Similar to other sports, the 2020-21 Hill squash season was hit straight in the face by the worldwide pandemic. It certainly was a different experience: the players were limited to intrasquad games and limited team workouts. However, for the upcoming season, the players have many new expectations for their play.

Eddie Proffitt, a returning 6th former, experienced last year’s abnormal season here at Hill. Limitations, such as not being able to play against outside opponents, affected Proffitt and made it difficult for him to accurately gauge his progress. However, Proffitt made sure last year wasn’t a waste; he explained that last year’s H-Term workouts increased his fitness. From last year’s H-term to this past fall season’s strength and conditioning, Proffitt has become a stronger and faster athlete, even hitting his own PR mile time.

Lanie Lawrence, a new 5th former, described how she’s been improving her game. “Since last season, I have improved my game immensely,” she recounted. “I spent this past year focusing on my strength and endurance so that I would be a stronger player and tougher competitor. I also worked on my mental game. In this way, not only would I be a stronger player physically compared to last year but also mentally.”

Both Proffitt and Lawrence stated the importance of this season, as well as their new goals that ranged from developing new techniques to improving fitness. Proffitt expressed his energetic playing style by saying how he has the most fun when he’s “sprinting around the court to every ball and making crazy saves.” Meanwhile, Lawrence wants to specifically improve her technique on her swing so that she can generate more power.

Most importantly, both athletes said they are looking forward to having fun, sharing precious memories with teammates, and enjoying the sport they love.