What Does It Take?

by Tracy Gates

There are over 4,000 members of the MSRA. And 698 played on league teams this year. But only four of them won the prestigious Lehman and Fernandez awards for most improved player. As I happen to know three of them (full disclosure: as a league captain I can nominate, but I had nothing to do with choosing the winners), I have a pretty good idea what it takes—what it should take—to get this award. So listen up. Want to be in contention next year? This is what you have to do. . . .

Play four to five times a week.

Chris Gerra – Printing House M5.0, Robert H Lehman Award

Chris began playing in 2007 (yes, that’s just three years ago; yes, he was 6-0 on a 5.0 team; yes, I’m disgusted, too.), trying out various round robins around the city. But when a pro told him he’d have to play four to five times a week to get to the next level, he began playing much, much more. A mere few months later, he was leading his 3.5 team to victory. The next year, he moved up to 5.0, and a year after that he was undefeated until a snapped collar bone took him out for the remainder of the season. Rumor is he’s back on the courts muttering ‘no pain, no gain’ before every volley….

Predictions? Graduation to 5.5, unless he tries for the ‘hurricane’ again at Stratton….

Put on your game face.

Diane Best – Printing House W4.0, Fernandez Trophy

Diane began playing in 2004, and this was her first year on a team. But Diane didn’t just dip her toe in the water, she jumped into competition feet first. She took lessons, she began working with a personal trainer, and she played challenge matches with almost everyone on the team. But most impressively (to her captain, who would be me), she flicked a switch before playing team matches. Gone was the wise-cracking affable teammate and in her place was a steely-eyed opponent with one clear focus – to beat you. It was definitely intimidating. She was undefeated until almost the end of the season.

Predictions? Watch for her ‘intimidating’ team uniform next season.

Go for everything.

Mina Pell Mitby – Harvard Club W4.0, Fernandez Trophy

As everyone who’s ever played Mina knows, Mina does NOT give up. Not when she’s in the back left corner and you feed her a drop in the front right. Not when she’s down two games to none and it’s at match point. Not ever. Her match record was an impressive 8-3 and she reached the finals of the Grand Open by beating women who’ve played decades longer than she (I should know…). Mina’s determination to be a better player has also made for a stronger team. As the captain of the Harvard Club’s W4.0 team, she's helped to build one of the deepest squads in the league.

Predictions? Look for Mina’s team at the top of its division from now until she retires.

When life gives you lemons, play more squash.

Michael Pepper – New York Health & Racquet Club, 3.5, Robert H Lehman Award

Like many of us, Mike was a tennis player (NCAA div III) who got wise and switched to squash. He played in the 3.5 division for a few years, until life dealt him a hand that forced him to hang up his racquet for a while. But as soon as he was able, he was back on the courts and playing an even better game (squash, that is), ending this season with a 10-4 record in 3.5 and 2-1 as a sub in 4.0. Recovering from a serious illness, he observes, has enabled him to relax more and focus on his game instead of winning. Of course, in the mental game that squash is, now he is winning! Mike was the captain of his 3.5 team this season, just missing a playoff berth by two games.

Predictions? If it’s up to Mike, HRC will make the 3.5 playoffs next year!

Congratulations Mike, Mina, Diane, and Chris. Looking forward to seeing some of those predictions come to pass! As for the rest of us, when a friend found out I was writing about these award recipients, he asked "do they hand out awards for the player ‘most on a plateau for the past several years’?” Sorry, guys, they do not. So get your squash butt in gear like the aforementioned and aim higher. Good luck!

Tracy Gates (Printing House 4.0) knows what it takes: she was the winner of the 2008 Fernandez Trophy.