ask for.”

Finally, Johnson highlighted a few teammates who have stood out during preseason training. He said, “I want to shout out James Lyon ’29, he’s been working his tail off. He works out with me in the weight room and he’s in my event group, so I’ve been pushing him really hard and trying to show him the ropes. The first-years have been doing great in the preseason. I’ve been pushing all of them and taking them under my wing to show them how it’s done so that when I leave, they can instill that for the people to come.”

Meg Lavinder ’28

Contributing Writer

At the beginning of the 2024 season, the future of the Trinity women’s basketball program was unforeseeable. With a new coaching staff and several key players having graduated, Sammie Slofkiss ’26 recalled to the Tripod that “Outside perspectives didn’t expect us to be as good as we had been in past years.” Despite this uncertainty, Head Coach Maria Williamson and Assistant Coach Erin Hughes led the Bantams through a strong season. Ending with a record of 19-9 and a NESCAC semifinal run, the squad capped their campaign off with a national championship tournament appearance. “We all kind of embraced the unknown and bought into our new team and our new plan,” Slofkiss told the Tripod.

Olivia Vick ’27 added that she is proud of the team’s perseverance last season but is focused on building even more momentum. “We really shocked a lot of people. This year the goal is to show people that it’s a consistent thing.” Vick’s absence on the court this year due to a season-ending injury will undoubtedly be felt. Leading the team last year in points, field goals and minutes played, her stellar sophomore season earned her an All-American honorable mention from the New England Women’s Basketball Association (NEWBA). Still an active member of the team, Vick is excited to see what Williamson’s three new additions will bring to the squad. 

Michelle Azzun ’29, Alex Carbonaro ’29 and transfer student Kayla Cuthbertson ’27 are already contributing to the program. “I’m so excited to watch them grow,” Vick told the Tripod. The Bantams have been hard at work in the off-season, challenging each other to play pick-up games and spending hours in the gym with strength coach Matt Violette, who makes intense preseason conditioning fun.  

“He does all this training to have us see results and to help us feel confident in the fact that our bodies are strong and we can do it. We appreciate that a lot,” Slofkiss said. Avery Marzo ’27 added that the team has also laid the groundwork for developing a healthy and encouraging team culture outside of basketball. 

“We genuinely like being with each other and I feel like that will only propel us into a game,” she said ahead of the team’s season opener against The College of New Jersey on Friday, Nov. 15. In an exciting comeback victory fueled by Marzo’s 23-point performance, the Bantams overcame a 17-point deficit to win the game by six points. 

The squad has a long winter ahead of them, with 24 regular season matchups on the schedule. Melissa Whitmore ’26 is eager to face fellow NESCAC institutions. “We only play each NESCAC team once. Defending our home court is the biggest thing,” Whitmore said. Williamson is looking forward to facing the Smith College Bears in an upcoming battle. “We have a nice little rivalry going on,” she told the Tripod. The away game is slotted for Nov. 30 and carries weight for the Bantams. “Smith is always our game right after Thanksgiving, so it brews for a while in our head,” Marzo said. The Bantams are excited for what is to come with that game and many others on the horizon. Following last season’s success and this season’s promising start, Vick has a message for those waiting to see what’s next: “Don’t be shocked by our greatness.”

The men and women’s swimming and diving team has welcomed Mikey, a young boy from the Team IMPACT program, as a new member of their team. Various sports have collaborated with Team IMPACT, a non-profit organization who connects children with serious or life-threatening medical diagnoses and disabilities with college athletic teams across the country. The collaboration between Trinity Athletics and Team IMPACT began in 2011 when the men’s basketball team took on the opportunity. This has continued into the present, with teams such as men’s ice hockey and the men’s lacrosse team also acting as leaders for these young kids. 

Team IMPACT was founded by Jay Calnan, whose brother Chris was diagnosed with an illness that prevented him from participating in sports. Chris joined the Bristol Red Sox, a minor league AA baseball team, as their batboy. This inspired Jay to share opportunities like this to children undergoing life threatening illnesses and disabilities. Team IMPACT is now a nationwide non-profit organization that has been working for decades. 

Team IMPACT matches these children to a specific college athletic team. This is a way to expand that family’s support system and to include all of the benefits being on a sports team has into that child’s life. 

The Trinity swimming and diving team works with Case Manager Rebecca Carr from Team IMPACT. Carr said to the Tripod, “As the case manager for this family and team, I oversee the relationship, helping to ensure that the match is successful and that all participants are having a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.” She described Mikey as “outgoing, funny and determined.” Rebecca also explained how the team will guide Mikey and welcome him to the team. She said, “Michael is a 10 year-old child who lives with cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus. This affects his development in multiple ways and he is a full-time wheelchair user. Mikey’s mother heard about Team IMPACT and recognized that having the support and camaraderie of a team would be helpful to Mikey on many levels. She signed him up and he was matched with Trinity swimming and diving.” She also explained that Mikey’s match was based on his abilities, saying that “being in the water tends to be both fun and therapeutic, as buoyancy is a great equalizer for kids with muscle and coordination challenges.” She highlighted their goals for the partnership and how the swimming and diving team has embraced Mikey. “From attending his birthday party, to playing games in the Trinity pool, to sending videos from their hometowns over the summer, this team has quickly brought Mikey into their circle. The family are included on the team weekly emails and make plans to attend all the team activities that they can fit into their schedule. And recently, Mikey signed his official national letter of Intent to join the team. There is no doubt that Mikey is having the time of his life as a member of Trinity swimming and diving, but it’s also equally true that the team are learning from him about resilience, perseverance and all-out fun!”

Once these families apply to Team IMPACT’s program and are paired with a college level sports team, their objective is to give a child the opportunity to know the enjoyment of sports, and experience mentorship from the athletes. Teams are eligible based on their culture, bond and excitement to welcome a new player. 

Members of the team also offered comments to the Tripod: “Taking on the role with Team IMPACT has been such a special experience,” said Rachel Kim ’26. “I feel so lucky to work with Mikey and his family and to have them as part of our team. It’s been amazing getting to know him. Mikey’s energy and positivity remind us what being part of a team is truly about: showing up for each other, supporting one another and having fun along the way.”

“Mikey has been a gift to the team and we are very thankful to Team IMPACT for connecting us,” said Teke Helms ’28. “It has been an honor to bring Mikey and his family onto the team and are excited for our bond to grow!” 

“Working with Team IMPACT has been such a privilege and our team couldn’t have asked for a better connection,” said Emma Conrad ’27. “Mikey and his family bring so much energy and laughter to our team. Mikey has reminded us all what it truly means to be a team supporting each other and I can’t wait to see how he grows into his role as a Bantam.”

Annika Haley ’26

Sports Editor

The top-ranked Trinity College women’s squash team reaffirmed its dominance in collegiate squash last March, defeating no. 2, Harvard University, 5–4 to win the 2025 College Squash Association National Championship. This win secured the Bantams’ second straight national championship and fourth overall. 

Last year, the Bantams entered the CSA Championships with a 17–1 record and the top seed in the national rankings. Trinity began tournament play with a 8–1 victory over no. 8, Cornell University, in the quarterfinals. The team displayed its depth with several players sweeping their opponents in straight sets. In the semifinals, Trinity defeated fifth-seeded University of Pennsylvania 9–0 to advance to the championship match for the second year in a row.

After trailing midway through the match against Harvard University in the CSA Championship, the Bantams fought to even the score before closing out the match with a win. Kara Lincou ’26 clinched the fifth match in straight games to secure the 2025 CSA title for Trinity. 

The Bantams finished the 2024–25 regular season with a 12–1 record, claiming their 18th consecutive New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) championship along the way. The team placed six players on all-NESCAC rosters for the fourth consecutive season. 

Several Bantams also received national recognition for their individual achievements and four players were named College Squash Association All-Americans. The program has now produced 51 multi-time all-American athletes and remains one of the most decorated teams in CSA history.

As the Bantams prepare to defend their title this season, expectations remain high for the upcoming 2025–26 season. Trinity opens the season ranked no. 1 nationally, with early conference matches against Williams College and Tufts University, as well as home matchups with Princeton University, University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University. The roster contains a mix of experienced returners and first-years with potential, positioning the team for another great postseason run.

The Tripod spoke with captains, Lincou and Hannah Chukwu ’26, and about their outstanding last season and their expectations as they head into this season. 

For Lincou, last year’s championship moment remains unforgettable: “Winning the national championship last season felt surreal,” she said. “We had won the previous year, but the other teams had gotten stronger, and we were under the pressure of defending the title. We handled our emotions well and got to keep the trophy which we were so proud of.”

According to Chukwu, the Bantams’ success was fueled by more than just talent and hard work. “The biggest factors that led us to this result was definitely our team cohesion,” she said. “Everyone worked hard to reach the same goal, but we were also friends outside the court, respectful of each other. The entire staff worked hard as well to make sure every single person got what they needed ahead of the championship.”

As the team gets ready for the new season, the preseason looks promising. Lincou told the Tripod, “This preseason has been really productive. A lot of people were training everyday even outside of captain’s practices, especially our five incoming first-years who are showing great determination for the season. Right now, the team is focusing on strengthening our fitness and building a good base for our upcoming matches next weekend.”

Chukwu emphasized that both individual growth and team unity will be key to sustaining their success: “Speaking for myself, the goal is to produce the best squash possible this season. As captains and seniors, we are going to have to step up and will play at higher positions than last year against better players, which gives us a lot to look forward to. As for the team, the expectations this year are of course to defend our title as best as we can, but also to maintain the same values that have made us so strong the past two years, whether it is to embrace our cultural differences or support each other outside of the squash court,” she said.

Annika Haley ’26

Sports Editor

Trinity College may be a small liberal arts school, but it’s a powerhouse in the world of squash. Since forming its first men’s squash team in 1941, Trinity has built one of the most dominant programs in collegiate sports history. From 1998 to 2012, the Bantams caught the attention of the nation with 252 consecutive match wins, the longest winning streak in college sports history. During that era, Head Coach Paul Assaiante became a well-known name, earning recognition as the winningest college coach in any sport.

More than a decade later, the Bantams winning tradition continues. Last season, Trinity claimed their 18th straight NESCAC Men’s Squash Championship, defeating third-seeded Tufts University 8–1 at the Kellner Squash Courts on Sunday, Feb. 9. Trinity rolled past Colby in the semifinals with seven 3–0 wins before defeating Tufts in the final. The team has won every NESCAC title since the championship’s inception in 2007.

The Bantams finished last season with an 13–4 overall record, going 4–0 in conference play and remaining undefeated at home. They had key victories over powerhouse programs such as Columbia University, Cornell University, Harvard University, Dartmouth College and the University of Virginia, showing how Trinity remains among the nation’s elite.

As the Trinity College men’s squash team prepares for this upcoming season, the Tripod sat down with Senior captain Joachim Chuah Han Wen ’26 to reflect on last season and discuss the expectations for this season. Chuah Han Wen was named 2025 NESCAC Player of the Year and finished the season with 18 wins and 46 career victories. 

Regarding last year’s playoff run, Chuah Han Wen said, “We lost in the semifinals to the number one seed at the time, UPenn. This loss hurt the most. We came in with high expectations, and did not really meet our target. I think we were punching way above our weight. The only thing we could do is keep our heads down and keep working hard.”

Chuah Han Wen credited the team’s chemistry as one of their greatest strengths. “I think one big area where we were particularly strong was [that] the team always meshed well with each other,” he said. “We are mostly international students. This means we have different cultures, different definitions and different ways to do things, and most importantly we did not let that affect us. We embraced the fact and that helped us glue stronger.”

As for this year, Chuah Han Wen believes that last year’s momentum has carried into preseason training: “The preseason has been great. With the addition of very solid freshmen, I think we will be a great team this year, dare I say a stronger team than last year. Energies are high, vibes are good and everybody is buying into one big goal: to win a national championship.”

Looking ahead, Chuah Han Wen’s leadership approach highlights growth both on and off the court: “I don’t want to make the mistake of setting expectations too high, but I want to see my teammates push harder than ever before. I want them to become great squash players, and most importantly even better human beings. I am a firm believer of ‘Whatever you do on court will translate to what you do out of court,’ so my goal for the team this year is to be great squash players, but even better human beings.”

As for his own goals, Chuah Han Wen is set on redemption at the national level, “As for my own personal goals, I want to win the National Individual Championships. I came close last year, but I think with a little bit more hard work, I would love to win; if not, come closer than last year.”

With Chuah Han Wen leading the charge, the Bantams enter the season with great team chemistry and a commitment to their shared goal: bringing a national title home to Hartford.