Sports
Athlete of the Week: Alex Wood ’12
By Becca Hazlett '13, Sports Columnist
February 9, 2012
Senior Alex Wood plays in the number three position for the men’s squash team and holds a 6-8 record this season. Although squash is an individual sport, he continually contributes to the team, not only with his success on the court but also as a leader off the court.
“He has done very well at the number three position where he has won a lot of his matches, and is always pushing the number two position,” commented Coach Jamie King on Wood’s performance at the top of the lineup.
Squash is something that Wood wasn’t even sure he would play in college. He started playing squash competitively when he was in sixth grade but was more of a multi-sport athlete throughout high school.
“For starters, I'm actually a walk-on. Before Hamilton, I split my time pretty evenly between soccer, squash and baseball. I had always played the last spot on my high school's varsity team, so I never thought I’d qualify for collegiate play,” Wood commented on his journey to playing collegiate squash. “I only began considering college squash when we placed fourth in our first trip to Nationals my senior year [of high school], long after the whole application process. Once I got here, met the Kinger and the team and realized I could cut it, I couldn't turn down the opportunity to compete for four more years. I can't imagine my college experience without squash.”
Hamilton has given Wood a chance to compete on the court, excel academically and enjoy a great college experience.
Coach King has been thankful to have him on the team not only because of his skill but also because of his leadership and work ethic. As Wood is a co-captain of the team, King commented that he “is a strong role model and a very good leader.” In terms of his work ethic, Coach King said Wood is the kind of player that does a lot of work outside practice and is very determined.
“Alex is going to do whatever it takes to get better and constantly improve his skill,” commented King. During his four years, Wood has helped Coach King establish a team with good chemistry, which is what any coach would want. “Squash fosters individuality, but it’s always nice to have a good team dynamic and Alex plays a key role in fostering that,” added King.
Wood enjoys playing squash because he finds it is, “fast-paced, creative and always uncertain.” However, because it is an individual sport, you can’t count on someone else to substitute in when you start to get tired. During those moments, Wood thinks of his teammates for inspiration.
“Squash is a bit strange in that you are alone on court, but your result contributes hugely to your team,” he commented. “I try to remind myself of my team and how hard they're working when I start to falter.”
“At home matches, I find inspiration in squash team superfan Andrew Napkinson '15,” he added.
One might not know it, but off the court Wood excels in the classroom. In the 2010-2011 season he was a member of the NESCAC Winter All-Academic team. Coach King described Alex as being a “student-first athlete,” but also said he has a “smart wit that embodies his quirky sense of humor.” As a lab science major, Wood said free time is pretty scarce during the season, so he enjoys spending the time he has with friends and getting off campus to explore different restaurants because he likes to cook.
“I enjoy staying in shape, climbing, and playing assorted IM sports, especially with the Dream Team, my other team and reigning volleyball champs,” Wood said of how he spends time in the offseason.
Make sure to catch Alex Wood in his last home match this weekend against Hobart on Feb. 11 and Connecticut College on Feb. 12.