Today we woke up at sunrise for a 9am team breakfast. After polishing off a few plates of grub, we went for a WARM up hit at the courts. Without the air conditioning on or a boy insight (besides Jack) it was hot and quiet. Slotting some nicks, we were clearly ready for our premier match against the great South Africans. Before the match we had to bid farewell to our fellow American teammates, who would fly off to different destinations later this evening. Amanda and Yarden proceeded to pack their bags and say goodbye to their former rooms and hello to their new roommates; Amanda with Julie and Yarden with Olivia. Before we knew it, it was game time.
After testing out the American college 'intros' system we snapped a few quick pictures, belted out an intimidating “USA” cheer the number ones took the court. Olivia won a tight 3-0 against South Africa’s Cheyna Tucker. Yarden followed up with another great win over Alexandra Fuller, their number three. Amanda batted clean-up, with a 3-0 sweep over Robyn Baptiste. After a successful first match, the girls enjoyed their first victory dinner with the parents. Now its off to bed, in hopes of repeating the day’s triumph!
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Opening Ceremonies
Opening Ceremonies
Olivia Blatchford is sixteen years old and currently the top ranked junior girl in the United States. Having won two straight Girls under 19 junior titles, Olivia has cemented herself as the woman to beat on the junior circuit. Olivia has also had significant experience playing at the international level. She was a member of the 2007 Junior Women’s team that competed in Hong Kong and the 2008 Women’s National team that competed in Cairo against some of the best professional players in the world. The Wilton, CT native has also had significant experience playing on the WISPA tour this past season, having achieved a current world ranking of 86.
Amanda Sobhy is fifteen years old and has been playing years above her age during the past junior season in the Girls under 19 division. Maintaining a healthy rivalry with Blatchford during the Junior Championship Tour, the rivalry led to an epic five-set battle in the finals of the U.S. Junior Championships last March. The Sea Cliff, NY native is certainly no stranger to international play. Although she has never participated in US team competition before, she has played extensively on the WISPA tour this season (current world ranking of 76), making it to the semifinals of the Goshen Open in April.
Julie Cerullo is eighteen years old and will be participating in the team and individual competitions. Julie is a veteran junior player and competed in Hong Kong with the 2007 World Junior team. Her best results this past season include third place in the U.S. Junior Championships and a strong showing in the Women’s U23 Championship. Julie, who is from Brooklyn, NY, will take her years of squash experience to Princeton University in the fall.
Yarden Odinak is eighteen years old and the Bellevue, Washington native is the only team member who resides from the West Coast. Yarden was one of the most consistent performers on the Junior Championship Tour this season and made it to the semi finals of the U.S. Junior Championship. She will compete in the individual competition as well as in the team competition with Olivia, Amanda, and Julie.
Elizabeth Eyre is sixteen years old and a native of Haverford, Pennsylvania. Elizabeth was the top player in the Girls under 17 division this past season, having placed well in numerous Junior Championship Tour events and winning the Girls Under 17 division of the U.S. Junior Championship. Elizabeth plays squash for Episcopal Academy, which finished second this past season at the U.S. High School Team Championships.
Natasha Kingshott is eighteen years old and was a member of the 2007 Junior Women’s team along with current teammates Olivia Blatchford and Julie Cerullo. A former Girls under 17 national champion, Natasha was one of the top ranked players in the Under 19 this past season. She helped lead Greenwich Academy to the women’s title at the U.S. High School Team Championships last season and will bring those leadership skills to the U.S. junior team and Harvard University this fall.
Haley Mendez is fifteen years old and a native of Brooklyn, NY. Haley had strong results all season and peaked at the right time, making it all the way to the finals of the Girls Under 17 championship before eventually falling to squad mate Elizabeth Eyre. Haley will be looking to receive much experience playing at the international level this summer in India.
Alexis Saunders is seventeen years old and a native of Wilmington, Delaware. Alexis was near the top of the Girls Under 19 this past season and showed her dedication to the game by playing in numerous tournaments throughout the country. She will be participating in the individual event and training with her other squad mates in preparation for the team event.
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